The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Friday that it is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at its northern and southern borders through Sept. 21, even though Canada has already lifted travel restrictions on some Americans.
"To minimize the spread of #COVID19, including the Delta variant, the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at our land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through September 21, while continuing to ensure the flow of essential trade and travel," the DHS said in a statement on Twitter. "In coordination with public health and medical experts, DHS continues working closely with its partners across the United States and internationally to determine how to safely and sustainably resume normal travel."
In coordination with public health and medical experts, DHS continues working closely with its partners across the United States and internationally to determine how to safely and sustainably resume normal travel.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 20, 2021
The U.S. has restricted non-essential travel at both northern and southern border crossings since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus.
However, earlier this month, Canada lifted restrictions on non-essential travel to Americans who have been vaccinated and can provide a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival.
The travel restrictions have created economic hardships for U.S. towns and cities near both the U.S. and Canadian borders, many of whom rely on business from those coming into the country.