WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Vehicles could be seen lined up to enter the US at the Peace Arch border crossing early this morning, November 8th. Today marks the end of a 19-month border closure to nonessential travelers due to COVID-19 health concerns.
In October, Homeland Security announced a reopening plan allowing fully vaccinated travelers with proper travel documentation to cross land borders into the US for nonessential reasons, like visiting family and recreational travel.
According to Homeland Security, travelers should “be prepared to (1) provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website; and (2) verbally attest to their reason for travel and COVID-19 vaccination status during a border inspection.”
As of 7:30am, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure was reporting a 20-minute wait heading into the US at the Peace Arch border crossing.
Fully vaccinated Americans and Canadians traveling for nonessential reasons have been able to enter Canada from the US since August.