Skip to content

Back to Our Blog

11.24.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Biden to Mandate Vaccine for Nonresident Essential Border Crossers

Blog Categories

November 24, 2021

The Biden administration plans to mandate that by January 22, essential non-American travelers entering the U.S. by land must be vaccinated, the Associated Press reports 

The U.S. already requires vaccination for non-essential travelers – people coming to America for vacation, shopping, or other personal affairs. However, throughout the pandemic, essential travelers have not had a vaccine requirement, provided that they follow other pandemic protocols.  

According to the U.S. government, the following purposes constitute an “essential” border crossing: 

  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the U.S. 
  • Work  
  • Cross-border trade  
  • Medical treatment 
  • Education 
  • Emergency/public health response 
  • Government/diplomacy/military 

 The rule is only expected to apply to non-U.S.-nationals, although unvaccinated American travelers may still face heightened testing requirements when crossing the border.  

Organizations whose operations or supply chains rely on cross-border travel should pay particular attention to this announcement and prepare accordingly.  

An administration official told AP that this move was coming, but the White House has not yet released a formal announcement or policy. The BNP will share formal details once they are released.  

As the U.S. grapples with supply chain disruptions, the BNP is particularly concerned about a policy that would reduce the availability of commercial transportation workers and further disrupt the flow of cross-border commerce.   

The BNP continues to advocate for a reciprocal border policy that allows for a freer flow of traffic between the U.S. and Canada.  

 

Related Posts

CEOs Speak: A cautious rise in optimism

By communications@thepartnership.org | March 25, 2025

At our recent CEOs Speak event—the only forum in Buffalo Niagara showcasing the results from the annual Upstate New York Business Leader Survey—local leaders delivered a powerful message: optimism is cautiously rising, but government intervention remains a persistent obstacle to regional economic growth.

Legislative priorities: BNP’s reaction to the Executive Budget

By communications@thepartnership.org | February 26, 2025

On February 14, we set the stage for critical discussions about the future of New York State’s economy by convening regional business leaders and policymakers, along with BNP members, at the 1970 Club in KeyBank Center for our Legislative Luncheon.

2025 Advocacy Agenda: Shaping the future

By communications@thepartnership.org | January 16, 2025

On Jan 9, our signature Government Affairs event unveiled the strategies and priorities that will guide our work this year with policymakers.

Expert panel talks collaboration as key to tech hub future

By communications@thepartnership.org | August 8, 2024

Buffalo Niagara Partnership President & CEO Dottie Gallagher was a recent guest on M&T Bank’s CommunityLIVE to discuss the tech hub and what it means for the region moving forward.