ATA has obtained the latest information on the cross-border COVID-19 vaccine requirements. The U.S. is about to impose a vaccine mandate on foreign national drivers (not U.S. drivers) crossing the border into the U.S. at land ports of entry that we have confirmed will become effective on January 22, 2022. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) just released the specifics of the mandate that will apply to those of you that have Canadian or Mexican drivers that haul freight into the U.S. Commercial truck drivers will be subject to the mandate, unless they qualify for a very narrow exception.  CBP advised us that very few, if any would qualify for the exceptions. Those of you that partner with fleets in Mexico or Canada that send their drivers into the U.S. should share this information with your partners as well. (As a reminder, the Canadian COVID-19 vaccine mandate has been in effect for nearly a week.) 
 
Foreign national drivers will be required to demonstrate proof of being fully vaccinated as outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fully vaccinated means having two doses of an acceptable vaccine two weeks prior to entry into the U.S. or one dose of an acceptable vaccine that only requires a single dose (e.g., Johnson & Johnson) two weeks prior to entry.  There is no testing requirement to enter the U.S., however, those who have symptoms may be referred to the CDC for a medical evaluation. CBP has confirmed that the requirements will be implemented in an identical manner as the vaccine requirements for foreign nationals entering the U.S. for non-essential travel that went into effect on November 8, 2021. 
 
For more details on the U.S. requirements for foreign nationals, please see the following resources:  
 

• DHS/CBP Vaccine Requirements Announcement  
• U.S. Cross Border Vaccine Fact Sheet 
• U.S. Cross Border Vaccine FAQs 
• CDC Guidance for Travelers