U.S.-Mexico border travel restrictions due to Covid-19 extended through May 21
WASHINGTON, DC — Travel restrictions across the U.S.-Mexico border have now been extended through at least May 21, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The border crossing limitations for non-essential travel, which have been in place throughout the pandemic to help slow the spread of Covid-19, have now been extended for yet another month.
The closure was set to expire on April 21. However, the CBP website now reads:
"The Department of Homeland Security extended the Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service between the United States, Canada and the respective notification for Mexico.
The restrictions outlined in the Notifications are temporary in nature and shall remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 21, 2021 unless otherwise rescinded by the Department of Homeland Security."
Non-essential travel, defined by U.S. Homeland Security as "travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature," remains prohibited.
The border, however, will continue to be open for essential travel - which includes travel for trade and business.
Reuters quoted Mexico's Foreign Ministry as saying that Mexico and the U.S. are in talks to ease travel restrictions at their shared border based on Covid-19 rates in each country.
The state of Chihuahua, across from El Paso, currently has the classification of "orange" in Mexico for Covid-19 risk, which is one step below the Mexican government's highest risk level of "red."
