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Have you been waiting to be reunited with your family and friends across the border? If you’re a US citizen with loved ones in Mexico or Canada (or vice versa), it’s been a painful 18 months. But, slowly, travel is returning – and that means your long-awaited trip might be possible in time for Thanksgiving.
For the first time since the pandemic started, the northern and southern land border restrictions are about to loosen. The new rules will be introduced in phases, with the first step planned for early November. If you’re fully jabbed and either American or an official US resident, travelling for ‘non-essential’ reasons – like seeing family or going on holiday – will be allowed.
The exact dates are unclear at the moment, although the current rules are set to expire on October 21. It’s likely that the changes will be introduced at the start of next month, though, so you can start planning that turkey dinner now.
The land borders are going to open up for foreign travellers in the second phase, too. That means that from January 2022, inbound visitors from overseas will have to have had both jabs to enter the country, whether for essential or non-essential reasons.
While the US has curbed non-essential land travel, flights to Canada have already restarted. Cruises to Canada will resume on November 1, too, so all the options really are covered.
As for the southern border, the US travel ban has been extended every month since March 2020, though Mexico has technically been welcoming travellers for a few months now. It’s worth keeping an eye on restrictions as they’re still subject to change – but it seems that family reunion really is on the cards.
Planning a trip to Canada? Craft the perfect itinerary with our ultimate guide to the country.
And if you’re heading south? Here are the 24 best things to do in Mexico City right now.