Beginning on January 22, 2022, DHS will require non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise nationwide. These new restrictions will apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for both essential and non-essential reasons. They will not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

• Non-U.S. individuals traveling to the United States via land ports of entry or ferry terminals, whether for essential or non-essential reasons, must:
• verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status;
• provide proof of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined on the CDC website
• present a valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document, such as a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, or Enhanced Tribal Card
• be prepared to present any other relevant documents requested by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer during a border inspection.

COVID-19 testing is not required for entry via a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

As of November 8, 2021, non-essential travel resumed for foreign travelers who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, can present proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, and have appropriate documentation to enter the United States.

Although these new vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals, all travelers are reminded to bring a WHTI-compliant document when re-entering the United States. Non-U.S. individuals attempting to enter the United States irregularly, through any illegal means or without proper documentation, will continue to be expelled pursuant to CDC's Title 42 public health order.

To help reduce wait times, travelers can take advantage of facial biometrics and CBP One™, which is a single portal for CBP mobile applications and services. For the most up-to-date information on border wait times, visitors can check with Customs and Border Protection or call 619-690-8999.

For more information, please visit the Department of Homeland Security's website.

For more information on accepted COVID-19 vaccines and acceptable proof of vaccination, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Mexico does not require COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter their country. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico website.

The U.S. government encourages nonimmigrant visitors to download the free CBP One app, offered by Customs and Border Protection. The app allows visitors to apply and pay for an I-94 using a mobile phone. The I-94 is required of those who are being admitted to the United States; are adjusting their status while here; or are extending their stay.

CBP One allows users to apply for an I-94 up to seven days before arriving at a port of entry. It also lets travelers check the status of an existing Trusted Travelers Program application or membership, among other features.

You can download CBP One on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. A free Login.gov account is required.

Visitor Resources

• General border crossing information: https://www.sandiego.org/articles/baja-california/crossing-the-us-mexico-border.aspx
• Tijuana visitor information: https://www.visitmexico.com/en/baja-california/tijuana
• Baja visitor information: https://bajacalifornia.travel/
• CalTrans traffic conditions: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
• Metropolitan Transit System alerts and detours: https://www.sdmts.com/schedules-real-time/alerts-and-detours
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: https://www.cbp.gov/contact