SAN YSIDRO BORDER (KUSI) – For the first time in almost two years, the international border between San Diego and Mexico will be opened once again for nonessential travel on Nov. 8.
This is a huge development for the business community and is just in time for the holidays.
But — there is a catch.
Everyone 16 years and older has to be vaccinated and only one pedestrian crossing will open.
The U.S. will be opening its border for non-essential travel on Nov. 8. Non-citizen travelers entering the U.S. by land or ferry must have documentation proving they received an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, according to Matthew Davies, executive director, admissibility and passenger programs.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials provided guidance Tuesday on the reopening of U.S. borders for non-essential travel.
The U.S. will be opening its border for non-essential travel on Nov. 8.
Non-citizen travelers entering the U.S. by land or ferry must have documentation proving they received an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, according to Matthew Davies, executive director, admissibility and passenger programs.
“Non-citizen travelers who do not have documentary evidence of their vaccination status may be denied entry into the United States,” Davies said.
U.S. citizens don’t need to show proof that they are fully vaccinated, Davies added.
Individuals under the age of 18, will be exempted from showing proof of vaccination status to enter the U.S.
CBP officers will be able to read and translate vaccination documentation issued from other countries, Davies said.
Digital proof of vaccine documentation will be accepted.
CBP gives guidance for upcoming border reopening to non-essential travel.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that the U.S. would be opening its land borders on Nov. 8.
“My family lives in Guadalajara. Most of them have not been able to cross and it’s sometimes hard for us to go over there with them,” said Jasmine Cathcan who has been anxiously waiting for the reopening.
“A lot of people are going to be crossing,” said El Pasoan, Francisca Zapata.
Winn Road improvements leading to the Ysleta Port of Entry (Credit: KFOX14/CBS4)
“We do expect that there will be increased wait times as these new travel restrictions are eased,” said a CBP official Matthew Davies on requirements
Travelers are asked to have documentation ready when crossing.
Francisca said she is nervous about how the new protocols will impact her commute.
Zapata hasn’t seen her family since the start of the pandemic.
Her family got the vaccine as soon as they could in preparation for the day the bridges reopened.
“We need it to reopen, for us and for them. We need them and they need us,” Zapata said.
Source: Diario de Juarez
