Border to re-open to non-essential travelers on Sunday at 9 p.m.

As of midnight Eastern Standard Time on November 8, the U.S. land border will open to non-essential travelers 598 days after it closed in March 2020. That means the local border crossings will open at 9 p.m. Sunday night, according to CBP officers.

Local Blaine immigration attorney Len Saunders said he has talked to border officers at the Peace Arch crossing who have told him that the border will open at the same time the Eastern border does, i.e., 9 p.m. PST.

In a statement posted on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) website, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said, “We are pleased to take another step toward easing travel restrictions at our borders in a manner that strengthens our economy and protects the health and safety of the American public. We continue working closely with our international partners to sustainably implement new rules for resuming travel.”

When arriving at a U.S. land port of entry or ferry terminal, non-citizen travelers should be prepared to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination, as outlined on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website; and verbally attest to their reason for travel and Covid-19 vaccination status during a border inspection.

However, Saunders said he’s been told by the same officers that they do not intend to be “vaccination police.”

“If someone tells an officer that they are not vaccinated, they will not be allowed into the country. However, if they maintain they are vaccinated but are unable to present proof of vaccination, they probably will not be denied entry. Local border officials have not received any guidance from back East.” Saunders pointed out it is different for individuals entering the country by air. “Air travelers are checked by the airlines, not by CBP. Airlines are fined by the U.S. government if they allow people in without required the visas or proof of vaccination. If you fly from Vancouver to the U.S., it will be the airline who will check you out. When you go through U.S. immigration and customs, you won’t be asked.”

Up to now, international travelers flying to the U.S. only had to show a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. In January, they will need to produce evidence of vaccination, but a negative Covid test will not be required. Travelers entering by land or ferry will only be required to provide proof of vaccination and not a negative Covid-19 test.

Going back home to Canada

Currently, Canada still requires a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of arriving at the border. Canadians could take a test in Canada, visit the U.S. and return within that time limit and Canada Border Services officers will admit that traveler. However, should the scheduling permit, visitors to Point Roberts can get tested in Point Roberts on Wednesday and Sunday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. at the fire hall on Benson Road. No appointment is necessary. The district uses PCR tests which are accepted by Canada and the results come back the following day.

Fire chief Christopher Carleton hesitates to call the tests “free.” Individuals who do not have American medical insurance will not need to pay for the test, he says. If they receive a bill from Northwest Laboratory, they will need to call the lab and explain that they do not have U.S. insurance and ask them to bill the state for the test. The state of Washington has agreed to pay for all Covid-19 testing in Point Roberts that is not covered by U.S. insurance until the end of the year and probably longer, Carleton said.