On April 21, 2022, DHS announced it will extend requirements and continue to require non-U.S. travelers entering 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 against COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request. These requirements will continue to apply to H-2A workers and other non-U.S. travelers who are traveling both for essential and non-essential reasons.  There is no expiration date for the extended requirement.  DHS said it will closely monitor all relevant circumstances, including the effect of these requirements, and may amend or rescind the requirements at any time.

The DHS published the continuation of the vaccination policy in the Federal Register.

Non-U.S. travelers entering the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or non-essential reasons, must continue to:

• verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status;
• provide, upon request, 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; and,
• 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 to enter the United States via a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Western Growers strongly encourages employers of H-2A workers to facilitate COVID-19 booster shots for their employees while they are in the U.S. in the event boosters become required.

If you would like to learn more about the H-2A program or providing COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots, please contact Western Growers so we can connect you with appropriate resources.