Senator Collins’ Statement on Official Reopening of U.S.-Canada Land Border to Vaccinated Canadians

Caribou, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued this statement on the official reopening of the U.S. and Canada land border to fully vaccinated Canadians:

“At long last, the U.S.-Canada land border officially reopened today for fully vaccinated Canadians.  For many Maine families and small businesses, this day was long awaited.”

“The U.S.-Canada border was closed for more than a year and a half.  This extended closure caused significant disruptions in border towns, where people routinely cross to shop, visit their medical providers, attend church, and participate in local events.  I heard from so many Mainers about the harm their families suffered as a result.”

“That’s why I repeatedly advocated for the U.S. to loosen its border restrictions, especially when the Biden Administration announced that vaccinated Canadians could enter the U.S. by air, but not by land.  That baffling decision made no sense.”

“I am so pleased that the Administration finally agreed to reopen the U.S.-Canada land border.  This long overdue action will help reunite tight-knit border communities and provide a boost to Maine small businesses that suffered significant revenue losses without Canadian customers.”

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Senator Collins has repeatedly pushed to adjust or reevaluate restrictions on non-essential travel across the U.S.-Canada border.  Last month, she joined a group of six Senators in calling on the Administration to provide the medical justifications for continued U.S.-Canada land border restrictions.  In July, she joined the rest of the Maine Delegation in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, urging the Biden Administration to take steps to allow fully-vaccinated Canadians to cross the U.S.-Canada border for business or leisure given current health conditions.  In May, she participated in a call with U.S. Senators and Canadian members of Parliament to discuss the importance of reopening the border.

Earlier this year, Senator Collins sent a letter urging DHS Secretary Mayorkas to ease restrictions on U.S.-Canada travel and included copies of correspondence she had with both former President Trump and former Acting Secretary Chad Wolf advocating for limited border crossing exemptions based on localized risks.

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