TRAVELLING TO THE UNITED STATES FROM CANADA

Athletes from all over the world had races scheduled in the United States. Now, that restriction caused by pandemic lighten up, the races start happening again. Ironman recently made the following announcement:

Announcement:

We appreciate your continued patience and understanding while we have been developing options for you during this very dynamic time. After assessing all event scenarios, we are pleased to share with you the new race date and location for the 2020 IRONMAN Texas triathlon which is now scheduled to take place on October 17, 2020 in Waco, Texas as part of a festival weekend with the 2020 Bicycle World Texas IRONMAN 70.3 Waco triathlon on October 18, 2020.

IRONMAN Texas

That’s great news! Pack your bags, we are going to RACE! … wait a sec. You are not from US? Canada? Mexico? Europe? If so, then there might be some problems… If you’re outside of United States of America and want to come to attend a sporting event, consult with US Border officials. COVID-19 changed the way we travel.


I did the work for you and sent a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Information Center. I explained that I’ve got the Ironman Texas coming and I really want to be there. Can I go? Would you let me into the country?

Information for guidance on travelling to the United States from Canada

COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions across the U.S. Borders with Canada and Mexico

  • The United States will temporarily limit inbound land border crossings from Canada and Mexico to “essential travel”.
  • U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and certain other travellers are exempt from this action. 

The following categories DO NOT fall within the definition of “essential travel:”

  • Individuals travelling for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events in the United States. (Ironman or any other sporting event included)

Who is considered an “essential” traveler? 

  • Citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the United States.
  • Individuals traveling for medical purposes (e.g., to receive medical treatment in the United States).
  • Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions.
  • Individuals traveling to work in the United States (e.g., individuals working in the agriculture industry who must travel between the United States and Canada or Mexico in furtherance of such work).
  • Individuals traveling for emergency response and public health purposes (e.g., government officials or emergency responders entering the United States to support federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government efforts to respond to COVID-19 or other emergencies).
  • Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (e.g., truck drivers supporting the movement of cargo between the United States and Canada and Mexico).
  • Individuals engaged in official government travel or diplomatic travel.
  • Individuals engaged in military-related travel or operations.

This action does not apply to air, rail, or sea travel at this time, but does apply to commuter rail and ferry travel.


I am gonna have to miss the Ironman Texas… you probably too. Sorry bud.

References

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States, Canada, and Mexico: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/06/16/fact-sheet-dhs-measures-border-limit-further-spread-coronavirus

Please visit coronavirus.gov and USA.gov/coronavirus for official government-wide information and CDC.gov/coronavirus for health-related updates about COVID-19. Visit DHS.gov/coronavirus for homeland security updates and FEMA’s website to distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.