The solid relationship and close cooperation between Mexico and the United States have enabled us to maintain a productive border region. We value the health and safety of our citizens and they are at the forefront of the joint decisions made by our respective governments regarding cross-border operations.
In recognition of the strong commercial ties between Mexico and the United States, we agree that our two countries —in response to the current global and regional health situation— need to take specific measures to protect bilateral trade and the economies of our nations and to ensure our citizens' health. We agree on the need for a joint effort focused on preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus and addressing the economic effects that result from the reduced mobility along our shared border.
The Governments of Mexico and the United States also recognize that critical services such as food, fuel, medical care, and life-saving medicines must reach people on both sides of the border every day. Therefore, essential travel should continue unimpeded during this time. To ensure that essential travel can continue, Mexico and the United States will temporarily restrict all nonessential travel across their borders.
"Nonessential" travel includes tourism or trips for recreational purposes. In addition, people are urged to avoid unnecessary contact with others as a precautionary measure.
This collaborative and reciprocal initiative is an extension of our nations' prudent approach that values the health and safety of our citizens in the joint decisions made by our respective governments regarding cross-border operations.
This joint initiative will begin at 12:01 am on Saturday, March 21 along the entire land border between the United States and Mexico for a period of 30 days, subject to extension after review.