TRAVEL UPDATE: Covid Travel Restrictions for Foreign Nationals Entering the U.S. to Ease Starting November

On Monday, September 20, 2021, The Biden Administration announced that the U.S. will lift Covid-19 travel restrictions to allow fully vaccinated passengers to travel into the country starting in early November. An exact date has not yet been provided and an official order has not yet been issued. Currently the U.S. has imposed significant Covid-19 related travel restrictions from foreign nationals entering the U.S. from 33 different countries, including the UK, 26 Schengen countries in Europe, Ireland, China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa and India. Starting in November, fully vaccinated foreign nationals that would otherwise be subject to the travel ban, will be allowed to enter the U.S. with valid travel documentations, proof of full vaccination and a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departure. They will no longer need to obtain a travel waiver or quarantine in a third country before entering the U.S.

Travel waivers (national interest exemptions) will still be required for foreign national travelers entering the U.S. between now and early November, unless the traveler falls under one of the specific exemptions. As a reminder, those with existing National Interest Exemptions that were granted at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad, are valid for 12 months from date of issuance and can be used for multiple entries into the U.S.

If you are currently abroad, or planning to travel abroad, please speak to an immigration attorney at Minsky, McCormick and Hallagan to understand your options.