Travel Restrictions to be Lifted Against Fully Vaccinated Foreign Nationals

On September 20, Jeff Zeintz, the White House Pandemic Coordinator, announced that beginning on November 1, 2021, travel restrictions will be lifted against fully vaccinated foreign nationals residing in or who have recently visited the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Brazil, China, South Africa, Iran and India. As a result, fully vaccinated foreign nationals from these aforementioned areas will no longer need to obtain a National Interest Exception to enter the United States. These restrictions applied to foreign national travelers irrespective of a valid U.S. visa, approved ESTA (Visa Waiver) or proof of vaccination.

Over the past 18 months, travel by non-U.S. citizens from these areas to the United States was only possible if the foreign national traveler qualified, and was approved for, a National Interest Exception (NIE), or were exempted by visa class, or qualified for a Family Exemption.

Beginning on November 1, 2021, in order to be permitted entry in to the United States, travelers formerly impacted by the NIE requirements will need to provide proof of vaccination, along with a negative PCR or antigen test within three days before travelling to the United States.

As with so many things throughout these last 18 months, the immigration and COVID-travel landscape has been quickly changing. The transmission rates of the pandemic, the possibility of new variants, etc., may impact future travel guidance. Nevertheless, we will expect that COVID-related travel requirements leading up to November 1 will come into better focus in the coming days. Please reach out to Ken Robinson or the Labor, Employment and Immigration attorney you regularly work with if you have any questions or concerns regarding these matters. 

This publication is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The reader should consult with legal counsel to determine how laws or decisions discussed herein apply to the reader's specific circumstances.