Ongoing COVID-related Travel Restrictions

The change of administration on January 20 has brought several immigration-related executive actions and we expect more to come.  The Biden administration has indicated that fighting the pandemic is their top priority so while we expect to see more immigration-related changes in the months to come, the presidential action, so far, that may impact our community the most ongoing Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Non-Immigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease.  This executive action continues COVID-related travel bans and adds South Africa to the list of countries.  While not indicated in the proclamation, the State Department has apparently indicated that National Interest Exemptions (NIE) may still be available and used for the entry of some students and scholars to the U.S. from some of these countries. 

If you are contemplating international travel:

• Review the summary of impacted countries and guidance from the U.S. State Department
• Check with your airline and the government information from the country/ies that you will be flying to or through
• Receive a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of upcoming travel, or secure proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days. As of January 26, 2021, the U.S. is requiring all air passengers to the U.S., regardless of citizenship, to present documentation of a negative test to their airline before boarding. More information about this requirement can be found on our recent news story. An increasing number of countries have implemented similar requirements. 
• Be aware that many countries and/or states also have quarantine requirements, which may vary by the locality rather than the country.