Last Updated on November 29, 2022 by Anda Malescu
Currently, there are four presidential proclamations that ban travel into the United States for most non-US citizens who were physically present in China, Iran, India, Brazil, South Africa, UK, Ireland and the countries from the Schengen Area during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The proclamations do allow for exceptions for permanent residents (green card holders), diplomats, family of US citizens, certain US government invitees and those covered by the National Interest Exception (NIE). Those with immigrant visas, fiancés of US citizens and students are automatically covered by the NIE while all others that could qualify for an NIE had to apply separately. The cumbersome and complicated process of obtaining an NIE forced many travelers to stay for 14 days in a country not covered by the travel ban, before being able to board a flight to the US.
On September 20, 2021 the US White House announced a plan to end all travel bans in early November 2021, and instead to focus on solutions that are focused on the individual traveler instead of focusing on countries or regions in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The new rule will require all international travelers to provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of boarding a flight to the United States.
Limited exceptions will be available for children that are yet not eligible for a vaccine, for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial participants, and for people traveling for an important reason and who lack access to vaccination. Individuals who are exempted from the vaccine requirement may be required to be vaccinated upon arrival if eligible for a vaccine.
The vaccine requirement will not apply to returning US citizens. Instead, unvaccinated US citizens will be required to provide proof of negative COVID-19 test taken 1 day before their departure and provide proof they have purchased a COVID-19 test to be taken after arrival.
The US government is still deciding which vaccines it will accept for arriving international travelers. The vaccines that are currently approved in the US, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson will for sure be accepted. Other vaccines that will likely make the list include those approved by the World Health Organization which include AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac and the Indian Covishield.
For more information, contact our immigration law firm in Miami, Florida USA.
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