On Friday, the White House announced that it will lift COVID-19 travel restrictions for fully vaccinated global citizens, ending historic restrictions that have barred many from entering the United States. While this last year has been quite testing, hopefully, this news will allow loved ones and foreign workers to reunite with families.
Starting Nov. 8, the United States will admit fully vaccinated foreign air travelers from the 26 so-called Schengen countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Greece, as well as Britain, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil. The unprecedented U.S. restrictions have barred non-U.S. citizens who were in those countries within the past 14 days.
Travel Restrictions on Immigration
Restrictions were first imposed on air travelers from China in January 2020 and then extended to dozens of countries over the remainder of 2020.
Just earlier this week the White House also announced it would lift restrictions on land borders and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico for fully vaccinated global citizens in early November.
Who is impacted by the new travel guidelines?
- Global Citizens - international employees and other foreign workers are now allowed to re-enter the country
- Families of Global Citizens - borders are also reopened for fully vaccinated visitors
- People Teams - As global travel restrictions continue to be lifted, consider the implications of travel on your team’s visas, consult with an immigration attorney if you have questions.
What should anyone traveling in 2021 be considering?
- Passports and other travel documentation - Depending on your status, ensure you have the proper documentation to enter and consider consulting with your immigration team if you have questions about travel
- Vaccination Records - Depending on how you plan to enter the US ensure you have proof of vaccination, and perhaps proof of negative COVID-19 test
- Contingency Plans - although the new travel guidelines have been announced, there are still many dynamic variables that affect travel limitations globally.
Frequently Asked Questions about the new travel guidelines
What do I need to bring if I am a non-citizen and traveling into the US...
- ...By air: Proof of vaccination & Proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test
- ...By land: Proof of vaccination
If I am planning to enter the US will I need to quarantine?
- No, currently the rules do not require foreign visitors or Americans to got into quarantine.
Do I still need a National Interest Exemption (“NIE”) to enter the U.S?
- No, the NIE is no longer required for travel from these countries into the United States.
Our team is committed to keeping you informed on how these changes will affect your immigration program at large, individual cases, and other pertinent immigration information.
Content in this publication is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult a Bridge-affiliated partner attorney or another qualified legal professional.
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