Covid-19 Travel Restrictions Lift on November 8th for Vaccinated Travelers

The White House issued an official statement rescinding Covid-19 air travel restrictions. On November 8th, foreign nationals and visa holders can begin flying to and from the U.S. so long as they’re vaccinated.

This regulation was imposed in early 2020 at the start of the pandemic and will be crucial for non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. immigrants. If you haven’t naturalized yet, an immigration lawyer would advise you to follow the mandated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), especially on temporary work, student, or tourist visas.

• You must be fully vaccinated to travel internationally (outside U.S. borders).
• Covid-19 testing is mandatory. The test results must come back negative three days before travel.
• If you recently recovered from Covid, there should be documentation indicating proof of recovery.
• Face masks must be worn at all times when taking public transportation and inside U.S. transportation hubs (ex. airport, train station)

If you are not yet fully vaccinated, you will not be able to take flight just yet. But there are certain exceptions listed under Proclamation and CDC guidelines for non-citizens and non-immigrants.

• Must be a diplomat on international government employee on travel
• Have documented medical concerns to receiving the vaccine
• Were a participant in select Covid-19 vaccine trials
• Provided with humanitarian or emergency exceptions
• Visa-holders with limited access to vaccine availability (less than 10%)
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and family
• Younger than 18 years old

As you get ready to adjust to these changes, you can expect major delays within U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Watch out for modified appointment times, or changes with your application timeline. If your visa is contingent on employment, reach out to a green card lawyer immediately.

This is a great opportunity for those hoping to re-visit family members, friends, and loved ones. For more information on Covid-19 guidelines, you can visit the CDC website.