Worldwide Travel Ban Is Unlikely, But U.S. Is Expected to Impose Travel Restrictions

With the holiday season in full swing, many of you might be getting ready to plan a trip to travel abroad and visit family. Though the U.S. just lifted a months-long travel ban, the Omicron variant has changed its course. So far, foreign nationals arriving from South Africa must follow a different procedure before entering the U.S.

According to the World Health Organization, the Covid-19 Omicron variant is the latest strain that has been identified – and a cause for concern. As more cases of this mutation get reported abroad, other countries are also taking extreme precautions. It is unclear what the actual risks are once someone is infected.

President Biden has a travel ban on Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, and Eswatini. Unfortunately, the mandated travel restrictions apply to immigrant and non-immigrant foreign nationals in South Africa. Anyone hoping to travel to or from southern Africa by air will face complications. Because this was a sudden and urgent change, it might be best to reach out for legal immigration help. Exemptions are only available to select groups (that are vaccinated), including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as immediate family members as this restriction is still in effect.

According to Mondaq, other individuals who can find a way around the policy are:

• Non-citizens of national interest
• Individuals invited to the U.S. to prevent the spread of COVID
• Pilots, airline staff, and related crew
• Sea crew

President Biden’s proclamation will remain in effect until there has been more control of the Omicron variant. If you are concerned about what this might mean for you, reach out to an immigration lawyer. In a public address to the country, Biden hopes this gives the administration enough time to understand the mutation and slow the speed of it spreading.