COVID-19: Brazil entry ban amended to take effect tonight

The White House has amended its May 24 proclamation banning entry of foreign nationals who have recently been in Brazil, changing the implementation date to today, May 26. Previously, it was set to take effect Thursday.

Key points:

• The ban will take effect tonight at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. It will not apply to travelers aboard flights that depart for the United States before that time.
• The ban applies to foreign nationals who have been physically present in Brazil within the 14 days preceding their intended entry into the U.S.
• The ban does not apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, foreign national spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, certain family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, foreign nationals whose entry is in the U.S. national interest or a limited number of others.
• The proclamation will remain in effect until the president terminates it.

Background: The White House issued its initial proclamation on travel from Brazil on Sunday, citing the ongoing widespread transmission of COVID-19 in Brazil. As of this morning, the World Health Organization reported that Brazil had 363,211 confirmed cases, the second highest number of cases after the United States.

BAL Analysis: Employers should account for affected employees and reschedule travel if necessary. BAL is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and will update clients as new information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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