U.S. to lift COVID-19 vaccination requirements

The White House announced Monday that it will soon end the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for nonimmigrant international air travelers. The Department of Homeland Security announced it would end the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. travelers entering the U.S. via land ports of entry and ferry terminals.

Key Points:

• Beginning May 12, the United States will no longer require nonimmigrant foreign nationals to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country by land, sea or air.
• Between now and May 12, most nonimmigrant foreign nationals entering the country must continue to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Further details related to ending these requirements will be released in the coming days.

Background: The Biden administration first introduced the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for international air travelers and those crossing at land borders and ferry terminals in November 2021.

BAL Analysis: The termination of the COVID-19 vaccination requirements will coincide with the end of the national COVID-19 public health emergency. The Biden administration has been reviewing COVID-related immigration policies and, in addition to the vaccination policy, recently ended COVID-related flexible deadlines for responding to some U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requests. BAL will continue to monitor the administration’s COVID policies and will provide updates as information becomes available.

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

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.