COVID-19: US to allow fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter starting Nov. 8

The White House announced today that the U.S. would lift the current international travel restrictions for fully vaccinated foreign nationals on Nov. 8.

Key Points:

• Air travel. Effective Nov. 8, adult foreign nationals entering the country by air will need to show proof of vaccination and a recent negative COVID-19 test. Fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be subject to the current bans on entry to many foreign nationals who have been physically present in Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the Schengen Area in the past 14 days.
• Land travel. Effective Nov. 8, individuals entering the U.S. by land will need to show proof of vaccination if traveling for “nonessential” purposes. Unvaccinated travelers will be able to enter the country only if they can show that their travel is “essential.” More information is available here.

Background: Officials had previously announced they would implement the changes for both air and land travel, but had not provided an implementation date. Media reports indicate that for entry purposes the U.S. will accept vaccines that are authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO). There has been no official announcement, however, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet provided a final list of which vaccines will be accepted.

BAL Analysis: While the U.S. will allow fully vaccinated travelers to enter starting Nov. 8, restrictions will remain in place until then. A number of details about the Nov. 8 changes remain unavailable at this time, including what it means to be “fully vaccinated,” the type of proof that will be required and the vaccines that will be accepted. Employers and employees should continue to consult their BAL professional before planning any international travel. BAL will provide additional information as it becomes available.

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

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