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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released additional information regarding the U.S.’s forthcoming changes to entry rules for air travel for nonimmigrants.
Beginning Nov. 8, most nonimmigrant foreign nationals will be required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days before boarding a flight for the U.S. The current, country-based entry restrictions will be revoked on Nov. 8. President Joe Biden issued a Proclamation on the new rules on Monday, and the CDC subsequently provided more information regarding proof of vaccination, exceptions and contact tracing.
Additional Information: The new entry rules apply only to nonimmigrant air travel to the U.S. and do not affect visa issuance. This means the State Department will be able to issue visas regardless of an applicant’s vaccination status or their eligibility for an exception, but subsequent travel to the U.S. will be governed by the new rules starting Nov. 8. In its announcement on the new rules, the State Department emphasized that the rescission of the current bans “does not necessarily mean that your local U.S. embassy or consulate is able to immediately schedule all affected applicants for visa interviews” and advised applicants to check their individual embassy or consulate’s website for information on what services they are offering and instructions on how to apply for a nonimmigrant visa.
The U.S. is also changing land entry rules on 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.” Additional information is expected soon.
BAL Analysis: Current entry restrictions will remain in place until Nov. 8. BAL attorneys will be speaking at a webinar on “Lifting the Travel Bans, Holiday Travel & Planning: What to Expect in the Coming Months” on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. CT. Find details and register here. Employers and employees should continue to consult their BAL professional before planning any international travel.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
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