USDOS Publishes Update on COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Exceptions (National Interest Exemptions)

USDOS Publishes Update on COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Exceptions (National Interest Exemptions)

Dated June 1, 2021, the U.S. Department of State updated its posting regarding the current COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and eligible exceptions/exemptions.

To view the posting, click here.

The June 1, 2021 is a follow-up to earlier postings to clarify eligibility for National Interest Exemptions (NIE) to the 14-day travel restrictions to the U.S. for individuals who had been physically present in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, India, the Schengen Area of Europe, the United Kingdom, and Republic of Ireland.

The posting confirms that F student visa holders, and certain J exchange visitor visa holders (including Student, Research Scholar, Professor, and Short-Term Scholar categories) are eligible for an exemption so that they can travel to the U.S. without having to travel to another country for at least 14 days before being able to enter the U.S.

Please note that individuals traveling from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Republic of Ireland have been eligible for an NIE since July 2020.
Those eligible F and J visa holders traveling from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India would become eligible for an NIE to enter the U.S. as of August 1, 2021.

Please be sure to read the full posting on the USDOS website available here.