U.S. Entry Restrictions Expanded Due To COVID-19
On January 25th, President Biden expanded restrictions on non-U.S. citizens attempting to enter the U.S. from the following countries:
- South Africa: the new restriction prevents most non-U.S. citizens from entry if they have recently been in South Africa, where a new strain of Covid-19 has been identified. The limitation on entry from South Africa begins on January 30, 2021.
- United Kingdom, Ireland, the Schengen countries & Brazil: entry restrictions have been in effect for these territories for much of the past year, but just days before his term ended, ex-President Trump sought to have these restrictions end on January 26, 2021. President Biden’s action extends the restrictions that would have ended today.
Previous restrictions implemented by the Trump Administration remain for both China and Iran.
These U.S. entry restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, spouses of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and other selected categories. For more details on travel restrictions, visit CDC: Travelers Prohibited From Entry.
As a reminder, the requirement that all international travelers to the U.S. provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to airlines within three days prior to their departure also began today.
There is no set date as to when these restrictions will end. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will be providing recommendations as to whether they should be continued, modified, or terminated 30 days from issuance, and by the end of each month thereafter. ILG will continue to monitor this issue and provide updates as available.