The White House announced existing foreign travel restrictions to the U.S. will ease, beginning in November 2021. However, individuals must provide proof of vaccination and a recent negative COVID-19 test. Existing rules limit travel to the U.S. for non-citizens who had been in most of Europe, Asia, and other countries for the 14-days prior to entry.

In addition, President Biden is tightening rules on unvaccinated American citizens upon return. Citizens must be tested and produce a negative result within one day before returning to the U.S. as well as an additional test after arrival.

A period of quarantine will not be required for those who are fully vaccinated.

The new policies replace travel bans created to limit COVID infections. Specifically, non-citizens who were in the

  • The United Kingdom,
  • European Union,
  • China,
  • India,
  • Iran,
  • The Republic of Ireland,
  • Brazil, and South America

the 14-days prior to boarding a flight to the U.S. will be eligible for the new policies in November 2021. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will require airlines to gather the necessary information from international travels to address any contact tracing needs that may arise.

For many who have been separated from families due to the COVID travel restriction, this will be the first time in 18 months they could see each other again.

The White House stated this approach is focused more on individuals’ health rather than the country-based approach. Similarly, the UK and the EU allow vaccinated U.S. travelers into their countries without quarantines to help resume business and tourism travel. Recently, the EU recommended a pullback from their current approach due to the spread of the COVID delta variant in the U.S.

Currently, no specific requirements have been given regarding which vaccinations will be considered valid for entry to the U.S. In the past, the CDC required vaccines approved in the U.S.

There are no planned changes to U.S. land border policies at this time.

If you have questions about traveling to the U.S. and travel restrictions, contact us at ILBSG. We continue to monitor the ongoing policy updates to ensure our clients get the right advice.

COVID travel travel restrictions