White House Confirms Covid Vaccine Requirements for Int’l Travelers

U.S. Borders reopen November 8 with specific Covid vaccine requirements for noncitizen, nonimmigrant air travelers coming to the U.S. The Biden Administration announced proof of vaccination will be required for all air travelers prior to boarding a flight except for those under 18 years old, individuals with a medical condition that limits their ability to be vaccinated, and those coming from countries with low vaccine availability.

For all unvaccinated individuals, whether a foreign national, U.S. citizen, or any other status, a negative Covid test within one day of departure is required. For vaccinated individuals, a negative Covid test within three days of travel is allowed.

This move away from country-by-country travel restrictions, the White House stated, is in the interests of the U.S. The focus moves toward the individual, their vaccination status, and negative Covid result rather than based on their country.

Individuals from countries with low vaccination availability must agree to be vaccinated within 60 days of U.S. arrival for entry. The benchmark of less than 10% of the population being vaccinated is set to determine if a country meets the low vaccine availability benchmark.

All children ages 2 to 17 must provide a negative Covid test result prior to departure.

The CDC issued a contact tracing order that requires all airlines flying into the U.S. to maintain contact information for all flights. If requested by the CDC, airlines must provide that contact information.

If you have questions about Covid vaccine requirements, entry to the U.S., and your visa status, contact us at ILBSG. We put our expertise and experience to work for you, to ensure you get the right advice.