In light of the on-going pandemic, our usual travel advisory has been updated to include a few safety tips if you plan to travel internationally for the holidays:

  • Travel Bans: Travelers from a number of countries in Africa (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe) where the Omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected in substantive numbers, are subject to new suspensions and restrictions on travel. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not subject to the ban, however, other travelers to the U.S. who have been in any of the restricted countries within 14 days of their intended travel to the U.S. should contact their immigration counsel to determine whether they may benefit from any exemptions from the new travel restrictions.
  • International Travel Restrictions: In addition to the new restrictions on travel from certain countries in Africa, all international travelers (aged 2 and older) entering the U.S. via air travel are now required to obtain proof of a negative COVID test, one day before boarding their flight. Viral rapid antigen test results will be accepted and/or evidence of recovery from COVID-19 within 90 days of travel. All non-U.S. citizens and nonimmigrant passengers will also need to present proof of vaccination status. Contact your immigration counsel to discuss travel plans for employees re-entering the U.S. from abroad.
  • Be Prepared: Check your passport and visa validity before any foreign trip, and be sure to have copies of all travel documents and vaccination records in a safe place, apart from the originals. If you will be subject to any layovers during your travel, also ensure that you have the necessary transit visas. Additionally, some consulates may be limiting its services and hours due to the holiday season. Please plan your travel in accordance with your consulate’s limited hours and make sure to take all appointment confirmation documentation, attorney-certified visa petition copies, and anything else the particular consulate requires.

We hope that you take care, stay safe, and have a great time with friends and family!