U.S. to Rescind Travel Bans for China, Iran, the Schengen Area, U.K., Ireland, Brazil, South Africa and India
The U.S. plans to lift air travel restrictions for foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated, targeting early November 2021 for foreign travel to resume for the first time in over a year. Since early in the COVID-pandemic, the U.S. had implemented travel bans for individuals traveling from China, Iran, the Schengen Area, U.K., Ireland, Brazil, South Africa and India. According to the White House COVID-19 Response Team, these travel bans will be rescinded. Instead, foreign nationals will now be required to show proof of vaccination and proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days prior to boarding a flight to the U.S. The CDC will provide information regarding which vaccines will be accepted. It is expected that limited exceptions will apply to the vaccination requirement, but may include exceptions for children, COVID-19 vaccine trial participants, and humanitarian exceptions for people traveling for an important reason and who lack access to vaccination in a timely manner. Contact your immigration counsel to discuss travel plans for employees traveling to the U.S. from abroad.
COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Immigration Medical Examinations, Effective October 1, 2021
Effective October 1, 2021, applicants subject to the immigration medical exam (i.e., individuals seeking a Green Card) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide documentation of vaccination before the civil surgeon can complete a medical examination and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Blanket waivers may be granted in certain situations (e.g. age, medical condition, availability, or supply limit).