September 20 of 2021: The United States announced that they would lift travel restrictions on some travelers entering the US. Travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (including, for example, non-US citizens from China, India, and much of Europe) can now enter the US.
Since then, the United States announced additional policy updates on October 15th and 25th of 2021. In summary, these updates lift restrictions for any foreign traveler who is “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19. The policy will go into effect on November 8 of 2021. Because of heavy encouragement from U.S. allies, restrictions on fully vaccinated travelers eased.
What Does “Fully Vaccinated” Mean?
The term “fully vaccinated” means you have received the full number of doses of any vaccine approved by either the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) at least two weeks before travel. Though it is not yet official, the Biden administration said it supports “vaccine passports.” This documentation states the holder is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Unvaccinated can still enter the country under certain conditions. If you meet one of the following conditions before you board a flight to the United States, you may still enter the country.
- Children under 18 years of age
- Persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel
- Persons with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
- Participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials
- Persons issued a humanitarian or emergency exception
- Persons with valid visas who are citizens of a foreign country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability; excluding B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas.
- Members of the US Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age)
- Sea crew members traveling with to a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa
- Persons whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, or Secretary of Homeland Security (or their designees)
Furthermore, there are no religious exemptions for international travelers.
We Can Help
Finally, please be aware that regulations are rapidly changing. If you have any questions concerning family members traveling to the United States, we can help you determine whether they qualify.
Migration Resource Center views each case as unique; therefore, it is essential to consult with legal counsel before starting your case as some other options may be available. Of course, you may always contact us to begin your consultation. Please call us at (646) 609-8805 or use our webform to schedule a free immigration consultation.
By: Tom De Kesel, MRC Immigration Attorney & Ishika Bhasin – October 26, 2021
You can find up-to-date information on the Department of State or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/proof-of-vaccination.html#noncitizen