Please note that an earlier version of this post has been updated to reflect additional information provided by the White House since several major news outlets began reporting about the rescission of the COVID-19 travel bans this morning.
Today, the Biden Administration announced that, beginning in early November, it will be easing country-specific COVID-19 travel restrictions. More specifically, the White House will rescind the current geographic COVID-19 related travel bans currently restricting travel to the U.S. for individuals present in China, Iran, the Schengen Area, U.K., Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, and India in the 14 day preceding their entry to the United States. Instead, the Administration will be implementing new measures to deter the spread of COVID-19 based on individuals, rather than restrictions placed on physical presence in a specific country or region.
The new COVID-19 prevention measures will include a requirement that all international travelers prove that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in addition to the existing CDC requirement that all travelers to the U.S. must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of boarding a flight to the United States. The CDC is expected to provide more information as to which vaccines will be accepted.
The Administration will offer limited exceptions such as for children too young to be vaccinated; individuals participating in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials; and humanitarian exceptions for people traveling for an important reason and who lack access to vaccination in a timely manner. The Administration has also indicated that individuals who are exempted from the vaccine requirement may be required to be vaccinated upon arrival in the United States.
During the formal announcement expected later today, the Administration is expected to make further recommendations to stop the spread of COVID-19, including (1) continuing the mask mandate through January 18, 2022; (2) expanding pre-departure and post-arrival testing requirements; and (3) implementing a contact tracing order for airlines.
D&S will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as more details become available.