U.S. To Ease COVID-19 Travel Restrictions on November 8th

The White House has announced that the COVID-19-related travel restrictions on travelers from Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area, South Africa, and the UK will lift on November 8, 2021, for fully vaccinated travelers. 

According to media reports, all FDA approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing from the WHO, will be accepted for air travel. Travelers also will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of boarding their flight to the U.S, even if they are fully vaccinated.  International travelers entering the United States via water and land will be subject to the same requirements.

The White House has stated that very limited exceptions to the vaccination requirement will be available.  It is still ironing out details, including who exactly may be exempt from the vaccination requirements, and what counts as proof of vaccination.  Media reports suggest that vaccine exceptions may apply to children under 18; COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial participants; and humanitarian exceptions for people traveling for an important reason and who lack access to vaccination. However, individuals who do meet one of the above stated exceptions will likely be required to be vaccinated upon arrival. All individuals still must show proof of a negative test within 72 hours. 

The Biden Administration made additional recommendations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 such as: 1) continuing the mask mandate through January 18, 2022; 2) expanding pre-departure and post-arrival testing requirements; and 3) implanting a contact tracing order for airlines. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as we have more information.