Entry to the United States Restricted for Travelers from Southern Africa

In an effort to curb the spread of a new COVID-19 variant (“Omicron”), President Biden has issued a Proclamation, which suspends entry for travelers who have been physically present in the following countries during the 14-day period prior to their attempted entry into the US:

  • Republic of Botswana

  • Kingdom of Eswatini

  • Kingdom of Lesotho

  • Republic of Malawi

  • Republic of Mozambique

  • Republic of Namibia

  • Republic of South Africa

  • Republic of Zimbabwe

This travel restriction took effect on November 29, 2021, at midnight.  Travelers flying to the US on flights that departed these eight countries prior to midnight on November 29, 2021, will not be subject to this Proclamation, although they will likely be subject to extensive screening for symptoms. 

Who is affected by these travel restrictions?

The travel restrictions apply to most individuals who were in the countries listed above within 14 days prior to their arrival in the United States.  

The restrictions do not apply to the following categories of immigrants and nonimmigrants:

  1. US citizens traveling from a restricted country.

  2. Lawful permanent residents.

  3. Spouses and minor children of US citizens or lawful permanent residents.

  4. Parents, legal guardians, or siblings of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident under the age of 21. 

  5. Children, foster children, or wards of US citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking entry to the US in IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications.

  6. Foreign nationals traveling at the invitation of the US government.

  7. Foreign nationals traveling under a C-1, D, or C-1/D nonimmigrant visa.

  8. Any alien traveling under A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, E-1, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-4, or NATO-6 visa classification.

  9. Members of the Armed Forces and their spouses and children.

  10. Any alien furthering US law enforcement objectives or whose entry would be in the national interest.

Although President Biden has not offered a timeline by when these restrictions will end, he has indicated that these travel restrictions will be reviewed every 30 days to determine whether they need to be continued. 

If urgent travel to a restricted country is necessary and you would be subject to the restriction upon seeking admission to the US, please contact us if you would like to discuss whether you qualify for a national interest exception.  Alternatively, we recommend spending 14 days in a non-restricted country prior to seeking admission to the US.  

This alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this development further.

Nadia Yakoob