Travel Ban Restrictions to be Lifted on November 8th, 2021 and Proof of Vaccination Required for Entry to the U.S.

In a statement released yesterday - October 25, 2021- the White House announced that starting on November 8, 2021, travel restrictions imposed on travelers from certain countries (China, Schengen Zone, UK, Ireland, South Africa, India, Brazil and Iran) will be lifted. The lifting of the restrictions will allow foreign nationals from those countries, along with all others, to enter the U.S. if proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test (within three days of departure to the U.S.) can be shown. Unvaccinated travelers (U.S. citizens, Legal Permanent Residents or foreign nationals who have been exempted from the vaccination requirement) must take a COVID test one day prior to departure. 

Children under 18 are exempted from this requirement but testing before departure will be required. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement will also be allowed for people traveling for an important reason and who lack access to vaccination in a timely manner. However, those individuals who are exempted from the vaccine requirement will be required to be vaccinated upon arrival.

The announcement also continues the mask requirement until January 18, 2022 and requires airlines to implement contact tracing.

The Center for Disease Control has determined that for purposes of travel to the United States, FDA approved or authorized vaccines will be accepted as well as World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use listed (EUL) vaccines. More details can be found on the Department of State and the CDC websites.