On September 20, 2021, the Biden administration announced that it would be relaxing its restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals to the United States commencing in November 2021. Not setting a date certain for now, but starting in November 2021, foreign nationals will be permitted entry to the United States provided they can furnish evidence that they have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and can present a negative test for the virus within 72 hours of flight.

The travel bans, which currently encompass the European Union, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, India, The People’s Republic of China and Iran have been in effect on a rolling basis since March 2020. The bans have separated families, negatively affected international business and further restricted tourism to the United States. Implementation of the formal rules and regulations is expected soon. No doubt the lifting of these restrictions will relieve many who wish to travel to the United States for personal and business reasons. The administration will soon issue further guidelines and work out with the airlines the details concerning those who may board U.S. bound flights.

Note that travel restrictions for U.S. bound travelers from Canada and from Mexico at land entries remain in effect.

Further to note is that the administration did not indicate that U.S. consular posts or embassies will soon open and therefore wait times for immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments will most likely remain in effect.

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