On January 25, 2021, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation to maintain COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry limitations for certain individuals who are not United States citizens and who were physically present within the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Brazil during the 14-day period prior to their attempted entry to the United States. The restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents and other exceptions listed in the proclamation. These restrictions went into effect on January 26, the same date that they would have been lifted by Proclamation 10138, issued in the waning days of the previous administration. In addition, prior restrictions implemented by the former president remain in effect for both China (including Hong Kong and Macau, as per Proclamation 9984) and Iran (Proclamation 9992). President Biden's proclamation adds South Africa to the list of countries with travel restrictions on entry into the United States, effective January 30, 2021.
The proclamation will remain in effect until terminated by the president.
Additionally, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has confirmed that, effective January 26, all international travelers, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, seeking entry into the United States must provide proof to the airlines of a negative COVID-19 test (or proof of alternative measures, e.g., testing, self-quarantining, for travelers entering the United States from countries where COVID-19 tests are inaccessible) within three days prior to their scheduled departure.
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If you have any questions about this Alert, please contact any of the attorneys in the Immigration Law Group, any member of the COVID-19 Strategy Team or the attorney in the firm with whom you are regularly in contact.
Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.
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