Biden Administration Announces Lifting of COVID-19 Travel Ban for Fully Vaccinated Travelers in Early November

On Monday, September 20, 2021, the Biden Administration announced that it would lift the COVID-19 travel bans for fully vaccinated foreign travelers in early November. The COVID-19 travel bans currently prohibit persons entering the U.S. who have been in China, the Schengen Area of Europe, the UK, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, India, and Iran in the previous 14 days, unless certain exceptions apply. The change represents a major shift in U.S. policy and will facilitate the travel of many business visitors, foreign workers, students, and tourists seeking to enter the U.S. The announcement came through various news sources. As of Wednesday, September 22nd, the policy shift has not been published on the Administration’s official website (Whitehouse.gov), or other official government source. The Administration has also not specified exactly when in November the Ban will be lifted. The new policy will require proof of vaccination for all foreign travelers to the U.S., including those coming from countries that are not affected by the current travel bans.

We will provide more information on this important change in policy, as it becomes available.