CDC Federal Register Notice: Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 Required for All Passengers Traveling to the US From Overseas:
Effective January 26, 2021:
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will require all travelers to the
US from overseas destinations show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or
documentation showing recovery from COVID-19.
Detailed information including, specific type of COVID-19 test and timing requirements can be found at the
CDC Federal Register Notice under the "FAQ" document.
1/25/21: Updated Presidential Proclamation Regarding Travel Bans:
On January 25, 2021, President Biden signed a new Proclamation that suspends entry into the US for non-immigrants and immigrants who were physically present in the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Brazil in the previous 14-days prior to their attempt at entry to the US.
In addition, entry into the US from South Africa has also been suspended for non-immigrants and immigrants who were physically present in South Africa in the previous 14-day period.
The above proclamation went into effect at 12:01am on January 26, 2021.
Existing COVID-19 travel bans for China and Iran also remain in effect.
F-1 visa
students were waived from this travel ban based on a “national interest exception”. The US State Department published a directive entitled “National
Interest Exception for Certain Travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom
and Ireland”. Specifically, the
notice says:
Students
traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland with valid F-1 and M-1
visas do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual
national interest exception to travel. Students seeking to apply for new F-1 or
M-1 visas should check the status of visa services at the nearest embassy or
consulate; those applicants who are found to be otherwise qualified for an F-1
or M-1 visa will automatically be considered for a national interest exception
to travel.
Although no action
is needed, students from these areas are advised to print a copy of the “National
Interest Exception for Certain Travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom
and Ireland” and carry it with them to their F-1 visa appointment and
travel to the US.
Helpful COVID-19 Immigration/Travel Websites:
1. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Travel Advisories
2. California Department of Public Health Travel Advisory November 2020
3. US State Department Travel Advisories
4. ICE COVID-19 Information