Client Payment Portal

U.S. will require negative covid-19 tests from international air travelers starting Jan 26

Jan 14, 2021 | Consular Services & Travel

Effective Jan. 26, 2021, a new CDC policy will require all international air passengers, including American citizens, to provide proof of a negative covid-19 test before boarding international flights to the United States. The covid-19 test must be taken within three days prior to departure.

  • The expanded testing requirements follow a significant post-holiday surge in covid-19 cases in the United States.  Previously, on December 27, the CDC had implemented expanded testing requirements for international travelers arriving to the United States from the United Kingdom.

Clients should also take note of the following travel ban updates:

  • Covid-19 related travel bans impacting travelers from China, the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil remain intact.
  • On December 31, 2020, Presidential Proclamation 10052 was extended until March 31, 2021, although the recent extension is expected to be subject to change as President-elect Joseph Biden takes office on January 20.
  • Regarding entry through the United Kingdom – With specific exceptions, foreign nationals who have been in the UK during the past 14 days may not enter the US, even with a negative test result.

Resources:

Consular Processing Resources:

Related Posts:

2024 Holiday Travel Advisory

This travel advisory summarizes the main issues and requirements for foreign nationals to ensure reentry to the U.S as seamless as possible. If there are new specific issues and you need to schedule a consultation, please reach out to your WR attorney directly, and if unsure email us at Visalaw@wolfsdorf.com Many WR Immigration clients are asking whether it’s advisable to return before January 20, 2025, when our new president is inaugurated and on balance I am advising yes, but this advisory applies to all regardless of your reentry date. There may be new travel bans on day one so while I am advising clients not to panic, I am recommending returning before January 20, 2025, if possible. We are anticipating heightened scrutiny of admissibility issues and for those researchers involved in sensitive technology, or for persons with arrests or convictions, please be ready to explain and document why you or your research or work is not a security risk or sensitive technology. Immigration policies often change with little or no prior notice, so if unclear, or if your specific situation needs attention, please check with your WR Immigration professional BEFORE departure from the U.S. It will be helpful to send […]

Read More

U.S. Embassies & Consulates: September Update on Closures & Re-Openings

Impacting foreign workers, immigrants, and international students, the suspension of consular services has been one of the most disruptive features of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This report provides an update on the re-opening and continued closures of high-traffic U.S. embassies and consulates in Africa, Asia, South America, Europe and the Middle East. Brazil While routine nonimmigrant visa services remain suspended, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil are processing student visa applications, visa applications for those who are exempted from Presidential Proclamation 10143, as well as National Interest Exceptions for qualified travelers. China Green card applicants will be relieved to hear that immigrant visa services are now operating normally at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou. Limited appointments for certain nonimmigrant visa categories, including all F visas, certain J, M, C1/D visas, and emergency, mission-critical, travelers are available.  Direct travel to the United States from Mainland China remains restricted under Presidential Proclamation 9984 for other travelers not covered by a National Interest Exception or exempted by a Presidential Proclamation.  India The U.S. consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad remain closed, while operations in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata continue on a limited basis. To offset closures, consular sections across India are now accepting […]

Read More