White Paper: Making Travel Plans? Here’s the Short-Term Outlook

Nov 15, 2021 | Consular Services & Travel

As the holidays approach and travel increases, several countries are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases once again. Risk assessments and tricky entry and exit requirements vary from country to country. The situation is obviously more complex and inconvenient for unvaccinated travelers than for the vaccinated, but even the latter have risk-mitigation considerations and requirements to meet.

Meanwhile, the United States opened up travel for vaccinated people as of November 8, 2021 and is no longer banning entry based on country of origin. With respect to processing at U.S. embassies and consulates, delays have increased, and services and appointments are not available everywhere.

So as to provide an in-depth look at the state of global travel, WR Immigration has produced a white paper on this subject. For a complete picture of how the changes in travel restrictions relates to you, consider attending our webinar led by Managing Partner, Bernie Wolfsdorf, and Partner Avi Friedman on Nov. 18, 2021, at noon Pacific. All are welcome to join. Register here.

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Expansion of Interview Waiver Eligibility

Briefing: Secretary Pompeo, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has temporarily expanded the ability of consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification. Previously, only those applicants whose nonimmigrant visa expired within 12 months were eligible for an interview waiver.  The Secretary has temporarily extended the expiration period to 24 months. This policy is in effect until March 31, 2021.  This change will allow consular officers to continue processing certain nonimmigrant visa applications while limiting the number of applicants who must appear at a consular section, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission to other applicants and consular staff. Travelers are encouraged to review the website of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for detailed information on what services are currently available as well as eligibility information and instructions on applying for a visa without an interview.  Thank you. For questions about consular visa processing, please contact your WR attorney. Sources: U.S. Department of State, December 29, 2020, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/expansion-of-interview-waiver-eligibility.html See also: U.S. Department of State, December 30, 2020, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/phased-resumption-routine-visa-services.html

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The Department of State (DOS) announced exceptions, based on national interest, from COVID-19-related restrictions for certain travelers coming to the United States, including: Business travelers, investors, academics, J-1 students, journalists, and treaty traders. Those who have a valid visa in the appropriate class or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) issued before the effective date of President Biden’s proclamation covering travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom (UK), and Ireland, or who are seeking to apply for a visa, and believe they may qualify for a national interest exception should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. If a national interest exception is approved, they may travel on either a valid visa or ESTA authorization, as appropriate. Students traveling from the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom (UK), and Ireland with valid F-1 and M-1 visas. Such students will be considered automatically for a national interest exception to travel and do not need to contact an embassy or consulate for that reason, DOS said. Students who are applying for new F-1 or M-1 visas should check their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for information on the status of visa services. Many consular sections at U.S. consular posts around […]