COVID-19 Entry Suspensions for Brazil, Schengen Area, UK / Ireland Reinstated; South Africa Added
Tuesday, January, 26th, 2021 COVID-19 Immigration News and Updates
January 25, 2021 Update
On January 25, 2021 President Biden issued a presidential proclamation reinstating the COVID-19 entry suspensions for persons physically present in Brazil, the Schengen Area countries, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The entry suspensions for these regions were to be removed on January 26 based on an earlier proclamation issued by former President Trump; however, the Biden Administration signaled its intention to continue the COVID-19 entry restrictions for the foreseeable future.
In addition, the President added South Africa to the list of countries subject to a COVID-19 entry restriction. The entry restriction for South Africa goes into effect on January 30, 2021. Finally, COVID-19 entry restrictions for China and Iran remain in place and are still being actively enforced.
At this time, it is our understanding that F-1 students coming to the US from the Schengen Area as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland are still being granted entry into the under an automatic national interest exception (NIE) from the COVID-19 entry suspension. Other types of visa holders must contact their nearest US consulate for instructions on how to obtain a national interest exception to the COVID-19 entry suspension. Should any of this information change, we will issue an updated announcement.
The International Center continues to monitor the reinstatement and implementation of these entry suspensions. We will continue to update members of our international community as additional information becomes available. Please also refer to our COVID-19 Entry Suspension web resource for additional details.
Travelers are also reminded that effective January 26, air passengers arriving flying to the US must present to their airline written evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result (or proof of COVID-19 recovery). The test must have been taken within 3 days prior to their flight. Please consult with your airline if you anticipate arriving in the US by air on or after January 26.
Sincerely,
Tufts International Center
January 19, 2021
Dear International Students and Scholars:
On January 18, 2021 President Trump issued a proclamation indicating that the COVID-19 entry suspensions for Brazil, the Schengen Area countries, the United Kingdom, and Ireland would end effective January 26, 2021. The entry suspensions for Iran and China would remain in place. These entry suspensions restrict the ability of persons who were physically present in these countries or regions within 14 days of arriving in the US from entering the US.
At this time, caution should be exercised in relying on this announcement. News reports indicate that the incoming Biden Administration, which assumes authority on January 20, will not implement this proclamation and intends to keep the COVID-19 entry suspensions in place until further notice.
The International Center will continue to monitor these developments and update this page as needed.
Sincerely,
Tufts International Center