U.S. President Biden’s administration has now officially announced its new policy to lift COVID-19-related restrictions on all fully vaccinated foreign travelers.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions:
- WHEN DOES THE NEW RULE GO INTO EFFECT?
The new policy will take effect Monday, November 8 2021.
- WHO IS CONSIDERED “FULLY VACCINATED”?
International travelers seeking entry into the United States will not be considered “fully vaccinated” until two weeks after receiving the recommended dose(s) of vaccines approved/authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for emergency use, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These include: Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca/Covishield, Sinopharm and Sinovac.
There is no time limit for entry after Corona vaccination is completed.
- WHO DOES THIS POLICY APPLY TO?
An entry ban has been imposed on non-immigrants who are not fully vaccinated. This only affects entry by air. It is important to note that the new regulation does not affect the issuance of visas.
- TO WHOM DOES THIS MEASURE NOT APPLY?
The measure does not apply to, among others:
– Members of the crew of an airline or other aircraft operator.
– Individuals seeking to enter or transit the U.S. on a visa category of A, C, E-1, G, or NATO.
– Persons who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
– Persons whose age makes vaccination “inappropriate” as determined by the CDC.
– Persons participating in certain COVID-19 vaccination trials.
– Persons from countries where the vaccine is in limited supply.
– Persons who have an exemption agreement issued by the U.S. Department State, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Secretary of Homeland Security.
– Persons for whom vaccination is medically contraindicated.
- WHAT U.S. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET FOR ENTRY AND STAY?
Individuals may present a vaccination certificate with a QR code or a digital passport via a smartphone application with a QR code. They may also present a hard copy of a COVID-19 vaccination card or certificate; digital photos of a vaccination card/certificate; a downloaded vaccination card or certificate from an official source; or a cell phone application without a QR code.
- IS THERE ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT MUST BE PROVIDED BEFORE BOARDING A PLANE TO THE UNITED STATES?
Fully vaccinated individuals must also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days prior to their arrival in the U.S., as well as contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, for contact tracking purposes.
- HOW LONG WILL THE NEW POLICY REMAIN IN EFFECT?
The proclamation will remain in effect until rescinded by U.S. President Biden.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
