On Friday, April 30, citing advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced the upcoming restriction on travel from India to the United States.  Beginning Tuesday, May 4, at 12:01 am ET, the Biden Administration will restrict the admission of most travelers who have been physically present in India within the 14 days prior to travel to the United States. 

Other countries have also imposed restrictions on travel from India, thereby making it difficult for travelers from India to find a third country in which to quarantine for at least 14 days before continuing travel to the United States. 

The restriction does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, humanitarian workers, and potentially other exempt classifications.  All travelers, including U.S. citizens, are required to meet testing and quarantine requirements.  Testing requirements include obtaining a negative COVID test result or providing proof of recovery from COVID prior to travel to the United States.  Limited exceptions may apply.

Regardless of the countries of origin and destination, international travel remains problematic and subject to potential delays.  When new travel restrictions are implemented, like the new restriction on travel from India to the United States, government entities seem to provide little or no advance notice.  Additionally, some countries have travel restrictions impacting whether their citizens may depart as well as whether citizens of other countries may enter.  Quarantine periods are often imposed, and new, modified, or extended restrictions can be announced with little or no advance notice.  Applicants should investigate the travel restrictions applicable in their country and their destination country prior to travel and should be aware that applicable restrictions may change and may impact anticipated dates of return travel. 

Foster will continue to monitor travel restrictions and will make future updates available as appropriate via our firm website at www.fosterglobal.com.