On Monday, July 26, 2021, the White House confirmed that COVID-19 travel restrictions for certain non-U.S. citizens traveling from the Schengen area, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, Iran, India, or South Africa will remain in place. The continuation of these travel restrictions seeks to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, particularly the highly contagious Delta variant which is responsible for 83.2% of new cases throughout the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These travel restrictions will remain in effect indefinitely until lifted by the Biden administration.

Foreign nationals who have been physically present in the Schengen area, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, Iran, India, or South Africa within the past 14 days before boarding a flight to the United States will not be permitted to board unless they fall under one of the exceptions outlined in President Biden’s January 25, 2021 proclamation.

Confirmation of the U.S. travel restrictions comes one week after Canada announced a gradual approach to opening its borders to international, vaccinated travelers. As COVID-19 regulations continue to vary by country, the risk of traveling internationally persists as restrictions may also include required COVID-19 testing, mandatory quarantine, or an outright travel ban.

Proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of boarding a flight to the United States continues to be required for all travelers, including U.S. citizens.   

Foster will continue to monitor developments in connection with all new and continuing COVID-19 related travel restrictions and policies under the new administration and will make future updates available on our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.