Greetings from OGS,
We are writing today to share important updates from the United States government.
President Biden issued a
Presidential Proclamation on October 25, 2021, rescinding the current COVID-19 geographic travel restrictions and imposing a COVID-19 vaccination requirement on nonimmigrants traveling by air from any country to the United States. The Proclamation becomes effective on
November 8, 2021.
Further details and information can be found on the CDC website,
Non-US citizen, Non-US immigrants: Air Travel to the United States.
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that only vaccines approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or listed for emergency use by the
World Health Organization (WHO) will be accepted. Existing
COVID testing requirements will remain in place for all fully vaccinated air travelers. While
National Interest Exceptions will no longer be required, backlogs at United States Embassies/Consulates abroad, which are already extensive, are anticipated to increase.
There are
limited exceptions to the vaccination requirement. The new policy requires that all unvaccinated travelers – including US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and nonimmigrants eligible for exceptions to the vaccine requirement – will be subject to stricter pre-travel COVID testing protocols.
We urge scholars to carefully review this information, especially those who may be planning international travel. For specific questions or further guidance, please continue to contact us at
ogs.scholars@nyu.edu.