Greetings,

We hope you’re keeping well and safe. Earlier this week the Biden Administration issued a new presidential proclamation associated with international travelers and COVID-19.

What this new proclamation means

Travel restrictions are currently in place for those trying to enter the US who have been in any of the following areas within the last 14 days: China, Brazil, Iran, the Schengen Area, UK, and Ireland. Effective January 30, 2021 South Africa is added to this list. These restrictions are in place even if you are just transiting through any of these areas.

We have confirmation that the Department of State (DoS) National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland remain in place and will continue. As of now, this means that students in F-1 status traveling from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland are able to travel to the US if you have a valid F-1 visa and all other travel documents. Students in J-1 status traveling from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland must request a national interest exception at the closest US embassy or consulate in addition to all other travel documents in order to be able to travel into the US during this time.

The National Interest Exceptions possible for the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland do not apply to travelers who have been in China, Iran, Brazil, and/or South Africa. For further information about the possibility of a National Interest Exception, please reach out to the closest US Embassy or Consulate.

Please also keep in mind that in addition to this proclamation, effective January 26, 2021, all travelers entering the US require a negative COVID-19 test. Air passengers are required to get a viral test within 3 days before their flight to the US departs. Travelers are also required to provide written documentation of their lab result to the airline or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. More details regarding documentation for a negative test and FAQs can be found with the CDC.

For further information on quarantine and testing procedures, please review the NYU Returns guidance.

Specifically for H-1B/H-4s: Please continue to keep in mind that the Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to the US Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak (Presidential Proclamations 10014 and 10052) has been extended through March 31, 2021. These continue to affect H-1B’s and H-4’s, although National Interest Exceptions also continue to be possible. The Proclamation does not apply to applicants who were in the United States on the effective date of the initial Proclamation (June 24, 2020), or who have a valid H-1B or H-4 visa issued before the effective date. Please note this means scholars could potentially be subject to multiple Proclamations, depending on their circumstances.

As always, if you do decide to travel, ensure that you have the proper documentation. For more information on travel restrictions into the US, refer to our travel advisories related to Coronavirus information. If you have any questions, please email ogs.scholars@nyu.edu.

Sincerely,

International Faculty and Research Scholar Services

The Office Global Services