On November 8, 2021, U.S. requirements for travel to the U.S. were updated to include new COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travelers. To provide clarity, here are the basics of travel under the new requirements, and some helpful links to specific instructions and frequently asked questions:

 

 

 

The requirements also do not apply to crew members of airlines or other aircraft operators while on official duty status if such crewmembers and operators adhere to all industry standard protocols for the prevention of COVID-19 as set forth in relevant guidance for crewmember health issued by the CDC or by the Federal Aviation Administration in coordination with the CDC.

 

The only exceptions to this requirement apply to:

 

 

However, based on the category of the exception, if you intend to stay in the United States for longer than 60 days, you may additionally be required to attest that:

 

 

 

 

Beginning in early January 2022, DHS will require that all inbound non-U.S. persons crossing U.S. land or ferry ports of entry– whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination. It is not yet clear whether the same exceptions will apply to land and sea entries as apply to individuals entering the U.S. by air, come January 22, 2022. However, since the U.S. government has touted the new requirements at the land and seaports of entry as being put in place to provide consistent protocols for all foreign nationals traveling to the U.S., it is strongly implied that the same exceptions will be in place for land and sea entrants to the U.S. as are currently available to travelers entering by air.

 

Please check back frequently on this blog for updates, or reach out to any member of the Lippes Mathias immigration team, for specific inquiries.