Key Points
- A new COVID-19 travel ban is in effect
- The White House is restricting travel from South Africa and seven neighboring countries
- The entry ban applies to most travelers with a few exceptions
- US citizens, permanent residents, and their dependents may travel to the US
- Other travelers may also be allowed to enter the US in limited situations
Overview
Starting today, November 29th, the US government will begin imposing new travel restrictions on foreign nationals arriving from eight South African countries due to the new COVID-19 omicron variant.
The new travel restriction bars most foreign nationals from entry into the US if they have been physically present in the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of South Africa, or the Republic of Zimbabwe in the past 14 days.
Who is Affected?
The travel restrictions outlined in a White House proclamation apply to both immigrant and nonimmigrant foreign nationals. The restrictions apply to most individuals seeking entry into the US by air.
As with previous COVID-19 travel bans, there are some exemptions from the current travel ban. US citizens and immediate family members, permanent residents, and immediate family members can enter the US while the proclamation remains. Other select individuals are also exempt from the travel restrictions, including noncitizens of the US whose entry is considered a national interest, individuals who have been invited to the US to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, air and sea crew, and a few other select categories.
Looking Ahead
The Department of State (DOS) is responsible for implementing the presidential proclamation. The proclamation will remain in effect until the US government ends its enforcement. Updates will be provided as available. We urge you to please check in with your immigration team before scheduling any international travel to the impacted countries.
