The State Department recently announced changes to the COVID-19 travel restrictions for foreign nationals who have been present in the Schengen area in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland within 14 days of planned entry to the United States. Specifically, the Secretary of State rescinded prior guidance granting "national interest exceptions" to the travel restrictions for senior-level managers and executives, technical experts, professional athletes, and traders and investors. Some travelers from Europe will continue to be eligible for national interest exceptions, including academics, students, journalists, and those whose travel is related to the public health response and/or national security. The new guidance also limits the issuance of national interest exceptions to those foreign nationals who will "offer vital support to critical infrastructure sectors." The exact process and interpretation of national interest exceptions continues to vary between U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide. Foreign nationals should seek counsel before making travel plans into the U.S. from these regions.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.