President Biden Adds India to List of COVID-19 Public Health Travel Ban Countries
Starting May 4 at 12am ET, travel to the US is banned for foreign nationals if they have been physically present in India within the last 14 days, per the Presidential Proclamation signed by President Joe Biden last week. This is the same type of travel ban that remains in place for China, Brazil, Iran, UK, Ireland, Schengen Region, and South Africa. The COVID-19 situation in India has become increasingly dire in the last month, and to prevent further spread of the disease, mass travel halts are required. The following travelers are not subject to the ban, but may be required to undergo screening and other measures upon arrival:
U.S. citizens and nationals;
U.S. lawful permanent residents;
Spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents;
A foreign national who is the parent or legal guardian of an unmarried U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident under the age of 21;
A foreign national who is the sibling of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided they are both under 21;
A foreign national who is the child, foster child or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States on an IR-4 or IH-4 visa;
A foreign national traveling at the invitation of the U.S. government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the COVID-19 virus;
A foreign air or sea crewmember;
Certain A, C, E-1 (TECRO or TECO employees), G, and NATO nonimmigrants or whose travel falls within the scope of section 11 of the United Nations Headquarters Agreement;
A foreign national whose entry would further important U.S. law enforcement objectives;
A foreign national whose entry would be in the national interest; and
Members of the U.S. armed forces and their spouses and children.
If a foreign national is subject to a regional ban and does not qualify for an exception, the State Department will not issue a visa to that individual.
