COVID-19 Resource Center

The State Department and DHS granted consular officers greater authority to waive in-person interview requirements for individuals who are applying for a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification.

The DOS has announced a new NIE policy that makes it more difficult for some travelers from the UK, Schengen Area, and Ireland to obtain National Interest Exceptions to PP 10143.

Due to COVID-19, U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada border closures will be extended through March 21, 2021. The border closures were set to expire on February 21, 2021.

The Canadian government has announced new COVID-19 test and quarantine requirements for individuals planning to enter the country.

The French government has announced additional entry restrictions for more categories into the country due to COVID-19.

On Feb. 15, 2021, Canada will start requiring negative COVID-19 test results for all individuals who enter Canada through land borders to mitigate the risk of disease transmission. .

The government has restricted travel outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, Switzerland, and Vatican City, with limited exceptions.

As part of its efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, the Irish government has indefinitely suspended processing for entry visas.

USCIS is again extending the response period for certain requests, notices and decisions due to COVID-19. The measures were first introduced on March 20, 2020.

The Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM) office closures in the State of Mexico and Mexico City will be extended through February 1, 2021.

President Biden issued a presidential proclamation that bans entry into the U.S. for travelers who were physically present in Brazil, Ireland, the UK, Schengen Area & South Africa in the past 14 days.

Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the current North American border closure will be extended for another month through February 21, 2021.

The incoming Biden administration has announced plans to block President Trump’s executive order ending COVID-19 travel bans in Europe and Brazil.

The Government of the UAE has introduced a COVID-19 travel pass for certain travelers flying from Abu Dhabi. The travel pass will permit passengers with negative COVID-19 test results to fly.

The CDC issued an Order on Jan. 12, 2021 requiring all inbound travelers to the U.S. to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 beginning Jan. 26.

Following the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant in Brazil, the Government of the UK has issued a travel ban for South America and Portugal.

In accordance with governmental decree No. 3675-p, family members of HQS employees may enter Russia.

On Dec. 25, 2020, the CDC issued an Order requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test result for all air passengers arriving from the UK to the U.S., including U.S. Citizens and LPRs.

Many countries have established restrictions on entry and/or visa and permit issuance to limit the spread of COVID-19. Learn about measures introduced by some common destinations.

President Trump has extended Presidential Proclamations (P.P.) 10014 and 10052. The two proclamations, which suspend immigrant and nonimmigrant work visas, will remain in effect through Mar. 31, 2021.