On April 26, 2021, the Foreign Minister has a Determination of national interest in relation to categories of travelers eligible for exemptions under Presidential Proclamations (PPs) 9984, 9992 and 10143 in connection with the spread of COVID-19. As a result of this determination, the National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) to the COVID-19 regional travel bans in force in Brazil, China, Iran and South Africa are now in line with those already in place on the regional bans on travel from Ireland, the UK and Ireland the Schengen area.
As stated in the announcement, travelers from these regions can qualify for NIEs if they want to provide vital support for critical infrastructure. Journalists are NIEs also available; certain students; and certain academics covered by exchange visitor programs. Students and academics subject to these proclamations due to their presence in China, Iran, Brazil or South Africa can only qualify for an NIE if their academic program begins on August 1, 2021 or later.
Qualified travelers who apply for or have a valid visa or ESTA authorization may travel to the United States using the following procedures, although PPs 9984, 9992 and 10143 remain in effect.
- Students with valid F-1 and M-1 visas who wish to start or continue an academic program on August 1, 2021 or later do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to get an individual NIE for travel search. You may enter the USA no earlier than 30 days before the start of your studies. Students wishing to apply for a new F-1 or M-1 visa should check the status of visa services at the nearest embassy or consulate. those applicants who are otherwise qualified for an F-1 or M-1 visa will automatically be considered for an NIE to travel.
- Travelers in the categories described above who have a valid visa of the appropriate class or a valid ESTA authorization to travel under the Visa Waiver Program and who wish to travel for purposes compatible with the ESTA authorization should inform themselves prior to travel contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. if they believe they might qualify for a national interest exception. If a National Interest Exemption is approved, they can travel on either a valid visa or an ESTA authorization.
The State Department continues to grant NIEs to qualified travelers entering the United States for purposes related to humanitarian travel, public health response, and national security. These travelers and anyone else who believes it is in the national interest of the United States to travel should also check the website of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for instructions on how to contact them.
As with all NIEs for qualified travelers entering the United States under a presidential proclamation, the Secretary of State may revise the national interest statement if circumstances warrant.
