President Biden issued a Proclamation that took effect at 12:01 am EST on November 29th, 2021 banning the entry of foreign nationals who have been physically present in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe within 14 days of travel to the United States, unless they qualify for an exception or exemption.
As with prior regional travel bans, the new ban does not apply to citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and certain relatives of citizens and LPRs as well as certain classes on nonimmigrants such as diplomats and transiting crew members. The Proclamation also references that exceptions will be made for travel deemed in the “National Interest” but it is not yet clear whether the National Interest Exception (NIE) criteria will be the same as they were under the prior regional travel bans.
The Proclamation also indicates that even individuals who qualify for an exception or exemption to the travel ban will still be required to comply with the Administration’s new COVID vaccination and testing requirements, which took effect earlier this month on November 8th, 2021.
D&S will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as they become available.