Covid-19 Prevention and Travel Requirements!
By
Dev B. Viswanath, Esq.
We are also being hit by a new virus strain that appears to be significantly more contagious than the previously known strains as the United States prepares to welcome Joseph Biden Jr. as its next president. In order to ensure that as many people as possible are protected, this has encouraged and pressed the Biden administration to significantly expand the distribution of the vaccine. It is alarming that there have already been 400,000 deaths in the United States, with another 100,000 occurring within the next three to four weeks.
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President Trump, through the Department of State, has lifted its ban on individuals traveling into the United States from several countries, including Schengen Visas, Brazil, Iran, and China, among other countries, in anticipation of the incoming administration and for reasons that I believe are without a doubt related to making things more difficult, without any other reasonable explanation. As a result, many people who have a visa waiver or visa will immediately attempt to purchase a ticket and will land in the United States before President Biden can re-implement the ban. In light of the pandemic, the incoming Biden administration has already stated that they would like to reopen travel into the United States in a responsible manner and put in place protocols to provide protections for the nation.
In light of this, a new rule has been enacted requiring travellers to take negative COVID-19 tests before entering the United States. Numerous nations have already begun to adhere to this rule.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all passengers flying into the United States to present a COVID-19 test that was negative within 72 hours of departure as of January 26. Before allowing passengers to board, airlines must verify that every passenger had a negative test result. If passengers do not provide documentation of a positive test or recovery, airlines must deny passengers boarding. The procedure for applying for a visa is distinct from this requirement. No matter what their test results or vaccination status are, subject potential travelers are still subject to all Presidential Proclamations restricting COVID-19 travel. All pre-departure testing requirements remain in effect for travelers with a National Interest Exception.
With the added protections provided by this rule, the United States will hopefully be able to take proactive steps to increase visa issuance and consular visa appointments. If the new president keeps his word about his plans to make big changes to the immigration system, we can expect 2021 to be a very productive year for those who have a stake in how the country handles immigration.
Contact an experienced immigration professional if you or a loved one are interested in learning more about changes to the immigration process or travel restrictions in the Covid 19 era.
