The Department of State announced on July 16, 2020 travel ban exceptions to certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics, and students. These travel ban exceptions apply to residents from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States government issue travels bans to many countries including China, the Schengen countries, United Kingdom and Ireland, and most recently Brazil. Currently, none of the travel bans have been lifted.
The Department of State have announced that qualified business and student travelers who are applying for or have valid visas or ESTA authorization may travel to the United States even with the travel bans remaining in effect. Students traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland with valid F-1 and M-1 visas, do not need to seek a national interest exception to travel. Students from those areas who are traveling on a J-1 may contact the nearest embassy or consulate to initiate an exception request.
The Department of State also continues to grant National Interest Exceptions for qualified travelers seeking to enter the United States for purposes related to humanitarian travel, public health response, and national security. Given the general travel ban is still in place, it is recommended that travelers contact airlines, airports, CBP, and other relevant agencies before traveling.
