For the past couple of months, we have been tracking updates on the U.S. government’s plan to lift the travel restrictions that had been placed on entries to the U.S. The day we have been waiting for has finally arrived! Effective today, November 8, 2021, U.S. land borders have reopened for nonessential travel and the various geographic-based restrictions on U.S. entry have been lifted.
This restriction-lifting also comes with the requirement that all who are entering the U.S. be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. If you are travelling to the U.S., you should expect to be required to present proof of full vaccination. Additionally, if you are travelling by air, you will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before travel.
Since many people have been unable to easily travel to the U.S. for so long, there may be increased delays initially. However, this change may also signal that the backlog of applications at the U.S. Consulates will begin decreasing since more cases can be processed and the Consulates will be less bogged down by applications for exceptions and waivers to the previous travel restrictions.
It is great that we will finally be able to welcome more people to the U.S. again!
Alexander Farquhar
Senior Associate Attorney – Dallas, Texas
Tidwell, Swaim & Farquhar, P.C.
