International travel has always come with risks and special precautions to heed. No matter where you are coming from or going to, how you are traveling, etc., a plethora of factors can affect what is required for international travel. Keeping government-issued photo ID with you and maintaining a valid passport and visa has always been important, but there are additional factors to keep into account. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, now, more than ever, it is imperative to keep up to date with the changing requirements, particularly those requiring updated health information.

While myriad countries have lifted many of the original restrictions placed at the start of the pandemic, governments including the United States continue to place restrictions as a precaution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, continue to update their website with the changing requirements, so best practice is to check their page for international travel to see what is currently being asked of individuals. Each country may have its own requirements for exit and entry, so before any travel, check requirements for any country you will be traveling through.

While preparing to make definitive travel plans leaving the United States, be sure to keep up to date on all requirements. As of April 2022, the CDC no longer is requiring a facemask be worn on public transportation or in public hubs, but still strongly recommends them. When a non-citizen is attempting to enter the United States, be it by air, land, or sea, please make sure to have proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read more here.

The above requirements are specifically targeted at noncitizens who are nonimmigrants and seeking to enter the United States. Those who fall under this category must show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or else they will not be allowed to come to the U.S., unless a special exemption applies. For a list of exemptions please click here.

U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are not held to the above restrictions.

If you have any questions about international travel, please contact your assigned RIS Attorney.