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Dear international students and visiting scholars,

As anticipated, the U.S. has confirmed plans to change the entry requirements for non-citizen entry to the U.S., effective November 8, 2021, 12:01 am. Read the full proclamation here. Some key points from this proclamation include the following: 

• The geographic entry restrictions that previously restricted travel from Brazil, China, India, Iran, South Africa, UK, Ireland, and Schengen Area of Europe will be lifted.   

• A vaccination requirement will go into effect, requiring all noncitizen air travelers to the U.S. to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The definition of fully vaccinated, accepted vaccines, and documentation guidelines are outlined here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/proof-of-vaccination.html#covid-vaccines. Proof of negative COVID-19 test will still be required to travel.

• Noncitizen travelers who are coming on nonimmigrant visas other than B-1/B-2 (such as F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2) and who are citizens of the countries listed here may qualify for an exemption of the vaccination requirement. The country list will be updated every 90 days.

• Travelers who qualify for an exemption to the vaccine requirement will need to be tested for COVID-19 with a viral test 3-5 days after travel, self-quarantine for 7 days and isolate if you test positive. If your stay is longer than 60 days, you will need to obtain a vaccination within 60 days after arrival (some exceptions apply).  

• Full details for noncitizens traveling to the U.S. can be found on the CDC web page: Non-U.S. citizen, Non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Read this carefully if you intend to travel to the U.S. in the coming months. 

Although the proclamation included certain exemptions to the vaccine requirement, we understand there could still be international students and visiting scholars who are negatively impacted by this policy change. Please reach out to ISSS if you need assistance to understand how this requirement applies to you and your plans for travel to the U.S.

ISSS will discuss these updates further at our next Stay Informed! meeting, which will take place on November 3 at 12 pm. Join the meeting here, and please contact [log in to unmask] if you have questions.