News & Announcements

On January 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of State announced that due to limited consular operations in Moscow, Russia that multiple posts have been designated for processing certain nonimmigrant visa applications for individuals residing in Russia. Click on title for full details.

On December 23, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) announced that it has lifted the restrictions on “Non-Essential Travel” (e.g., for tourism purposes) for fully vaccinated individuals traveling through land and ferry ports-of-entry between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Click on title for full details.

On December 28, 2021, U.S. President Joseph Biden issued a Proclamation that revokes the prohibition on entry to the U.S. by non-U.S. citizens who had been physically present in 8 countries of Southern Africa (prohibition established by Presidential Proclamation 10315 on November 26, 2021). Click on title for full details.

On November 26, 2021, U.S. President Biden issued a Proclamation that suspends boarding a flight and/or entry to the United States by non-U.S. citizens who have been physically present in any of the following countries within the immediately prior 14 days: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi,  Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe. Click on title for full details.

On October 12, 2021, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security announced that, beginning in November 2021, non-essential travelers (for example, tourists, friends and family visitors) who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, will be permitted to enter the U.S. from Canada and Mexico via land border and ferry crossings by showing appropriate documentation. Click on title for full details.

On October 25, 2021 President Biden issued a Proclamation, effective November 8, 2021, removing most travel restrictions on entry to the U.S. by nonimmigrant air travelers.

UPDATED 10/21/2021: US Department of Homeland Security/Customs and Border Protection has extended the restrictions on “non-essential travel” across the land borders between Canada and the US, and between Mexico and the US. Notices were published in the Federal Register, indicating that the non-essential travel restrictions will remain in place until January 21, 2022.

On August 12, 2021, the U.S Department of State updated their website posting on National Interest Exemptions (NIE) with some additional frequently asked questions (FAQ). Click on title for full details.

On July 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced an Extension of validity for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for Travelers from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India. Click on title for full details.

On May 27, 2021, the U.S. Department of State provided updated guidance regarding certain individuals traveling to the U.S (including those in F and M student visa status and certain academics in J exchange visitor programs) from the restricted countries mentioned below.” Click on title for full details.

On April 30, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation/Executive Order adding India to the list of countries subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions for entry to the U.S. within 14 days of being physically present in India. Click on title for full details.

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia website indicates that routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services have been suspended. Click on title for full details.