Foreign nationals planning to travel internationally should expect longer than usual wait times at U.S. consulates and U.S. Ports of Entry (POE) especially during the upcoming holiday season. One should consider additional factors such as evolving COVID-19 policies worldwide and updated U.S. vaccination requirements. The following provides answers to frequently asked questions related to international travel to the U.S. 

What are the current COVID-19 requirements when flying into the U.S.?

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is not required in order to board an international flight for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or those traveling to the U.S. on an immigrant visa. However, proof of having taken all the required vaccinations is required for nonimmigrants traveling to the U.S. by air against COVID-19, unless the person is able to demonstrate eligibility for an exception. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a comprehensive set of rules on international air travel, including a list of acceptable vaccines. COVID testing is no longer a requirement for international travel.

1. Who is eligible for an exception to the vaccine requirement to travel to the U.S.?

Vaccinations are not required for certain categories of nonimmigrants to board a flight to the U.S. These include:

• • Children under 18 years of age.
• • Persons with valid U.S. visas (other than B-1 or B-2 visas) who are citizens of countries with limited vaccine availability.  
• • Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception.
• • Persons with documented medical contraindications to the COVID-19 vaccine.

A complete list of individuals who may be exempt from the vaccine requirement and a full set of public health requirements for unvaccinated foreign nationals can be found on the CDC website.

2. What type of evidence is required to show proof of vaccination? 

The U.S. will accept either digital or paper documentation to verify an individual’s vaccination status. However, it must contain all of the following information:

• • Biographical information that matches the foreign national’s travel documents.
• • Name of official source issuing the record (e.g., public health agency, government agency, or other authorized vaccine provider).
• • Vaccine manufacturer and date(s) of vaccination.

3. What are the passport and visa validity requirements for international travelers?

Generally, the foreign national’s passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the anticipated duration of stay in the U.S. to avoid the risk of a shorter duration I-94 card issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the POE. Some countries are exempted from the six-month requirement, however, they still need to have their passports valid for their duration of stay. This list can be found here.  The visa stamp in a foreign national’s passport must reflect the current nonimmigrant visa status that must show it is an unexpired visa. Valid visas on old expired passports can continue to be used for travel during their validity.

4. What documents do I need to carry for admission to the U.S.?

At a port of entry in the U.S., the CBP will require foreign nationals to show additional evidence of work authorization or a USCIS approval, in addition to a passport and valid visa stamp. Documents vary by visa classification but may include an original I-797, Approval Notice; endorsed Form I-129S; Advance Parole Document; Employment Authorization Document (EAD); Form DS-2019 with travel authorization; and/or endorsed Form I-20. An individual with pending I-485, Adjustment of Status (AOS) application must have a valid original Advance Parole travel document issued prior to departing the U.S. or obtain an H1B or L1 visa stamp to re-enter the U.S. and ensure that the AOS will continue to be processed.

5. After entry, how long can I stay in the U.S.?

The expiration date on the I-94 signifies the expiration of eligibility to remain in valid legal status in the U.S. Since the CBP has stopped stamping passports at entry, each traveler should obtain a copy of their I-94 online from the CBP website. after clearing customs at the U.S. POE. Overstaying beyond the date endorsed on the I-94 card could have serious consequences.
 
Conclusion

As international travel reaches pre-pandemic levels, foreign nationals may encounter long wait times when applying for a visa. It is safest to plan ahead to minimize delays when seeking to enter the U.S.