Friday, March 12, 2021
On March 2, 2021, the Department of State issued updated guidance on the National Interest Exception (NIE) for the COVID-related travel ban to the United States from individuals who are in the Schengen Area, the U.K. or Ireland. This guidance restricts eligibility for an NIE waiver of the travel ban.
By way of background, the Schengen travel ban was implemented in a Proclamation issued by President Trump on March 13, 2020. This travel ban requires that individuals present in the Schengen Area, the U.K. or Ireland either obtain a waiver of the ban, or quarantine in a third country for 14 days prior to entering the United States. There are a number of individuals who are exempt from this ban. For additional information on the Schengen travel ban, please visit our prior alert.