Important Updates
Important Updates
September 23, 2025 | United KingdomCNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa
September 24, 2025 | ChileChile: Visa-Free Travel Now Available for Australian Visitors
September 24, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesKhaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas
September 24, 2025 | United KingdomPersonnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know
September 24, 2025 | United StatesReuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul
September 23, 2025 | United KingdomCNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa
September 24, 2025 | ChileChile: Visa-Free Travel Now Available for Australian Visitors
September 24, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesKhaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas
September 24, 2025 | United KingdomPersonnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know
September 24, 2025 | United StatesReuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul
September 23, 2025 | United KingdomCNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

President Biden Reinstates COVID-19 Bans for Europe and Brazil, and Adds South Africa

January 25, 2021

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • President Biden has issued a proclamation reinstating and renewing without interruption the regional COVID-19 travel bans in place for Brazil, European Schengen Countries, Ireland and the United Kingdom. These restrictions were set to expire on January 26 per an order by President Trump in his final days in office, but are now in place indefinitely. 
  • The proclamation also makes the Republic of South Africa subject to the COVID-19 travel restrictions, effective 12:01 am EST January 30.
  • Foreign nationals who have been physically present in one of the enumerated countries within 14 days of travel to the United States will be barred from entry, unless they qualify for an exception. 
  • In addition to the restrictions outlined in the proclamation, starting tomorrow, all international travelers over the age of two will be required to take a COVID-19 test prior to flying to the United States. 

The issue

Today, President Joseph Biden issued a presidential proclamation reinstating the COVID-19 travel bans which prohibit the entry of foreign nationals who have been physically present in Brazil, the European Schengen countries, Ireland and the United Kingdom prior to their travel to the United States. These restrictions were scheduled to be lifted on January 26, according to a proclamation issued by President Trump on January 18.  Instead, they will continue without interruption.

Additionally, the proclamation adds the Republic of South Africa to the list of countries to the regional COVID-19 travel bans, starting at 12:01 am EST on January 30, 2021.

The bans will be reviewed every 30 days and will remain in place until terminated by the President.

Travel ban details and implementation

The COVID-19 regional public health bans restrict travel for foreign nationals who have been physically present in an identified country within 14 days of seeking entry to the United States and who do not qualify for a ban exception.

Countries currently affected by these orders include: Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Schengen area countries, which include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. 

South Africa will be added to this list on January 30, 2021. Travelers who have been present in South Africa will be permitted to enter the United States if they are on flights that depart before 12:01 am EST on January 30.  Otherwise, they must fall under an exception or spend 14 days in a non-subject country prior to flying to the United States. 

These aforementioned travel restrictions are in addition to the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order that requires a negative COVID test or evidence of recent COVID recovery for any international travel to the United States starting on January 26. The new CDC requirements affect all travelers ages two years and older – including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents – who are seeking to enter the United States from any foreign country. 

Exceptions to the travel restrictions

The following travelers are not subject to the ban, but may be required to undergo screening and other measures upon arrival:

  • U.S. citizens and nationals;
  • U.S. lawful permanent residents;
  • Spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents;
  • A foreign national who is the parent or legal guardian of an unmarried U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident under the age of 21;
  • A foreign national who is the sibling of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided they are both under 21;
  • A foreign national who is the child, foster child or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States on an IR-4 or IH-4 visa;
  • A foreign national traveling at the invitation of the U.S. government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the COVID-19 virus;
  • A foreign air or sea crewmember;
  • Certain A, C, E-1 (TECRO or TECO employees), G, and NATO nonimmigrants;
  • A foreign national whose entry would further important U.S. law enforcement objectives;
  • A foreign national whose entry would be in the national interest; and
  • Members of the U.S. armed forces and their spouses and children.

 

A previous exception for foreign nationals who, in the CDC’s determination, would not pose a risk of transmitting the virus has been eliminated.

What this means

In light of the addition of South Africa to the ban list, your organization should work quickly to identify foreign employees who may be affected by the ban. Contact your designated Fragomen professionals to discuss available options, which could include urgent travel back to the United States, if possible, or alternative plans.

Organizations and foreign nationals should also be aware that the Biden Administration has ordered the CDC to provide recommendations on the feasibility of implementing a self-quarantine requirement for all international travelers, regardless of origin, which could affect travel to the United States in the future.

Fragomen is closely monitoring implementation of the COVID-19 travel bans and related travel restrictions and will issue follow-up alerts as developments occur. For the latest information related to the coronavirus’ impact on immigration-related matters worldwide, please visit Fragomen’s COVID-19 website. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know

Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.

Learn more

Media mentions

Reuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Learn more

Blog post

Visa Applications and Document Services: Avoiding Delays and Ensuring Compliance

Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Nowe przepisy o zatrudnianiu cudzoziemców 2025. Spada liczba zezwoleń na pracę

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.

Learn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Manager: Flucht und Arbeitsmigration: (noch) ein Dickicht in der Behördenlandschaft

Partner Marius Tollenaere examines Germany’s immigration administration and strategies to support skilled labor.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Associated Press: What to Know About the H-1B Visa Trump Has Targeted With $100,000 Fees, Generating Confusion, Fear

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the potential implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee for employers, universities and research programs relying on international talent.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of UK Residency and Citizenship: Longer Waits, Tougher Rules?

Partner Natasha Catterson discusses how proposed changes to UK residency and citizenship rules could affect immigration planning and applicant eligibility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole Featured in Financial Times Spotlight on 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know

Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.

Learn more

Media mentions

Reuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Learn more

Blog post

Visa Applications and Document Services: Avoiding Delays and Ensuring Compliance

Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Nowe przepisy o zatrudnianiu cudzoziemców 2025. Spada liczba zezwoleń na pracę

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.

Learn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Manager: Flucht und Arbeitsmigration: (noch) ein Dickicht in der Behördenlandschaft

Partner Marius Tollenaere examines Germany’s immigration administration and strategies to support skilled labor.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Associated Press: What to Know About the H-1B Visa Trump Has Targeted With $100,000 Fees, Generating Confusion, Fear

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the potential implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee for employers, universities and research programs relying on international talent.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of UK Residency and Citizenship: Longer Waits, Tougher Rules?

Partner Natasha Catterson discusses how proposed changes to UK residency and citizenship rules could affect immigration planning and applicant eligibility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole Featured in Financial Times Spotlight on 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.