United States: Southern Africa Travel Ban to Be Terminated on December 31
December 27, 2021
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At a Glance
- President Biden is expected to lift the ban on travel from eight Southern African countries effective 12:01am ET on December 31, 2021.
- Individuals traveling from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe after the ban is lifted will remain subject to U.S. COVID vaccination and testing requirements.
The issue
According to White House officials, President Joe Biden will lift the ban on travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe effective 12:01am ET on December 31, 2021. A forthcoming presidential proclamation is expected to officially announce the ban’s end.
The ban is being terminated on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control. It was originally imposed on November 29 in response to the advent of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
What this means for travelers
When the ban is lifted, individuals who have been physically present in one of the eight affected Southern African states within 14 days of arrival in the United States will be permitted to travel provided that they meet U.S. COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements.
Fragomen is closely monitoring the status of the ban and will issue a client alert when the termination is announced officially.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
