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Who is allowed to travel to the US from November 8?
The core requirement is straightforward: if you are fully vaccinated, you can travel to the US without needing a National Interest Exception (NIE) and without the country-specific restrictions that had been blocking travellers from India, China, the EU, the UK, and several other countries for the past 18 months. This is the restriction that has finally been lifted.
"Fully vaccinated" has a specific meaning here. It means at least two weeks must have passed since your second dose of an approved vaccine. The vaccine itself must be recognised by either the WHO or the FDA — vaccines on the emergency use listing are also being accepted. If both of those conditions apply to you, you are eligible to travel.
This vaccine requirement applies to non-immigrant visa holders — the category that was most heavily affected by the travel ban. So if you hold a B2, F1, H1B, or any other non-immigrant visa and you are fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine, you can now plan your trip.
What are the rules for children?
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Book a Mock InterviewChildren under the age of 18 are exempt from the vaccination requirement. However, they are not entirely off the hook when it comes to COVID rules. Children between the ages of 2 and 18 are still required to show a negative COVID test in order to travel to the US. So while your child does not need to be vaccinated, you do need to plan for the testing requirement.
Do I still need a COVID test even if I am vaccinated?
Yes — even if you are fully vaccinated, a negative COVID test is mandatory. You must have tested negative within three days of your arrival in the US. Make sure you plan your test date carefully so that the result falls within that three-day window before you land.
What documents do you need to carry?
Along with your passport and valid US visa, you will need to carry a vaccination certificate that shows you have been fully vaccinated with one of the approved vaccines. This certificate is required to board your flight — not just for entry into the US. Make sure you have it with you at the airport.
These are the guidelines as they stand right now. Things are evolving quickly, and updates are coming in regularly. I will keep sharing the latest information as it comes, so stay close for any changes that could affect your travel plans.
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