President Revokes Proclamation Suspending Entry of Certain People Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Omicron Variant

On December 28, 2021, President Biden revoked Presidential Proclamation 10315, which had suspended entry of certain individuals physically present in countries where the Omicron variant of COVID-19 had been detected. DOS subsequently issued guidance on the rescission of the travel restrictions on Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, which will take effect December 31, 2021, at 12:01 am (ET). Vaccine requirements will remain in effect.

• Presidential Proclamation of December 28, 2021, Revoking Proclamation 10315 (87 FR 149, 1/3/22)
• DOS Guidance on Rescission of Travel Restrictions on Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
• CBP Guidance to Carrier Liaison Program on Revocation of Presidential Proclamation 10315

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On 11/26/21, the White House issued a proclamation suspending and limiting the entry for certain immigrants and nonimmigrants who were physically present in countries where the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected. (86 FR 68385, 12/1/21)

• Republic of Botswana
• Kingdom of Eswatini
• Kingdom of Lesotho
• Republic of Malawi
• Republic of Mozambique
• Republic of Namibia
• Republic of South Africa
• Republic of Zimbabwe

This proclamation is effective at 12:01 am (ET) on November 29, 2021. This proclamation does not apply to persons aboard a flight scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed prior to 12:01 am (ET) on November 29, 2021.

AILA Public Statements

• AILA President Allen Orr Responds to Latest Travel Bans – December 1, 2021
• Think Immigration: Family Separations that First Occurred Under the Trump Muslim and Africa Bans Continue – December 1, 2021
• Policy Brief: Reopening America - How DOS Can Reduce Delays and Eliminate Backlogs and Inefficiencies to Create a Welcoming America – June 29, 2021

Practice Assistance

• Practice Pointer: COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Travelers to the United States
• Practice Alert: Summary of Omicron Presidential Proclamation

Other Government Guidance

• CDC Notice of Amended COVID-19 Test Requirement for Aircraft Passengers (86 FR 69256, 12/7/21)
• DOS Guidance: New Requirements for Air Travelers to the U.S. – December 3, 2021
• CRS Report: COVID-19 Restrictions on Noncitizen Travel – December 2, 2021
• DOS Guidance: Presidential Proclamation Restricting Travel from Southern Africa – November 28, 2021
• CBP Carrier Liaison Program: Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 – November 28, 2021

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Cite as AILA Doc. No. 21112981.

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