U.S. Imposes Travel Ban from Southern African Regions Effective November 29, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 “Omicron” variant outbreak unfolding in several southern African regions, President Biden has issued a Proclamation that, effective November 29, 2021, suspends entry into the U.S. for certain nonimmigrants who were physically present in Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of South Africa, and the Republic of Zimbabwe during the fourteen (14) day period preceding their entry or attempted entry. U.S. citizens, as well as the following classes of noncitizens, are exempt from the travel ban: The Proclamation mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security establish procedures to prevent restricted noncitizens from boarding U.S.-bound aircraft. Further, any restricted noncitizen who, through fraud, misrepresentation, or illegal entry, attempts to circumvent the restriction, shall be prioritized for removal. As stated above, the Proclamation will take effect on November 29, 2021. It will not apply to any person who boarded a U.S.-bound flight that departed prior to 12:01am EST on November 29, 2021. The Proclamation shall remain in effect until terminated by the President. The Outside GC Immigration Team strongly advises its corporate clients to discourage their restricted noncitizen employees from traveling to the aforementioned regions until President Biden terminates the Proclamation. If such travel is unavoidable, the employee should be prepared to remain abroad for an extended period. As the U.S. government learns more about the transmissibility and lethality of the Omicron variant, additional travel bans may be issued against other affected regions. The Outside GC Immigration Team will provide additional updates and advice on an ongoing basis. Please do not hesitate to contact the Outside GC Immigration Team at lgeisinger@outsidegc.com or efarwell@outsidegc.com with any questions.