Department of State Extends Validity Period for National Interest Exceptions to 1 Year

On July 6, 2021, the Department of State (DOS) announced that it is extending the validity of National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for travelers subject to travel restrictions/bans related to the spread of COVID-19, which currently apply to travelers from the U.K., the Schengen area (Western Europe), India, China, Brazil, and South Africa. 

NIEs will now be valid for 12 months from the date of approval, and for multiple entries, as long as they are used for the purpose under which they were granted, unless otherwise indicated. This 12 month/multiple entry extension applies retroactively to all existing NIEs approved in the last 12 months.

For more information about the extension, please see the DOS’ official announcement.