Schengen, U.K., Ireland, and Brazil Travel Restrictions Lifted

On January 18, 2021, the President issued a proclamation lifting the previously enacted restrictions on travelers from the Schengen Area (an area of Europe comprising 26 states), the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil.

This new proclamation goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 26, 2021, which coincides with the CDC’s order that travelers to the United States must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test beginning on that date.

The Schengen, U.K. and Ireland, and Brazilian  travel restrictions, which went into effect on March 11, March 14, and May 24, 2020 respectively, precluded foreign nationals from entering the United States if they had been in the affected regions at any point during the preceding 14 days before their scheduled arrival to the United States. 

Please note that this proclamation will not reverse the other COVID-19-related entry restrictions, including those concerning arrivals from China and Iran.  It has been reported that the incoming Biden administration may implement additional public health measures regarding international travel in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

For more information, please read the official proclamation.