The U.S. Department of State has provided new guidance concerning the extension of the validity of National Interest Exceptions (NIE). Per a memo released on July 6, 2021, NIE’s are now 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. This 12-month approval period may also be approved retroactively.
NIE’s are required for travelers subject to the series of Presidential Proclamations initially imposed to curtail the spread of COVID-19 These include Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 10143, 10199, and currently effect anyone who is currently in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India or who has been present in any of those countries in the preceding 14 days.
This update is one of several important changes affecting travel to the United States from abroad. While the restrictions will likely evolve over the coming week and moths, it is impossible to predict how the coronavirus may impact international travel. Wildes & Weinberg recommends that anyone who is potentially subject to the travel proclamations schedule a consultation before booking travel. For more information, feel free to email info@wildeslaw.com