Travel Restrictions Lifted for Those Who Have Been Vaccinated

COVID-19 has had a large impact on the immigration process. But, restrictions are being lifted and travel to and from the U.S. is becoming commonplace again. Read on to learn more about international travel for vaccinated individuals.

You are considered fully vaccinated if it has been two weeks since your second shot of a two-dose vaccine, such as Moderna or Pfizer. You will also be considered fully vaccinated if it has been two weeks since your one-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson-Johnson vaccine.

Regarding travel, the CDC has announced the following:

• You must pay close attention to the situation at your international destination before traveling outside the United States.
• It is not necessary to get a covid test before leaving the United States unless your destination requires it.
• You do need to show a negative test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding an international flight to the United States.
• In terms of testing, you should still get tested 3-5 days after international travel, but you no longer need to quarantine once you have entered the United States.
• If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms. That being said, if you live or work in a correctional or detention facility or a homeless shelter and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.

In accordance, USCIS has stated “those who have returned from domestic air, international air or cruise ship travel in the past 10 days may enter USCIS facilities if they are fully vaccinated. Individuals who have been in close contact (within six feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with anyone known to have COVID-19 in the previous 14 days may also enter USCIS facilities if they are fully vaccinated. Healthcare workers who consistently wear an N95 respirator and proper personal protective equipment or equivalent when in contact with COVID-19 positive individuals continue to be exempt from reporting close contact.”

If you have any questions or concerns regarding travel to and from the U.S., our firm is here to help. Reach out today to speak with an immigration attorney.

Katona & Associates, PLLC is an experienced, highly dedicated New York City immigration law firm located in lower Manhattan. Our firm works with clients in all matters of immigration law, including employment immigration, family immigration, deportation defense, green cards, and citizenship. Contact us to discuss your case and get the help you need.