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National Interest Exceptions

During the week of April 26-30, the U.S. Secretary of State made updates to National Interest Exceptions for individuals subject to the three COVID-19 related presidential proclamations limiting travel to the United States by individuals who were physically present in a covered country during the 14-day period prior to their planned entry or attempted entry to the United States.

The covered countries include: Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland), United Kingdom, and South Africa.

Update May 3, 2021: The U.S. Secretary of State has updated its National Interest Exception (NIE) page to include eligible individuals traveling from India as well.

Students with valid F-1 visas who are subject to one of these geographic travel bans due to COVID-19, who will begin or continue their academic program on August 1, 2021 or later will automatically receive a National Interest Exception (NIE) to allow for entry into the United States.

For students with a valid F-1 visa who wish to begin their academic program or enter the U.S. to continue their academic program prior to August 1, 2021 are encouraged to contact their U.S. Embassy before traveling to determine if they will need to apply for a NIE to enter the U.S.

Students or scholars with a valid J-1 visa who are subject to one of these geographic travel bands due to COVID-19, who will begin or continuetheir program on August 1, 2021 or later, are eligible for a National Interest Exception, which will allow for entry into the U.S. Please contact your U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a National Interest Exception (NIE).

Last Updated: 3/22/23