Information About COVID-19 and Travel to the United States
Please go here (PDF 22 KB) for information on National Interest Exceptions (NIEs)
We understand the current regulations regarding travel to the United States are complex. There are multiple Presidential Proclamations currently in effect that govern entrance into the United States. Please see Frequently Asked Questions published by the Department of State about the current status of visa services worldwide and visa restrictions related to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Please be sure to read the information below relevant to your specific circumstances. If you require further information, contact us at luxembourgconsular@state.
President Biden signed a presidential proclamation on Monday, January 25, 2021, reinstating the travel restrictions previously imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals who have been physically present in the countries identified in the proclamation in the 14 days immediately preceding arrival are prohibited from entering the United States. These countries include:
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe;
- The Republic of Ireland;
- The 26 countries that comprise the 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);
- The Federative Republic of Brazil;
- The Republic of South Africa
In addition to the Presidential Proclamation prohibiting travel from the countries listed above, the previous proclamations prohibiting travel from Iran and China remain in effect.
As of March 3, 2021, the work and business categories of National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) have changed. For business travelers, the U.S. Embassy can only consider NIE applications from those individuals who will contribute to the installation, acquisition, maintenance, and participation in essential safety training that supports critical infrastructure in the U.S., in the following sectors: chemical, commercial facilities, communications, critical manufacturing, dams, defense industrial base, emergency services, energy, financial services, food and agriculture, government facilities, healthcare and public health, information technology, nuclear reactors, transportation, and water/wastewater systems. All travelers must be engaged in hands-on work to be considered for an NIE; most managers and executives will not qualify.
Other individuals currently eligible to apply for an NIE may include, but are not limited to: travelers receiving lifesaving medical treatment, travelers providing humanitarian care for a close family member in lawful status in the Unites States; journalists; students; professional athletes; and certain academic and U.S.-government funded exchange visitors.
Effective January 26, 2021, any traveler to the United States must present a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding at the airport. This restriction has been implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please read more here. The Department of State recommends the CDC website for the most up-to-date information regarding quarantine regulations in the United States. There are a number of exceptions to existing Presidential Proclamations. If you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have an urgent need to travel to the United States, please review your category below for detailed information on possible exceptions: