FACT SHEET
Presidential Proclamation restricting travel of foreign nationals (including Brazilians) from Brazil to the United States
Q. Who is exempt from this Proclamation?
- U.S. citizens
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States;
- Foreign national spouses of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident;
- Foreign national parents or legal guardians of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is unmarried and under the age of 21;
- Foreign national siblings of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that both are unmarried and under the age of 21;
- Foreign national children, foster children, or wards of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications;
- Foreign nationals traveling at the invitation of the United States Government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the virus;
- Foreign nationals traveling as a nonimmigrant pursuant to a C-1, D, or C-1/D nonimmigrant visa as a crewmember or any alien otherwise traveling to the United States as air or sea crew;
- Foreign nationals seeking entry into or transiting the United States pursuant to one of the following visa categories:
- foreign government official or immediate family member of an official);
- employee of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), also known as the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) or the employee’s immediate family members;
- diplomats, government officials, and international organization employees who are visiting the United States temporarily for a governmental purpose;
- those whose travel falls within the scope of section 11 of the United Nations Headquarters Agreement.
- Foreign nationals whose entry would not pose a significant risk of introducing, transmitting, or spreading the virus, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the CDC Director or designee;
- Foreign nationals whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees, based on a recommendation of the Attorney General or his designee;
- Foreign nationals whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their designees; or
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and spouses and children of members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to affect any individual’s eligibility for asylum.
Q. Why is this restriction being placed on travelers from Brazil?
- As stated in the Proclamation, the President determined that restricting travel of foreign nationals, of any nationality, from Brazil, given the potential for undetected transmission of the virus by infected individuals traveling from Brazil into the United States, is necessary to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the United States. Brazil instituted similar restrictions on March 30 and has extended them twice sense then to help prevent spread of COVID-19.
Q. When might the restrictions be lifted?
- This proclamation shall remain in effect until terminated by the President. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall recommend that the President continue, modify, or terminate this proclamation as described in section 5 of Proclamation 9984, as amended.
Q: Will current visa holders be subject to these entry restrictions?
- These measures apply to all foreign national travelers, regardless of nationality, but based on travelers’ physical presence in Brazil. Current visa holders who have been present in Brazil including for transit during the 14 days prior to entry to the United States will be subject to these entry restrictions.
Q. What will the State Department do to assist U.S. citizens leaving Brazil in light of the President’s announcement?
- U.S. citizens should make plans to depart using commercial travel options, which remain readily available in most areas.
Q. Will U.S. citizens and others excepted from this Proclamation who return to the United States from Brazil be placed under quarantine?
- The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that those arriving from international travel should self-quarantine for 14 and take steps to monitor their health and practice social distancing. See the CDC’s website for more information.
Q. If I transit through any airport in Brazil, will I be prohibited from entering the United States for 14 days?
- Any foreign national who transits an airport (even without leaving the airport) in Brazil will be subject to the entry restrictions set forth in this Proclamation.
Q. Will commercial flights continue to be available between the United States and Brazil?
- This proclamation does not suspend commercial airline flights. U.S. citizens can continue traveling from the Brazil to the United States, and Brazilians can continue returning to Brazil from the United States. Cargo shipments on passenger flights and cargo-specific flights can also continue. Any flight changes are dependent upon commercial airlines’ individual decisions.
Q. How do I apply for an exemption?
- Those who seek to qualify for one of the national interest exemption categories can contact the nearest consular section at the Embassy or one of our consulates. See the Embassy Visa Page for contact information. Please note that national interest exemptions are very limited and apply to those who could perform work essential to combating, recovering from, or otherwise alleviating the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak or for which law enforcement or national security interests apply.
Q. How do I apply for a visa?
- Those who fall into one of the exemption categories, and who have a need for travel, can contact the nearest consular section at the Embassy or one of our consulates. See the Embassy Visa Page for contact information.
Q. Will those with valid visas, who wish to return to the United States to continue studies, exchange programs, medical treatment, etc. be subject to these entry restrictions?
- These measures apply to all foreign national travelers, regardless of nationality, and are based on travelers’ physical presence in Brazil. Current visa holders who have been present in Brazil including for transit during the 14 days prior to entry to the United States will be subject to these entry restrictions and cannot travel to the United States at this time.
Q. Will those who wish to visit ill family in the United States be subject to these restrictions?
- Yes. The restrictions apply to all foreign national travelers, regardless of nationality, who have been in Brazil during the 14 days prior to entry to seeking entry to the United States, unless they qualify in one of the limited exempted categories in the proclamation. All others are subject to the restrictions. See the proclamation for further details.
Q. I am a student planning to travel to the United States for my studies or exchange program on an F or J class visa. Will I be subject to these restrictions?
- Yes. The restrictions apply to all foreign national travelers, regardless of nationality, who have been in Brazil during the 14 days prior to entry to seeking entry to the United States, unless they qualify in one of the limited exempted categories in the proclamation. All others are subject to the restrictions. See the proclamation for further details.
Q. I am seeking medical treatment in the United States. Will I be subject to these restrictions?
- Yes. The restrictions apply to all foreign national travelers, regardless of nationality, who have been in Brazil during the 14 days prior to entry to seeking entry to the United States, unless they qualify in one of the limited exempted categories in the proclamation. All others are subject to the restrictions. See the proclamation for further details.
Q. What are the exceptions to this Presidential Proclamation? Are diplomats and crew members excepted?
- We refer you to the full text of the Proclamation here for all of the exceptions. Holders of diplomatic visas (A class) and crew members (C and D class) are excepted.
