Published: Nov. 1, 2021

On October 25, 2021, President Biden released a presidential proclamation which eliminated COVID-19 entry restrictions for air travel based upon the departure country and replaces them with a worldwide COVID-19 vaccination requirement with limited exceptions. 

See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below for details about this new restriction. Please note that FAQs are based on the currently available information in and related to the proclamation.  

Frequently Asked Questions

The effective date for the presidential proclamation is November 8 at 12:01 a.m. (EST).

The presidential proclamation will remain in effect until the president terminates it.

The vaccination requirement applies to any foreign national entering the United States on a nonimmigrant visa (e.g. student, Exchange Visitor, and employment visas) via air travel. The presidential proclamation does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and foreign nationals entering on an immigrant (“green card”) visa.

Yes. Limited exceptions to the requirement are detailed in the presidential proclamation and, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order, the White House Fact Sheet, and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) published by the U.S. Department of State as well as the FAQs published by the CDC.

No. The new restriction does not require anyone in the United States to depart. The restrictions do not affect the immigration status for those who are already present in the United States. The U.S. government will not ask them to leave the country as long as they maintain their current immigration status. The presidential proclamation does not require individuals already in the United States to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination or provide proof of one to maintain their immigration status.

No, the presidential proclamation does not impact visa issuance. It applies to entry to the U.S. via air travel.

Yes, both fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated individuals entering the United States by air travel must have a negative COVID-19 viral test. The CDC website provides additional details about the testing requirement. As of December 6, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. (EST), all air passengers to the United States must have a negative COVID-19 viral test taken no more than 1 day before travel or have documentation that they have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before boarding their flight.

The CDC FAQs website lists the acceptable COVID-19 vaccinations as well as what documents (electronic and/or print) will be accepted as official proof of vaccination.

The CDC website lists the countries which the CDC considers as having limited COVID-19 vaccine availability and how to apply for an exception to the requirement on this basis.

Travel Plans

Please keep these new requirements in mind if you plan on departing the United States and/or intend on returning to the United States. Also, please bear in mind that entry requirements are subject to change based upon the global pandemic situation.

Reaching Out

We understand that these may be stressful times for international students and scholars given the many uncertainties caused by the pandemic. CU Boulder can assist you to navigate any challenges. Campus resources include the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA), 303-492-8855, which offers 24/7 phone support for students, faculty and staff; Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), 303-492-2277, which offers 24/7 phone support for students; and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), 303-492-3020, which offers support for faculty and staff.

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is here to support the international campus community. Please feel free to make an appointment for an ISSS Zoom Advising session, drop by for in person advising at the ISSS office, or reach out to us by email.

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