Updated Jan 3, 2022: This restriction has now been rescinded.
On November 26, the federal Health and Human Services classified a new COVID-19 variant Omicron as a Variant of Concern.
Under a presidential proclamation issued November 26, the following restriction took effect at 12:01 a.m. (EST) on Monday, November 29 and applies to individuals who have recently traveled to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe and wish to enter the United States:
- Foreign nationals (not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident) – other than immediate family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents and few other very limited exceptions – who have traveled to one of these countries within the last 14 days will be denied entry into the United States. The presidential proclamation describes who may qualify as an immediate family member of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or under the other very limited exceptions.
Currently, no exception exists for foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States on F-1, J-1, or H-1B visas.
The worldwide COVID-19 vaccination requirement under the presidential proclamation issued October 25 remains in effect. Please see the previous ISSS Immigration Alert for more information on the worldwide COVID-19 vaccination requirement for entry into the United States.
These restrictions will remain in effect until the president terminates them.
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 for the United States and other countries 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.
We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the CU Boulder community. We are here to support you so please reach out to us if you need anything.