With few exceptions, four presidential proclamations currently suspend entry into the United States of all noncitizens who were physically present in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The presidential proclamations do not apply to certain travelers whose entry would be in the national interest. Examples of those who may apply for a National Interest Exception (NIE) include those traveling to provide vital support to critical infrastructure, journalists, those traveling due to extraordinary humanitarian circumstances, or those traveling in support of national security or public health.

On June 29, 2021, the U.S. Department of State extended the validity of NIEs for travelers from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India. This extension applies to NIEs granted in the last 12 months. Under the new policy, NIEs will be valid for 12 months from the date of approval and for multiple entries, so long as the NIE is used for the purpose stated in the original approval.

This announcement comes as welcome news for all recipients of national interest exceptions to the presidential proclamations, who prior to June 29, 2021, were allowed only a single entry valid for only 30 days from approval.