Current Travel Guidance

New COVID Test Requirement for Travelers From China, Hong Kong, or Macau

Effective January 5, 2023, the U.S. implemented a requirement for a negative COVID-19 test from all air passengers boarding flights to the United States originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong or Macau, as well as those passengers transiting through Seoul, Toronto, and Vancouver, and who have been in China, Hong Kong, or Macau in the past 10 days. Read this news article for more details and plan accordingly.

Proof of Vaccination

If you are not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or U.S. permanent resident,  you must show proof of being fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine before you board your flight to the United States. Limited exceptions apply. 

This requirement applies to entries by air and through a land border or ferry terminal. 

For additional details, refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s resources for international travel. 

Visa Appointment Availability & Visa Interview Waivers

Unless you are a Canadian citizen, you must have a valid visa to enter the U.S. While U.S. visa processing has improved significantly, you should should still apply well in advance, as some U.S. Embassy and Consulates have not still resumed normal operations. This is causing delays in visa processing in certain parts of the world.

The Department of State announced that U.S. embassy or consulates can waive the visa interview requirement for those who are applying for a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification and whose visa has expired within 48 months. This policy is in effect until 12/31/2023.

Chinese Institutions and Funding 

Presidential Proclamation 10043  (May 29, 2020) may affect visa issuance and/or entry to the United States for an individual from the People's Republic of China (PRC) seeking to enter the United Stateson a F or J visa .  Proc 10043 may be applicable to an individual who “…receives funding from or who currently is employed by, studies at, or conducts research at or on behalf of… an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s 'military-civil fusion strategy” or in the past “has been employed by, studied at, or conducted research at or on behalf of… an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s 'military-civil fusion strategy.'”  Please contact your OISS adviser if you have questions.  You can read more about Proc10043 here.

Visa and Travel Considerations for Ukrainian Students and Scholars

Details about non-immigrant visa issuances for citizens of Ukraine, as well as other resources.

U.S. Consular Operations in Russia and Belarus

Details about F and J Visa Processing for Residents in Russia