The U.S. announced new travel restrictions this week preventing all travelers from entering the U.S. who were physically present within 14 days in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi, except U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The restriction may expand to other countries as the Omicron variant spreads. It remains unclear whether National Interest Exceptions to previous travel restrictions will remain valid for 12 months as previously announced because Customs and Border Protection stated that any exceptions issued prior to the travel restriction are not valid. 

International travelers entering the U.S. must be vaccinated (with limited exceptions) and must secure a negative COVID test within one day of departure for the U.S.