National Interest Exemptions Automatically Extended for 12 Months
On July 6, 2021, Department of State (DOS) provided guidance confirming reports of National Interest Exemption (NIE)s issued in the last 12 months being automatically extended for 12 months from the date of approval, and for multiple entries, as long as they are used for the purpose under which they were granted. The extension applies to NIEs for travelers subject to Presidential Proclamations 9984 (China), 9992 (Iran), 10143 (Schengen Area, U.K., Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa), and 10199 (India). The official guidance from DOS can be found here.
If you have received an NIE in the last 12 months from DOS, it is still valid and you do not need to obtain a new NIE.
However, it should should noted that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) maintains independent authority from DOS and CBP has not issued guidance as to whether CBP-issued NIEs will also be extended. Travelers should remember that admission to the U.S. remains at the discretion of CBP and issuance of a visa/approval of an NIE does not guarantee entry into the U.S.
This guidance is no longer applicable. The COVID-19 related travel restrictions and NIE policies described above have been discontinued.
What Changed:
November 8, 2021: All geographic COVID-19 travel bans referenced above (Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 10143, and 10199 affecting China, Iran, Schengen Area, U.K., Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, and India) were lifted and replaced with a vaccination requirement for international travelers.
June 12, 2022: COVID-19 testing requirements for U.S.-bound flights ended.
May 12, 2023: The vaccination requirement for international air travelers to the U.S. was revoked.
Current Status:
COVID-19 related National Interest Exemptions are no longer needed or issued
There are no COVID-19 geographic entry bans currently in effect
The 12-month automatic extension policy for COVID-19 NIEs is obsolete
New Developments:
While COVID-19 NIEs are no longer relevant, travelers should be aware that new Presidential Proclamation 10949, signed on June 4, 2025, suspends or limits entry of certain foreign nationals from countries deemed to pose national security or public safety threats. This proclamation has its own separate NIE process that is distinct from the COVID-19 policies discussed in the original guidance above.
For current travel requirements and restrictions, please consult the latest U.S. Department of State guidance or contact an immigration attorney.