The White House announced yesterday that, starting “at the end of the day” on May 11, 2023, nonimmigrants traveling to the United States by air will no longer have to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  This requirement was introduced in 2021.

In a separate but related announcement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also stated that starting May 12, 2023, nonimmigrants entering the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal will not need to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations.

The elimination of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for nonimmigrants entering the United States coincides with the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and the termination of the October 25, 2021 Presidential Proclamation on air travel. Any nonimmigrants seeking to enter the United States by air, land, or sea before May 12, 2023, must provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination.

Those pursuing permanent residence in the United States must still be vaccinated against COVID-19 (or be eligible for a vaccination exemption) and provide evidence of this vaccination as part of the immigrant or permanent resident application process.