COVID-19 Immigration Update: U.S. Announces Travel Restrictions for Brazil

In its ongoing response to the COVID-19 health crisis, the United States has announced travel restrictions for Brazil. President Donald Trump’s proclamation suspends the entry of all immigrants and nonimmigrants who were physically present in Brazil during the 14-day period before seeking to enter the United States. The new travel restriction was imposed in response to Brazil’s high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. As of May 26, 2020, Brazil has 377,711 confirmed cases, making it the second highest in the world.

When does it begin?

The travel restriction becomes effective on May 26, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. EDT and remains in effect until terminated by the president. The restriction does not apply to persons aboard flights that departed before this effective time and date.

Are there any exceptions?

The travel restriction does not apply to the following individuals:

1. Any lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
2. Spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
3. Parent or legal guardian of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is unmarried and under the age of 21
4. Sibling of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident if both are unmarried and under the age of 21
5. Child, foster child, or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or prospective adoptee pursuant to IR-4 or IH-4 visa
6. Alien traveling at the invitation of the U.S. government for a purpose related to the mitigation of the virus
7. Air/sea crewmember traveling as nonimmigrant pursuant to a C-1, D, or C-1/D visa
8. Alien traveling on an A-1, A-2, C-2, or C-3 visa (foreign government official or immediate family of official)
9. Alien traveling on an E-1 visa (as an employee of TECRO or TECO or employee’s immediate family)
10. Alien traveling on a G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 visa, and NATO-1 through NATO-4, or NATO-6 visa (individuals seeking entry in one of the NATO categories)
11. S. Armed Forces members or their immediate family
12. Individuals whose entry would be in the “national interest,” those “whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives,” and those “whose entry would not pose a significant risk of introducing, transmitting, or spreading the virus, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services”