The State Department extends the validity of previously issued National Interest Exceptions
There is finally a small opening in the COVID travel bans. Yesterday, the U.S. State Department announced a new policy of automatically and retroactively extending all previously approved National Interest Exceptions (“NIEs”) for a total period of 12 months from the date of its issuance, regardless of whether the NIE was approved under the old (pre-March 2021) or new requirements. Also, the NIE will be automatically approved for multiple entries. However, it is still required that the holder of the NIE be traveling to the U.S. for the same purchase for which the NIE was originally approved. However, it is important to note that the requirements for issuance of new NIEs have not loosened, since they were tightened in March 2021. This policy benefits only those who already had an NIE, not anyone who has not yet had an NIE.
To read the details for yourself, please click here to visit the State Department’s website.