US State Department Issues Temporary Waiver of COVID Requirements for Shanghai Departures

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), per a request from the US Department of State, will waive the COVID-19 entry requirements for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), noncitizens in possession of a valid U.S. immigrant visa, and noncitizen nonimmigrants who are traveling with a U.S. citizen or LPR and possess valid travel documents allowing them to travel to the United States departing from Shanghai, China.

These individuals will not be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result or recovery documentation before boarding a flight to the United States or complete the attestation in Section 1 of the Combined Passenger Disclosure and Attestation to the United States of America form. This waiver is effective from April 15 —  May 11, 2022, at 23:59 ET, subject to any further extensions.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine may apply for a humanitarian or emergency exception to the vaccination requirement by submitting an exception request to the nearest U.S. Embassy. For more information, visit COVID-19 Information – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China.

Erickson Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and guidance from government agencies and health advisories change often.

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.