On April 26, 2021, the US Department of State (DOS) updated its National Interest Exception (NIE) page to expand certain NIE eligibilities to all countries subject to a geographic COVID-19 entry ban. Certain travelers from China, Brazil, Iran, and South Africa may now become eligible for an NIE to travel to the United States. There are existing NIEs for Schengen countries, the UK and Ireland.
This latest NIE exception allows students and certain academics to qualify for an NIE for academic programs that begin August 1, 2021 or later. Students with a valid F-1 visa may travel without contacting a US consulate or embassy in advance, whereas students and scholars in J status and travelers in other visa categories eligible for an NIE must contact the nearest consulate or embassy to obtain an NIE approval before traveling.
NAFSA provides an excellent summary and analysis of this latest DOS travel update on their "COVID-19 Restrictions on U.S. Visas and Entry" page, which is updated as new information is made available.
