On April 30, 2021, President Biden signed a new proclamation suspending indefinitely the entry into the U.S. as nonimmigrants of noncitizens who pose a risk of transmitting the coronavirus disease. Except for immediate family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and others excluded in section 2, this proclamation suspends the entry into the United States, as nonimmigrants, of noncitizens who were physically present within India during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The proclamation is effective at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 except for any aircraft that already departed prior to this effective time. India joins China, Iran, the European Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa on the COVID-19 travel ban list.
National Interest Exemptions (NIE)
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that India is included in the National Interest Exception (NIE) policies for students and certain academics covered by exchange visitor programs. The full NIE list now includes India, China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the U.K., Ireland, and the European Schengen area.
Consular Operating Status
All visa and Visa Application Centers (VAC) appointments, both in-person and interview waiver, at U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata are canceled until May 15. Appointments at the consulate in Mumbai are canceled until May 28. For updated consular processing information, please visit https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/