Following a recommendation from the Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control, the President has suspended the entry of foreign nationals who were present in Brazil during the 14-day period prior to entry to the United States. The restriction went into effect on May 26, 2020, and remains in place until terminated by the President. With this Proclamation, Brazil joins the People’s Republic of China (excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, the Schengen Area (most of Europe), the United Kingdom (excluding overseas territories outside of Europe), and Ireland in being subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The restriction generally does not apply to:
- American citizens
- legal permanent residents (“green card” holders)
- and their immediate families
Certain other narrow classes of travelers are also excepted from the restriction. A detailed list can be found in the Proclamation.
Individuals who have been physically present in Brazil and who are not subject to the restriction may still reenter by going through a process for enhanced medical screenings at specially designated airports. The current list of airports is:
- Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Florida
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Texas
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
- Los Angeles International Airport, (LAX), California
- Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington
- Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia
Individuals travelling from Brazil may also “layover” in a non-restricted country for 14 days prior to seeking entry to the United States. Persons opting to do so should be aware that additional travel restrictions can be put in place with little or no notice, and should carefully weigh the risks of doing so and actively monitor for new or changed travel restrictions.
