Our highest priority is keeping Arizonans healthy, safe, and economically secure.

Arizonans: the fastest way to get assistance or info. from our office is to email casework@sinema.senate.gov.

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international travel , VISA RESTRICTIONS, AND U.S.- MEXICO BORDER RESTRICTIONS

International Travel and State Department Travel Advisories

The State Department is using its previous system of country-specific levels of travel advice (with Levels from 1-4 depending on country-specific conditions), in order to give travelers detailed and actionable information to make informed travel decisions during the ongoing pandemic.  This system also provides U.S. citizens with detailed information about other factors that affect travelers' safety in the country.

The State Department's COVID-19 Travel Advisories are informed by the CDC's expert judgement of the health situation as well as other factors related to travel, including infrastructure, healthcare resources, and potential closures and restrictions in the country. The State Department continues to recommend U.S. citizens exercise caution when traveling abroad due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic.

U.S. citizens considering traveling abroad should review the entire Travel Advisory for their destination(s) on Travel.State.gov. A full list of recent updates to Travel Advisories can be found HERE.

If you are worried that a loved one in another country has been affected by this crisis, there are various ways to try and get in touch, including contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country they are located in. A full list of diplomatic mission contact information can be found HERE. Our office is always happy to reach out to the necessary missions on your behalf and it is important for individuals in-country to keep in close contact with the local Embassy or Consulate as best they can for current, on the ground, country-specific updates.

We encourage constituents to stay informed via State Department resources such as Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/travelgov/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/TravelGov), and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (https://step.state.gov/) to receive timely alerts about evolving health and safety conditions in their planned destinations.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): You can enroll in STEP before or at any time during your overseas travel. If you or anyone you know are currently overseas and having trouble getting back to the U.S., make sure they are registered in STEP immediately. You will receive timely alerts on the latest safety and security information for your destination country so you can make informed decisions about your travel. The information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency and keep you updated on U.S. and country specific resources during a crisis.  For more information and to enroll in STEP go HERE.

Below are some additional helpful resources to consider when planning any international travel while the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing:

  • Department of State general and country-specific travel advisories found HERE
  • CDC Travel FAQs and precautions
  • U.S. Embassy websites for country-specific guidance found HERE
  • General "Know Before You Go" guidance for each country
  • Review websites for Immigration and Border Security FAQs for any country you are planning to visit.

COVID-19 IMPACT ON U.S. PASSPORT OPERATIONS: Frequently Asked Questions

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FOR NON-U.S. CITIZENS SEEKING TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES BY PLANE

Arriving in the US by plane: On October 25, 2021, the President issued a proclamation limiting foreign nationals' ability to enter the United States if they are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Individuals must be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States by plane unless they are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or are traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa. All arrivals aged two years or older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19. The timing requirements for this test depend on vaccination status and age. More information on these requirements can be foundHERE.

U.S.–MEXICO TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

U.S.–Mexico border

In an effort to keep residents on both sides of the border safe and healthy, the United States has implemented new requirements for non-U.S. citizens and non-Lawful Perment Residents (LPRs) to cross the border between Mexico and the United States. Starting on November 8, 2021, non-citizen and non-LPR travelers engaging in non-essential travel via land ports of entry or ferry terminals must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide appropriate documentation in order to cross the border. U.S. citizens and LPRs returning to the United States will not be affected by these restrictions. Additionally, individuals who are engaged in essential travel (such as cross-border trade or individuals traveling to work in the United States) will be allowed to cross if they have valid authorization to do so. In general, non-essential travel refers to individuals crossing the border for tourism, sightseeing, or to attend cultural events. Children under 18 years of age are exempt from the vaccination requirement at land ports of entry. Each individual port director has some flexibility to make exceptions as to what travel is considered essential. Non-citizen or non-LPR travelers who believe their travel might be considered non-essential are advised to bring appropriate proof of vaccination when they attempt to enter the United States.

Travelers should expect increased wait times at land ports of entry in Arizona and are advised to allow additional time to cross the border. The Department of Homeland Security is following CDC guidelines regarding which vaccinations will be accepted. All FDA approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization, will be accepted. Individuals are considered vaccinated only after waiting the appropriate time period after receiving the vaccine.

More information on these requirements can be found HERE.

Who can cross into the United States from Mexico without COVID-19 vaccine documentation:

  • U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)
  • Individuals traveling for medical purposes
  • Individuals traveling to school
  • Individuals traveling for work in the U.S., such as agricultural workers
  • Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (i.e. truck drivers)
  • Members of U.S. Armed Forces

Who needs COVID-19 vaccine documentation to cross into the United States from Mexico:

  • Non-citizens and Non-LPRs traveling for tourism purposes
  • Non-citizens and Non-LPRs traveling for recreation purposes
  • Non-citizens and Non-LPRs traveling to attend cultural events

Valid COVID-19 vaccination documentation includes:

  • Vaccination certificate with a QR code or a digital version of the certificate
  • Printout of vaccination record or certificate issued by an authorized vaccine provider
  • Digital photos of a vaccination card or record, the downloaded vaccine record from official source, or mobile phone application without a QR code.

U.S. VISA Services

After a temporary pause on issuing certain U.S. visas in 2020, U.S. embassies and consulates around the world have reinstituted routine visa services. However, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly affect the ability of many U.S. embassies and consulates to fully resume these services. Local conditions and capacity varies by location, so foreign nationals wishing to schedule a visa appointment should check the website of their chosen embassy or consulate for its current operating status. Generally, U.S. consular services are prioritizing visa applications for travelers with urgent needs, foreign diplomats, mission-critical workers, and certain other categories. More information on visa services can be found HERE.​​​​​​​

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Federal coronavirus-response legislation: clickHERE.

Specific actions Kyrsten is taking on behalf of Arizona: clickHERE.

Visit our main resources page: sinema.senate.gov/corona.