US travel ban from India is indefinite until lifted by President Biden

USA has issued a travel ban on passengers travelling from India with effect from May 4, 2021 until lifted by President Biden. This declaration does not apply to persons aboard a flight scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed before 12:01 am eastern daylight time on May 4, 2021. Most other travelers who have been in India during a 14-day period before their attempted entry into the U.S. would be prohibited.

This ban has several exemptions. Those who will l be allowed to travel to the U.S. after the restrictions go into effect include U.S. citizens or permanent residents and their spouses. Others who might qualify for exemptions include humanitarian workers, certain journalists and academics, and students (F1 visa holder) commencing studies in fall. United Airlines Holdings Inc. and Air India are the only two airlines currently offering nonstop flights between the U.S. and India. Unless travelers fall under the exemptions outlined by the U.S. government, they will be prohibited from entering the country after May 4 even if they already booked tickets. A United spokesman said in a statement that the airline will comply with the new restrictions and will issue refunds to travelers who had already booked flights and are barred from entering the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently requires that all U.S.-bound air travelers have proof of a negative Covid-19 test result no more than three days before arrival, regardless of vaccination status. Travelers are then required to take another test three to five days following their arrival in the U.S. and to self-quarantine. Countries that have effectively banned travel from India include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.