On November 24, 2021, the Republic of South Africa informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of a new variant of COVID-19 (Omicron) that was detected in that country. On November 26, 2021, the WHO Technical Advisory Group announced that the Omicron constitutes a variant of concern.
Due to this development, the Biden administration announced a Presidential Proclamation suspendig the entry of non-US citizens who were physically present within the following countries 14 days prior to their entry to the United States:
- Republic of Botswana
- Kingdom of Eswatini
- Kingdom of Lesotho
- Republic of Malawi
- Republic of Mozambique
- Republic of Namibia
- Republic of South Africa
- Republic of Zimbabwe
This travel restriction is effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on November 29, 2021.
UPDATE: On December 28, 2021, President Biden signed a "A Proclamation on Revoking Proclamation 10315," which revoked the above Southern African countries COVID-19 entry ban effective 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on December 31, 2021. Information regarding this announcement can also be found on the U.S. Department of State website here.
Currently, there are no geographic specific COVID-19 entry bans.