Hotel reservations may be added or changed within the registration system through October 21, 2021. After October 21, please email us at information@annual-meetings.org for instructions, or follow the updated instructions listed on our website here.

The U.S. State Department has been offering expanded National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for certain citizens of specific countries who want to enter the U.S. for a variety of purposes, but who might otherwise be barred currently due to the pandemic. One category provides specific exceptions for academics. While in the past an academic might have needed a J-1 visa to enter the US, for this NIE option a standard passport that has an ESTA visa capability will suffice.

Here are some quick questions/answers about this program:

1) What is the NIE program?

National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers from China, Iran, India, Brazil, South Africa, European countries in the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland (state.gov)

2) What countries are eligible for this program?

China, Iran, Brazil, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and European countries in the Schengen Area.

3) My country is not listed there. Does this apply to me?

No. If your country is not among those listed, it is not restricted by the Presidential proclamations. You should follow the normal procedures for obtaining permission to travel to the United States.

4) How do I apply?

Like most US bureaucratic policies, there is no single central office handling these requests. Rather, you need to apply directly through the consulate in the country where you live. The good news is that many of these consulates has a direct email for the NIE program. That email address, along with the websites listed below, can provide information on how to apply. In most cases, you simply need to answer some questions about why you think you qualify and provide your passport info. If approved, the NIE will be automatically connected to your passport/ESTA visa. Please see below for contact info for specific countries.

5) How long does this process take?

While it may take two to four weeks in some cases, a few people have told us it only takes a few days. We strongly recommend that you apply as soon as possible if you would like to pursue this option.

6) Is there a cost to apply for an NIE?

Not for the NIE application itself. Visa fees may still apply if the NIE is approved.

7) Do I need to quarantine when I get to the US?

At the moment, no. However, like many things connected to this pandemic, this might change. You home country may impose quarantine requirements for traveler returning from the United States.

8) Will I still need to provide a negative COVID test before boarding a flight to the US?

Yes. Regardless of whether or not you have an NIE, should you wish to board an international flight in either direction, you would have to take and provide proof of a negative COVID test at your own expense.

9) Do I need to be vaccinated to enter the US?

As of right now, being vaccinated is not a requirement for travel to the United States. However, if it is possible for you to be vaccinated we strongly recommend that you do so.

10) Can AAR or SBL help me with this process?

Neither AAR nor SBL cannot initiate or assist directly with the application process. Should you need any sort of official documentation for your application confirming your participation in the Annual Meeting, we will be happy to provide it.

Please note: AAR and SBL cannot make any guarantees as to your approval by this program. As each request is handled independently by each consulate, there is a chance that one country/consulate might approve the request, while another will not. We have no jurisdiction in this area. Travel policies continue to change regularly so it is always recommended to check with the embassy or consulate in your country about any travel restrictions before you leave. We strongly recommend that you get travel insurance that covers COVID-related issues such as quarantines, sickness, etc., even if you are approved, in the case of any last-minute issues.

List of NIE websites and emails (when available) by country:

Austria https://at.usembassy.gov/nie ConsulateVienna@state.gov

Belgium https://be.usembassy.gov/request-for-national-interest-exception-for-a-current-visa-holder/ BrusselsVisa@state.gov

Brazil https://br.usembassy.gov/national-interest-exceptions-to-covid-19-travel-restrictions-related-to-brazil/

Czechia https://cz.usembassy.gov/information-on-travel-restrictions-faq/ Pragueesta@state.gov

China https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/ support-china@ustraveldocs.com

Denmark https://dk.usembassy.gov/visas/status-of-visa-services-at-u-s-embassy-copenhagen/ copenhagenniv@state.gov

Finland https://fi.usembassy.gov/visas/how-to-request-an-exception/ HelsinkiNIV@state.gov

France https://fr.usembassy.gov/visas/ ParisVisaInquiry@state.gov

Germany https://de.usembassy.gov/covid19-faqs-for-visas/ NIEberlin@state.gov

Greece https://gr.usembassy.gov/embassy-athens-resumes-limited-visa-services/ AthensUSConsul@state.gov

Hungary https://hu.usembassy.gov/visas/

India https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/national-interest-exception-frequently-asked-questions/ NewDelhiNIE@state.gov

Ireland https://ie.usembassy.gov/us-travel-restrictions/ DublinNIE@state.gov

Italy https://it.usembassy.gov/shortcode/national-interest-exceptions-italian/

Luxembourg https://lu.usembassy.gov/visas/ Luxembourgconsular@state.gov

Netherlands https://nl.usembassy.gov/visas/ amsterdamcovid19@state.gov

Norway https://no.usembassy.gov/expansion-of-national-interest-exception-travel/ oslovisa@state.gov

Poland https://pl.usembassy.gov/presidential-proclamation-faq/ WarsawNIE@state.gov

Portugal https://pt.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/

South Africa U.S. Mission South Africa - National Interest Exception Request Form (office.com) NIESouthAfrica@state.govt

Spain https://es.usembassy.gov/covid-19-related-faq/ spaincdcwaivers@state.gov

Sweden https://se.usembassy.gov/how-to-request-national-interest-exceptions-for-travel/ stockholmniv@state.gov

Switzerland https://ch.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/covid-19-travel-to-the-united-states/ Bernniv@state.gov

UK https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/u-s-visa-and-travel-faqs LondonNIE@state.gov

Members in Iran should contact the embassy or consulate that they regularly contact when traveling to the United States.

If your country does not appear on this list, please search the internet for the name of your country plus “national interest exception.”