This has been a tough time for most of the US non-immigrant visa (NIV) holders who are currently in India. Effective May 4, the entry into the United States of certain nonimmigrant travelers who have been physically present in India is suspended by Presidential Proclamation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice and the Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory advising against all travel to India. Level 4 is the highest advisory level due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.
Based on Presidential Proclamation most of the NIV holders cannot travel to the US directly from India. Now, what are the options available for valid holders to travel to the US? There are primarily two options; 1) Visa holders should request for a National Interest Exemption (NIE) to return to the US. For this, the applicant should contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate before traveling to apply for and obtain an NIE. If approved, the NIE is good for 30 days and a single trip to the US. The decision to accept the NIE request is at the discretion of the consulate/embassy and the timeline varies from case to case. 2) Travel via a country where there is no travel ban for Indians and can quarantine for 14 days before their travel to the US. There are few countries where Indians can travel before they travel to the US; however, the easiest option is to travel through Mexico. Indian travelers with a valid US visa will get a visa on arrival in Mexico, so this can expedite the travel process.
Before the travel to Mexico few things have to be taken care of;
1) Passengers must provide results of a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel before they travel from India and Mexico (after 14 days quarantine)
2) Passengers need to carry the Mexico FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) while they travel to Mexico. FMM, also known as Tourist Card is a tourist permit that enables travelers to visit Mexico. It is advisable to submit the FMM application online and carry the paper approval during the travel. Certain airlines operating from India insist on FMM paper approval before they allow the passenger to board the flight.
3) Along with the FMM, passengers need to submit Pre-Flight Health Questionnaire for Mexico and carry it along with FMM approval.
Few travel agents organize the travel and provide quarantine packages in various countries based on passenger preference. During these tough times travel may not be a straightforward process nevertheless, it is not impossible. Rules and regulations changes frequently, work with your travel partner before you finalize your travel.
