Travel to the United States remains subject to COVID-related restrictions, which have evolved and adjusted over the course of the pandemic. We understand there are circumstances where travel cannot be avoided, and the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg offers the following general travel guidance to the U.S. that is current as of this writing. Please visit our website – www.lu.usembassy.gov – to read more and for subsequent updates.
U.S. Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), Foreign Spouses and Children of U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) may return to the United States at any time. All travelers ages two years and older must present a negative COVID test result at the time of boarding, taken within three calendar days of travel. Children (unmarried and under age 21) and spouses of U.S. citizens are also permitted to travel to the U.S. We recommend that travelers carry their marriage certificates and birth certificates when traveling to prove the qualifying relationship with the U.S. citizen, and it is advisable to carry a copy of the U.S. citizen’s passport.
Foreign Nationals
In general, foreign nationals from Schengen countries, including Luxembourg, are not permitted to travel to the United States, unless they qualify for a “National Interest Exception (NIE).” An NIE is an exception, granted only in extraordinary circumstances, or for very specific travelers who will have an impact on one of 16 critical infrastructure sectors in the United States. Tourism travel does not qualify for an NIE at this time.
Applying for a Visa or Traveling on an Existing Visa
Before being allowed to make an appointment for a visa interview, an individual must first qualify for a National Interest Exception (NIE). If the consular officer determines an applicant is eligible for an NIE, s/he will be allowed to make an interview appointment.
For those who already have a valid visa and wish to travel to the U.S. for the original purpose the visa was granted (for example, an intracompany transfer, investor, research scholar, etc.), please follow the instructions on our website to request an NIE. Each case is considered individually to determine eligibility.
Traveling on an Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Luxembourg is a visa waiver country which, in normal circumstances, means an individual with a Luxembourgish passport may travel to the U.S. with an Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA). Because of COVID, however, any traveler with an ESTA must apply for a National Interest Exception (NIE) before traveling. Information on this application process can be found on our website. Important: If you are traveling on an ESTA with an NIE, do NOT check in for your flight online – this may trigger the cancellation of your ESTA. Check in at the airport in person.
Students
Students (F and M visas) automatically qualify as an exception for travel, and students may make an interview appointment at the embassy no more than 120 days before the beginning of their studies in the U.S.
We understand these rules can be confusing and are happy to answer questions to clarify! Send us an email: luxembourgconsular@state.gov.
Also, if you missed the Amcham Webinar with the US Embassy, find it here:
Travelling to the US during Covid times
You tube video link for the newsletter
