Requesting Satisfactory Departure from CBP Locations Due to COVID-19 for Foreign Nationals in the U.S. on Visa Waiver

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Due to COVID-19 many foreign nationals who travelled to the U.S. in late 2019 or early 2020 already have or will soon approach the 90 days validity period allotted to them upon entry.  However, these VWP entrants may not be able to book a flight home or not feel safe travelling home at this time.  As of April 2020, satisfactory departure requests may be made at any U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Port of Entry or Deferred Inspection site. CBP, in its discretion, may grant VWP entrants a period of satisfactory departure typically up to an additional 30 days to depart the U.S.For VWP entrants currently already granted a period of satisfactory departure, but remain unable to depart the U.S. due to complications brought on by COVID-19, CBP may offer an additional satisfactory departure period of 30 days in order to avoid the entrants from accruing unlawful presence. 

Previously, most VWP entrants were limited in making satisfactory departure requests with the CBP locations at which they were admitted but now they can request satisfactory departure from whichever airport/port is most conveniently located to them.  Please contact your local airport/port.  More information can be found on CBP’s website.

If you would like more information, please contact our attorneys at info@iandoli.com to schedule a consultation.