UPDATED: Changes to National Interest Exceptions

Effective July 5, all National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) to Presidential Proclamation 10143 are valid for 12 months and multiple entries.  This new and updated validity period also applies retroactively; all NIEs already approved are automatically valid for 12 months and multiple entries beginning from the date you were notified of your NIE approval.  You do not need to contact the U.S. Embassy if your NIE was issued less than 12 months ago.

Please be aware that due to a large volume of inquiries, it may take up to 6-8 weeks to review your NIE request.

On June 2nd the U.S. Administration announced new changes to the guidelines for National Interest Exceptions for travelers in the Schengen Area, United Kingdom and Ireland.

Senior level managers or executives going on the visa waiver program for strategic meetings/negotiations/job hiring/etc. can now be considered for an NIE if they are managing and supporting critical infrastructure. Travelers in these categories, as well technical experts/specialists going to install/repair machinery in connection with vital support of critical infrastructure sectors in the United States, academics, students, and journalists may continue to qualify for NIEs.

An example could be travelers going to install/commission or repair machinery sold by a Danish company to a U.S. company in the food production industry, or wind industry. This kind of purpose of travel still qualifies for an NIE since the work cannot be done remotely, and the sector falls under a DHS definition of critical infrastructure.

Please visit the United States Embassy website for more information about the changes and restrictions regarding NIE, as well as instructions for requesting an NIE.

For travel restrictions to Denmark, click here.