US adds India to list of countries with restricted travel Michael Drummond/File U.S. President Joe Biden added India to the countries on a travel ban list due to COVID-19. Students from India are currently unable to apply for national interest exemption. Last Updated 1 hour Ago Amid a second wave of COVID-19 cases in India, U.S. President Joe Biden added the country to the COVID-19 travel ban list in a proclamation effective Tuesday. The proclamation only allows for immediate family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, according to a press release from the Berkeley International Office, or BIO. Other countries on the ban list include China, Iran, the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Brazil, South Africa and the European Schengen area.