According to US State Department statements Tuesday, the Biden administration will relax COVID-19 related travel restrictions on students and journalists from a handful of countries, including China, Iran, Brazil, and South Africa.

The statement read, “As the global situation evolves, the Department continues to seek ways to process more visa applications, in line with science-based guidance from health authorities, and with the health and safety of staff and applicants as our priority.”

“In keeping with the Department of State’s commitment to facilitate legitimate travel to the United States, Secretary Blinken decided yesterday to apply several National Interest Exceptions to all regional travel restrictions currently in effect as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” they said.

Due to the pandemic and the severity of COVID-19 in the aforementioned countries, the US imposed a travel ban on all non-US citizens traveling from these areas.

Although it was recently removed from this list, Europe was on this list too.

Other than students and journalists, the decision will include "certain academics and individuals who provide critical infrastructure support in countries affected by a geographic COVID-19 restriction," according to the Department.