Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination Required

To attend the ISPA congress in person at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) you will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a valid ID upon entering the venue.

Accepted vaccines include those authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO) for indoor activity in New York City. You may find a full list of accepted vaccines in New York City here.

To read more about the current requirements for all venues in New York City, please visit the NYC Health website.

Onsite Covid-19 Health and Safety

Face Coverings Required. We will require all delegates wear a face mask or covering during all indoor congress events, except in designated locations when eating/drinking, however, social distancing will be required.

Testing Requirement. we are requiring the following COVID testing protocol prior to picking up congress badges:

Prior to the congress we will send suggested testing sites but we will also be providing antigen testing on site free of charge all three days of the congress. You will notice that speakers on stage will be without masks but will have received tests prior to their appearance on stage.

Social Distancing Transparency. All delegates will be asked to identify their personal comfort level for social distancing by displaying a color-coded lanyard provided by ISPA when onsite at the congress. As in the past, we will be hosting social events as well as food and beverage service. We do ask that you try to social distance to the extent possible.

Hand-sanitizing Stations and Cleaning. Hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout BAM at entrances, elevators, and other high-traffic areas. Additionally, restrooms, elevators, and other high-touch areas will be cleaned and disinfected throughout the day.

If you experience any symptoms of Covid-19, we do ask that you do not attend the congress and obtain a negative test prior to considering attending. To read more about what BAM is doing to ensure they are providing a safe environment for everyone, please visit the Visitor Guidelines on their website.

COVID-19 Travel Requirements to enter the United States

Effective November 29, 2021, the Biden Administration has announced a new travel ban restricting air travel from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. In announcing the omicron variant, the World Health Organization has labeled it a “variant of concern.” The restriction suspends entry into the US for all individuals who were physically present in the eight named countries during the 14-day period preceding attempted entry into the United States. The restrictions do not apply to American citizens, lawful permanent residents, certain immediate family members of U.S. You may read Tamizdat’s full update on their website.

On September 20, 2021, the U.S. federal administration announced that it will ease travel restrictions to the U.S. in early November. As our industry colleagues at Tamizdat shared “The new rules will allow vaccinated foreign nationals to travel, provided they can show proof of being fully vaccinated, take a pre-departure Covid-19 test within three days of their flight, and show proof of a negative result before boarding. This forthcoming policy will likely replace the current need for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for most fully vaccinated travelers from the UK, Ireland, Schengen Area, China, Brazil, Iran, South Africa, and India.” You may read Tamizdat’s full update to the performing arts industry on their website and we will update this page as more information becomes available.

Tamizdat is a nonprofit organization that facilitates and advocates for international artist mobility and cultural exchange. Driven by the conviction that the international mobility and exchange of culture is fundamental to a healthy and progressive civil society, Tamizdat seeks through its program activities to assist the international performing arts community to address problems presented by international borders, and U.S. visa policies and procedures. Learn more on their website.

Disclaimer

The International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) is providing this information as a service to congress delegates. ISPA takes no responsibility and no liability if government regulations change to affect travel restrictions or health policies change without notice. Furthermore, while ISPA and our host venues are doing their best to keep delegates safe, we do not take responsibility if any delegate becomes ill or is exposed to COVID 19 or any other illness. By attending and/or participating in the congress, you are deemed to have given a full release of liability to ISPA and the host venues to the fullest extent permitted by law.