US travel back on as fully vaccinated travellers allowed

The US is relaxing its Covid travel restrictions, reopening to travellers from the UK, EU, and other nations from November. Passengers can fly into the country as long as they are fully vaccinated, take tests and undergo contact tracing.

Since early last year, the United States has had tight restrictions in place regarding foreign travel. At first, the restrictions applied only to travellers from China, before extending out further to include other countries.

Under current rules, most non-US citizens are banned from entering the country. This applies to people who have spent time within the last 14 days in the UK, several other European countries, Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Iran.

The change in restrictive measures answers huge demand from European allies. It means that families and friends separated by the restrictions can now finally reunite again.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic the US has recorded over 42 million cases of infection, and more than 670,000 deaths.

Dr Anthony Fauci, the White House coronavirus adviser, urges more Americans to get their vaccinations.

New travel rules

Jeff Zients, Covid-19 co-ordinator at the White House, announced the rule changes on Monday. He says the move makes for “a stronger system”, as it is “based on individuals rather than a country-based approach”. The important thing is that foreign nationals flying to the US need full vaccination. The policy will come into effect early November, but there is no exact date yet.

According to the new rules, travellers from abroad require proof of vaccination before a flight, need to test negative for Covid-19 within three days of travel, and must provide their contact details. However, children not eligible for vaccination are exempt from the new policy rules. And there are no quarantine requirements.

There are still questions though, as at the moment it isn’t clear if new rules apply only to US-approved vaccines. Mr Zients says the US Centers for Disease Control will determine this. But this is something that could affect millions of people and their ability to travel. A source from the White House says they are still working on the level of “granular detail”. Whether they will allow entry to those with an AstraZeneca vaccine, or 12- to 18-year-olds with one jab still needs confirming.

American nationals without full vaccination are still allowed entry. But they will need testing before their return, and after their arrival home.

Meanwhile, the new rules will not apply to land borders. This means that restrictions will continue on cross-border travel with Mexico and Canada.

Pressures from Europe

Many are surprised about the easing of travel rules, as last week the US government claimed the time was not right for lifting restrictions. One British official describes the decision as completely out of the blue. But Biden is under pressure from European allies to end the travel ban. He is meeting a host of EU leaders at the UN General Assembly this week in New York.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is “delighted” by the news. He says it is a “fantastic boost for business and trade, and great that family and friends on both sides of the pond can be reunited once again”.

Meanwhile, German Vice-Chancellor Olaf Scholz also welcomes the change. He says it is “great news for German and European investments, our exports and transatlantic relations”.

Celebrations

Elsewhere, French entrepreneur Stephane Le Breton remarked what a “happy day” it is to finally go on a much awaited trip to New York City. “Big Apple, here I come!”, he adds. He is looking forward to the visit that has been on hold because of the restrictions.

In response to the announcement, Airline shares rose, with British Airways owner IAG increasing by as much as 10%. While Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss calls the move “a major milestone” for the recovery of travel. Chairman and CEO of American Airlines Doug Parker also welcomes the “science-based approach” to easing travel restrictions. Health and safety remain at the forefront, but he looks forward to welcoming customers back, for business, leisure, and to reconnect with loved ones.

Travellers are also celebrating the changes. Some are happy to see their family members for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

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