Mon 20 September 2021:
According to the Biden administration, the US would lift Covid-19 travel restrictions in November, allowing fully vaccinated passengers from the UK and EU to enter the country.
The decision comes after significant pressure from Brussels and London, and will put an end to a travel restriction issued by Donald Trump more than 18 months ago in the early stages of the pandemic.
The move will affect Ireland, China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India, in addition to the UK and the 26 Schengen countries in Europe.
Only American citizens, their immediate families, green card holders, and those with national interest exemptions (NIE) are allowed to enter the US if they have spent the previous two weeks in the UK or EU.
The White House coronavirus response coordinator, Jeff Zients, told PBS on Monday that international travelers will require proof of full vaccination and a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departure.
The move is part of a new travel system in the United States that includes enhanced contact tracing and masking restrictions that will subject unvaccinated Americans to more stricter testing standards.
A state department official denied that the policy shift was intended to appease Europe in the wake of the US-French spat over the Aukus submarine sale, which Washington brokered without Paris’ knowledge.
“This is really driven by the science of Covid and as more people are being vaccinated around the world, we of course want people to be able to travel more freely,” said Erica Barks-Ruggles, a senior official in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs.
“We’re really always being driven by the science, and we continue to do that,” Barkes-Ruggles said during a conference call with reporters ahead of the United Nations general assembly.
PM Johnson welcomed the news
The British prime minister has welcomed the news that the US will lift Covid-19 travel restrictions to allow fully vaccinated passengers from the UK and EU to travel into the country from November.
Boris Johnson said the easing of US travel rules for fully vaccinated travellers was “a fantastic boost for business and trade” adding it was “great that family and friends on both sides of the pond can be reunited once again”.
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