The US is all set to replace a new policy to ease foreign travel restrictions. The previous policy restricted travel by non-citizens to China, India, the United Kingdom, and European countries. Read to know everything about the new policy.
Foreign travel restrictions ease
“The US will ease foreign travel restrictions to the country beginning in November. Allowing foreigners in if they have proof of vaccination, and a negative COVID-19 test,” stated the White House. The new rules with replace the restriction which stopped non-citizens who have been to most of Asia and Europe, 14 days before entering the US. Families and others separated due to travel restrictions can finally unite with loved ones. The change is welcomed after a long gap of 18 months.
The previous travel bans are a major source of the ever-increasing geographical and political frustrations among the US allies. After all, the COVID-19 cases in the EU and the UK are much lower when compared to the US. The rules come in just after President Biden meets with the EU leaders before the United Nations General Assembly.
What do the new rules say?
According to Jeff Zeinst, the White House COVID-19 coordinator, foreign travelers will have to show proof of vaccination before boarding. In addition to this, they also need proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken three days before boarding. “This is based on individuals rather than a country-based approach, so it’s a stronger system,” added Zients.
Moreover, President Biden will also toughen testing rules for American citizens who are not vaccinated. American citizens will have to undergo testing one day before entering the US and after arriving. However, fully vaccinated travelers will not have to quarantine.
Additionally, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will ask airlines to collect address details from international travelers. The CDC believes that this will help strengthen contact tracing. However, it is not clear which vaccines are acceptable according to the US. According to Zients, this decision will be up to the CDC experts.