(Eagle News) — After over a year of closing its borders to travelers from almost all countries because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the U.S. will allow entry to foreign travelers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
This announcement was made by the White House Friday morning.
“The US’ new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to the United States will begin on Nov 8,” tweeted White House Assistant Press Secretary, Kevin Munoz.
The new travel policy applies to international travelers entering the U.S. by air or land.
Munoz said the police is “guided by public health, stringent, and consistent.”
Under the policy, vaccinated air passengers must be tested within three days before travel. Airlines will also be required to implement a contact tracing system.
Initially, vaccines will be required for “non-essential” trips — such as visiting family or tourism — though unvaccinated travelers will still be allowed into the country for “essential” trips as they have been for the last year and a half.
Beginning in January 2022, all visitors entering the U.S. by land will be required to be fully vaccinated regardless of the reason for their trip.
The U.S. closed its borders to foreign travel in March 2020 in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19. The travel restrictions have had negative effects on both the U.S. economy as well as the personal lives of Americans.
(Eagle News Service)