A major barrier to entry to the US is being lifted with the abolition of Covid-19 vaccination requirements.
The US government announced that the change would be made from next week.
The need to show proof of vaccination against Covid to travel to the US was imposed in January 2021 in the midst of the global pandemic.
The need for people arriving in the US by air to test negative for Covid was dropped last June but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination requirements for most foreign travellers were retained.
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However, the Biden administration said yesterday (Monday) that “we are in a different phase of our response to Covid-19 than we were when many of these requirements were put into place”.
The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that it will no longer require non-US travellers entering the country “via land ports of entry and ferry terminals to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request”.
A White House statement said: “Today, we are announcing that the administration will end the Covid-19 vaccine requirements for federal employees, federal contractors, and international air travellers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the Covid-19 public health emergency ends.”
Harry Hastings, Co-chief executive and co-founder of Ocean Florida, said: “We are thrilled that the vaccine mandate for all UK travellers to the USA is being dropped from May 11 2023.
“As the UK’s largest independent operator to Florida, we’ve witnessed 20% of our cancellations since borders opened attributed to members of the travelling party being unvaccinated.
“The continued vaccination requirement has led to widespread confusion with 10% of our bookings being terminated at the final confirmation stage due to a lack of clarity of the entry restrictions.”
He added: “The USA is one of the last countries to drop the vaccination requirement. The lifting of these final restrictions is an extremely welcome move and marks a great day in what has been a turbulent few years for the travel industry.”
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “The relaxation of the vaccination requirement for foreign nationals removes barriers for frictionless travel to the USA, our heartland for nearly 40 years.
“It will give a boost to transatlantic customer demand as a busy summer approaches.
“Virgin Atlantic has now resumed services to all of its 12 transatlantic destinations, including new routes to Austin and Tampa and longstanding favourites New York, Orlando and Los Angeles, with a premium, personalised experience onboard and at the airport, delivered by our amazing people.”
US Travel Association president and chief executive Geoff Freeman also welcomed the repeal of the restriction.
“Today’s action to lift the vaccine requirement eases a significant entry barrier for many global travellers, moving our industry and country forward,” he said.
“However, the return of international visitors should be as efficient and secure as possible.
“The federal government must ensure US airports and other ports of entry are appropriately staffed with customs and border protection officers to meet the growing demand for entry.”