The United States announced on Monday (20th September) that it will lift the imposed restrictions due to Covid-19 only for fully vaccinated people starting from early November which includes China, India, Brazil, and most of Europe.
The unprecedented restrictions had isolated family, friends, and business travelers all around the world for months as the pandemic raged on. A coronavirus expert, Jeffery Zients who is also the response coordinator for President Joe Biden informed the reporters that an approach is likely to be in effect from “early November.”
The relaxation of travel restrictions, which was first established by Donald Trump 18 months ago when the Covid-19 outbreak first broke out, represents a dramatic reversal by Biden and responds to major demand from European partners at a time of fragile diplomatic ties.
The transmission of the virus will be prevented through the implementation of various safeguards. The coronavirus has already killed up to 675,000 Americans and has resurfaced after what many anticipated would be a long-term decline earlier this year.
In such vague circumstances, it is always preferred that every individual is prepared. According to Zients, “Most importantly, foreign nationals flying to the US will be required to be fully vaccinated.”
It was unclear whether the new rule just applied to vaccinations approved in the United States or if other brands, such as those produced in China or Russia, would also qualify. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to Zients, will make that determination.
The following rules are to be followed:
- There will be restriction placed on the vehicle movement from Canada and Mexico.
- Passengers will be required to produce proof of full vaccination before boarding planes destined for the United States, as well as proof of a negative Covid-19 test done within three days, according to Zients.
- Americans, who have not yet been vaccinated will be allowed to travel, however, only on the condition that their test comes negative within a day of travel.
- Masks will be required on US-bound flights, and airlines will disclose contact information to US health officials.
According to Zients, the new “international travel system follows the science to keep Americans’ international air travel safe,”
Families and friends who have been separated for up to two years can now be reunited. Phil White, a British entrepreneur who lives in San Francisco, told that his daughter is expected to go meet him from London in November. He said, “As a family, we’re going to be together for Thanksgiving, which is amazing.” And he also added that he has not seen his daughter from 18-19 months. White said, “That has been very, very, very difficult for us, as everyone can imagine.”
The German ambassador, along with the British ambassador considered it great news that the ban has been officially lifted.
German Ambassador to the US Emily Haber tweeted, “Hugely important to promote people-to-people contacts and transatlantic business.”
Airlines, which have suffered greatly because of the pandemic closure, also applauded the news. Airlines for Europe expected “a much-needed boost to trans-Atlantic traffic and tourism, as well as the reunification of families and friends.”
Thierry Breton, in an interview with, European commissioner for the internal market, said He was hoping that the policy would be expanded to cover the AstraZeneca shot, which is used in several European countries but has not been approved by US health officials.
According to Breton, he received a “positive and optimistic” rection from Zients. In addition, Breton said that the restrictions made no longer sense if the high vaccination rates of Europe are considered.
