As of next week, the US government will eliminate the major obstacle for entry into the country by removing Covid-19 vaccination requirements.
These requirements were implemented in January 2021 during the global pandemic, which mandated proof of Covid-19 vaccination for travel to the US.
While the need for air travelers to test negative for Covid-19 was lifted last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination requirements for most foreign travelers remained in place. However, the Biden administration stated that they are now in a different phase of their response to Covid-19 and announced the removal of these requirements.
The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that non-US travelers entering the country through land ports of entry and ferry terminals will no longer need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.
Additionally, the White House released a statement that the administration will end Covid-19 vaccine requirements for federal employees, federal contractors, and international air travelers on May 11, the same day that the Covid-19 public health emergency ends.
Shaun Jones, owner of Now Lets Travel Swindon expressed excitement that the Covid-19 vaccine mandate for all UK travelers to the USA will be dropped from May 11th saying “The lifting of these final restrictions is a much-awaited and welcome move, particularly as the USA is one of the last countries to drop the vaccination requirement.
“This decision marks a great day for the travel industry after a turbulent few years and is greater news for those customers that put off travelling whilst the restrictions remained in place.”
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.”
