It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for. The White House has announced plans to lift the travel ban on fully vaccinated travellers from the U.K. and E.U.
It’s great news for transatlantic travel as the U.S. reveals plans to lift the ban on U.K. and E.U. travellers.
This means that those from Ireland, the U.K., and certain E.U. countries will be able to travel stateside before the end of the year. So, it seems like Christmas in New York could be on the cards for 2021!
The travel ban has been in place since the widespread outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
When can you travel to the States? – the easing of restrictions
With the rollout of the vaccine programme this summer, short-haul flights began to take off around the world. However, the question remained on everyone’s lips of when we’d be able to take a transatlantic flight.
Now, we have a date for the diary as the U.S. reveals plans to lift the ban on U.K. and E.U. travellers.
According to BBC News, travellers from the U.K., Ireland, and various other E.U. countries will be able to fly into the U.S. if they are fully vaccinated from November. Those entering the States will also be required to undergo testing and contact tracing.
What this means for international travel – a long-awaited reunion
The U.S. plans to lift the ban on U.K. and E.U. travellers by November means that family and friends can finally have that long-awaited reunion.
For many, travel restrictions have meant that they haven’t seen their loved ones in almost two years.
Borders have been open for U.S. travellers visiting Ireland, Europe, and the U.K. since early summer. It was hoped that this move would be reciprocated at the time. However, caution from the Biden administration meant this move was delayed.
The latest announcement – U.S. to lift ban on U.K. and E.U. travellers
White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients announced the news on Monday of the U.S. plans to lift the ban on U.K. and E.U. travellers.
He said, “This is based on individuals rather than a country-based approach, so it’s a stronger system.
“Most importantly, foreign nationals flying to the U.S. will be required to be fully vaccinated.”
Under current restrictions, non-U.S. citizens, who have been in Ireland, the U.K., and several other countries in the last 14 days are not permitted entry to the U.S. unless for exceptional reasons.
What you need to know about travelling to the U.S. – strict entry requirements
Although the U.S. has revealed plans to lift the ban on U.K. and E.U. travellers, visitors will be subject to strict conditions.
Foreign travellers entering the States will be required to provide proof of full vaccination. You will have to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result within three days of travelling. Plus, you must provide your contact information for contact tracing.
Travellers will not be required to quarantine upon arrival, and exceptions will be in place for those ineligible to receive a vaccination.
U.S. citizens who have travelled abroad will be able to return home even if they are not fully vaccinated. However, they will face stricter testing procedures upon arrival.
