We’re about to see more visitors from across the pond.
On Monday, President Joe Biden’s White House confirmed that fully vaccinated passengers from the UK and EU will be able to travel to the US from early November. Travelers will need to show proof of vaccination and a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departure before boarding the flight.
This applies to the 26 Schengen countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. Outside of Europe, the US will also welcome double-jabbed travelers from Britain, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil. The announcement follows heavy lobbying from London and Brussels and comes ahead of the UN assembly in New York.
Current restrictions only allow US citizens, their families, green card holders and people with exceptions in the national interest to enter the country. It will be a huge relief for those who have been wanting to reunite with their families since the ban was first introduced 18 months ago under the Trump administration.
Economically, the move is likely to be a major boost for the global economy and has already pushed up share prices for UK and EU airlines.
There will be some exceptions, such as those who are not yet eligible for the shot and the CDC will have the final say on which vaccines will be accepted, but details are yet to be confirmed.