The U.S. pandemic travel ban will finally ease on November 8, 2021, as fully vaccinated international travelers will be allowed to enter the United States.
COVID-19 isn’t over. But the U.S. pandemic travel ban will finally ease on November 8,2021, as fully vaccinated international travelers will be allowed to enter the United States. That is almost two years after the first ban (on travelers from China) was imposed in January of 2020. Should airlines, hotels, and destinations brace for millions of international travelers to return? They will not all arrive on November 8. But travelers will want to visit family in the U.S., hit warm weather travel spots like Florida and California, and see New York and other U.S. cities during the holidays. The elusive business traveler from Europe, China and India may also make a re-appearance, as face-to-face meetings and giant trade shows like CES in January 2022 return. In September, the White House had said that the 600-day ban, originated by the Trump Administration and continued by President Biden, would end at some point in November. No date was announced. But on October 15, White House Assistant Press Secretary Kevin Muniz tweeted, “The US’ [sic] new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to the United States will begin on Nov 8. This announcement and date applies to both international air travel and land travel. This policy is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent.” In order to enter the U.S., international travelers will need to show proof of vaccination as well as a negative COVID-19 test before flying. Acceptable vaccines include those authorized by American authorities or the World Health Organization. Details to be worked out include the vaccination status of children under eighteen, although it is expected that they will be exempted.
