The United States of America has lifted travel restrictions for fully vaccinated passengers. Visitors can now enter the US from over 30 countries that were previously banned. Borders reopen on November 8, 2021, allowing unrestricted travel for individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The US has maintained tight coronavirus travel restrictions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to lift them is a significant move towards a return to normality.

Reopening of Borders for Vaccinated Travelers

It marks the first time in over a year and a half that non-essential travel has been permitted from 33 countries to the United States. Foreign nationals can now visit the US once again, complying with the usual United States visa policy. The European Union’s ambassador in the US, Stavros Lambrinidis, praised the decision, calling it "important and very welcome news."

End of Land Border Restrictions

The US has also brought an end to the travel restrictions at its land borders with both Canada and Mexico. Again, vaccination is necessary.

• Fully vaccinated passengers can now travel to the US from over 30 previously banned countries.
• Borders reopened on November 8, 2021, allowing unrestricted travel for vaccinated individuals.
• Non-essential travel from 33 countries to the United States is now permitted.
• Foreign nationals must comply with the usual United States visa policy.
• The European Union’s ambassador in the US, Stavros Lambrinidis, praised the decision.
• Land border restrictions with Canada and Mexico have been lifted, with vaccination required.

Vaccinated Travelers Permitted to Enter the US as Land Border Restrictions Lifted

Good news for travelers! The United States has updated its entry policy, allowing anyone who has been fully vaccinated against coronavirus to visit the country. However, this update is particularly significant for citizens of 33 countries that were previously under travel restrictions for most of the pandemic.

The following 33 countries can now enjoy unrestricted travel to the US if they have been vaccinated and hold a certificate:

• The 26 member states of the Schengen Area
• Brazil
• China
• India
• Iran
• The Republic of Ireland
• South Africa
• The United Kingdom (UK)

These countries are not only popular tourist destinations but also key participants in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). As a result, citizens from these nations can once again visit the US without the need for a visa by simply registering online with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Easing Restrictions for Vaccinated Travelers

Paragraph: The US government's decision to lift the travel ban for vaccinated individuals from the aforementioned countries is a significant step towards reopening the borders. This move acknowledges the effectiveness of vaccinations in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and aims to facilitate international travel while ensuring public health and safety.

Eligibility for US Entry: Vaccination Certificate Holders

As well as the lifting of restrictions for the 33 countries mentioned above, the USA has reopened travel via its land borders. Non-essential travel from Canada and Mexico is now permitted by land.

• Travel restrictions have been lifted for 33 countries.
• USA has reopened its land borders for travel.
• Non-essential travel from Canada and Mexico is allowed by land.

Just like passengers arriving by air, land travelers are required to have a vaccination certificate. This measure ensures the safety and well-being of both travelers and the local population.

Requirements for Visiting the US: Vaccinated Individuals

To enter the United States, all foreign adults are required to possess a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. However, this requirement does not apply to children under the age of 18. There may be exceptions for individuals with a valid medical justification. In addition to vaccination, travelers must fulfill specific testing criteria for entry into the US.

Accepted Vaccines:

• AstraZeneca
• Covishield
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
• Moderna
• Pfizer-BioNTech
• Sinopharm
• Sinovac

The vaccination certificate should demonstrate that the traveler has received their final dose at least 15 days prior to their arrival in the United States. Furthermore, individuals must present a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within one day before their departure. This test result is mandatory and must be presented at the US entry point to gain permission for entry.

Easing Border Restrictions: Allowing Vaccinated Travelers into the US

The plan to reopen the borders to travelers from the banned countries has been in the works for some time. Both the 33 countries from which travel was banned and leading figures in the US travel and tourism industry had been calling to lift restrictions. The impact of the pandemic on the US economy was a big factor in pressuring the Biden administration to consider reopening.

Key Milestones

1. September 2021: The US first announced it would lift travel restrictions for vaccinated passengers.
2. October 2021: American authorities announced that the US would open to 33 countries from November 8.
3. November 8, 2021: The US followed through with the plan and lifted restrictions from these countries.
4. Land border restrictions with Canada and Mexico have also come to an end.

Policy Approach

According to White House spokesman Kevin Munoz, the policy "is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent." The reopening plan takes into account the vaccination status of travelers and aims to ensure the safety of both visitors and residents.

By lifting restrictions for vaccinated individuals and implementing consistent protocols, the US government aims to strike a balance between revitalizing the travel and tourism industry and protecting public health.