The US has been generally closed to international tourism since March 2020. Even though many countries around the world have been welcoming American tourists this summer, it is unlikely that the US government will open its borders to all international visitors. Here are the facts.The White House confirmed Monday that the US's current travel restrictions will not be lifted. They cited the highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta version as the reason they are keeping a close eye on border controls.Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, stated Monday that the Delta variant would not affect existing travel restrictions. She said that "driven by Delta variant, cases here are rising at home, especially among those who have not been vaccinated and are likely to continue in weeks ahead."Psaki stated that "Nothing can be ruled out", but the White House did not provide any timeline as to when the ban on travel will be lifted. Public health experts would guide any decision about international travel.Unvaccinated people are not protected from the spread of the Delta variant. Getty Images/iStockphotoAfter the EU relaxed its restrictions on the US in June, European countries hoped that the US would create a reciprocal arrangement for travel. The EU included the US on its "green" list and allowed Americans to travel, regardless of whether they were vaccinated. Some countries, such as Italy, require Americans be fully vaccinated prior to traveling.England followed suit Wednesday when it agreed to open its borders for American tourists in August. This was provided that they have been fully vaccinated, and can show two negative COVID-19PCR tests. One before departure, and one on the second day. However, the State Department advises Americans not to travel to Britain or Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, or Cyprus and encourages them to reconsider other European destinations.Canada is also planning to lift its restrictions on US visitors in august, but it's likely that it will remain a one way system for now with the US Homeland Security Department expanding its land border closures with Canada and Mexico to at least August 21.While some countries have issued vaccine certificates in order to make travel safer, the Biden administration stated that the US will not create a national framework for vaccine credentials.The USA: IntroductionWhat are the current travel restrictions?The US bans all non-US citizens and permanent residences who have visited the UK, 26 Schengen nations in Europe or Ireland, China and South Africa in the past 14 days. This ban does not apply to diplomats or individuals who travel to the US to contain the virus, nor to certain visa-holders. However, there are exceptions for "essential travel".The US is also closed to its neighbours to the south and north. The US has extended the closure of its land borders with Canada, Mexico, and the USA until August 21. However, air travel is still prohibited.Additional public health precautions are in place for travelers. All passengers travelling to the US from the UK aged 2 years or older must submit a negative COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of their departure, even if they have been fully vaccinated.The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), recommends that all unvaccinated travelers quarantine for seven days following arrival and then take a COVID-19 testing three to five days later. While fully vaccinated travelers who have received an FDA- or WHO approved vaccine do not need to be quarantined, they should take a COVID-19 test within three-five days. The full list of recommendations can be found here.
