Biden's administration announced that the United States would no longer have nonsensical travel restrictions. Instead, it will be replacing them with a new requirement for foreign tourists to get vaccinated. Unvaccinated Americans traveling internationally who have not been vaccinated will need to be tested more. Let's look at the details.
The United States will eliminate blanket travel bans
As of November 20, 2021, the United States will no longer have travel bans. Instead, a new system will require that visitors be immunized.
The United States has had travel bans since the spring 2020. These prohibit non-Americans, who have been in certain countries within the last 14 days, from entering the country. There have been bans placed on Brazil, China and India as well as the Schengen Zone, South Africa and the United Kingdom. In a few weeks, these blanket bans will end.
There were reports a few weeks ago that the United States was working on a new system to allow in foreigners. It would be based on their vaccination status, not on where they have been. This has unfortunately been implemented at a slow pace, but I suppose it's better late than never.
The United States will allow vaccination-exempt travelers to enter the country
The United States requires visitors to get vaccinated
The United States will require all visitors to the country to get vaccinated, replacing the existing travel bans. This morning, Jeff Zients, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, announced that the new policy will be in effect by November 2021. However we don't know when exactly. All travelers will be required to submit a negative coronavirus testing result within three days of arriving in the United States. No need to quarantine upon arrival.
It is still unclear which vaccines will be eligible for these purposes. For example, AstraZeneca has been widely distributed in Europe but isnt approved for use in the United States. And it remains to be determined what policy will apply to unvaccinated children travelling with their parents. This post will be updated as I learn more.
Visitors to the United States must be vaccinated
Americans who are not vaccinated will need to undergo a double-blind test
Unvaccinated Americans may also be subject to some changes in travel regulations. Americans are currently allowed to enter the United States provided they have a coronavirus vaccine within three days. This will change. Americans who are not vaccinated:
You will need to take the test within one day of your return to the United States.
Will be required to test again upon returning to the United States
It is still unclear what the exact details of these requirements are, particularly in relation to testing at arrival. This would not likely happen at the airport. Instead, people would be able to take their time and get tested (whether or otherwise they use the honor system).
This is a huge incentive for international tourists from the United States, to get vaccinated.
For travel, Americans who are not vaccinated will have to undergo a double-check
This should have occurred a long, long time ago
Sincerely, I'm disappointed in President Bidens inaction on these travel bans. Biden promised that he would follow science. There is no doubt that outdated travel bans that fail to account for actual risks have not followed science.
These restrictions are not based on an epidemiological situation in a country but were based on identifying areas that experienced a severe outbreak at one time. However, the bans were never reexamined.
It makes more sense to determine eligibility to travel to the United States based upon your vaccination status. It is believed that vaccinations reduce the risk of death and hospitalizations, as well as reducing your chance of contracting coronavirus. It is much more sensible to urge people to get vaccinated than to ban everyone based on their origin.
It is also important to realize that travel bans do not just affect tourism. There are many important things you've lost because of these bans. You have long-distance relationships, people who have had babies, people who have died, and so on.
Travel bans must have been lifted long ago
Bottom line
The United States is changing their travel restrictions. It has eliminated the blanket travel bans currently in place. The United States will instead welcome travelers from all over the globe who have been vaccinated by November 2021. Unvaccinated Americans who return to the United States from abroad will have to undergo a double-check, which may include a test within one day.
It is wonderful to see the travel bans ending. This is long overdue.
What do you think of the US removing its travel bans?
