US opening up for vaccinated travellers
The US has finally agreed to ease Covid travel restrictions on foreign travellers including from the UK and EU.
Starting from November, foreign travellers will be allowed entry subject to testing.
"This is based on individuals rather than a country-based approach, so it’s a stronger system. Most importantly, foreign nationals flying to the US will be required to be fully vaccinated," said White House Covid-19 coordinator Jeff Zients.
Travellers will not be subject to quarantine but will be tested and must adhere to contact tracing.
Americans who are not fully vaccinated will still be able to return home but will have to take a pre-departure Covid test and show a negative result before flying.
Airline chiefs were overjoyed with the quite unexpected news.
Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss called the move ‘a major milestone’ for a transatlantic travel recovery.
American Airlines chief Doug Parker applauded the decision.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming more customers back to easy, seamless international trips for business, for leisure," he said.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted it was a ‘fantastic boost for business and trade.’
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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