US to remove travel restrictions for vaccinated UK tourists

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the US has imposed strict travel rules. However, it looks like travellers will once again be welcomed into the States from November so long as they’re vaccinated and undergo both testing and contact tracing.

US will welcome vaccinated UK travellers from November

Current rules state that most non-US citizens who have been to the UK, China, India, South Africa, Iran, Brazil and many EU nations within the last 14 days are restricted from entering the US. However, the rules do not apply to US citizens, their families, and green card holders, leaving them free to travel between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Under new rules that will come into force from November, tourists will need to provide proof of COVID vaccination before gaining entry to the US, have a negative COVID test within three days of travelling, and provide their contact information. However, travellers will not be required to quarantine upon arrival.

According to officials, there will be some exceptions to the new rules, such as for children who are unable to get vaccinated.

With the proposed new changes, unvaccinated Americans returning from abroad will also face more restrictions than their vaccinated counterparts and will be required to provide a negative COVID test within a day of travel as well as proof of purchase for a second test after arrival.

Rules for land-border crossings from Mexico and Canada have also been extended until October 21st, with no indication of whether or not future travellers will need to be vaccinated.

US and UK will be ‘reunited after more than 18 months apart’

Boris Johnson responded to the unexpected news stating that he was ‘delighted’ that US President Joe Biden is ‘reinstating transatlantic travel’.

It’s a fantastic boost for business and trade, and great that family and friends on both sides of the pond can be reunited once again.

British Airways chief executive Sean Doyle also reacted to recent development, labelling the easing of restrictions as ‘historic’:

Today’s news, which will see our two nations reunited after more than 18 months apart, marks an historic moment and one which will provide a huge boost to global Britain as it emerges from this pandemic.

Doyle continued: ‘We are immensely grateful to the Prime Minister and his Government for all the hard work that’s gone into securing this deal with the US, and which builds upon last Friday’s announcement on the lifting of many travel restrictions.’