US to lift restrictions on fully vaccinated international travellers in November

The United States says it will lift restrictions on international travellers who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, starting in November.

According to New York Times, Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, on Monday, said foreign travellers who provide evidence that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to fly to the US starting from “early November”.

Fully vaccinated travellers will also be expected to show proof of negative COVID-19 tests done three days before flying to the US.

“International travel is critical to connecting families and friends, to fueling small and large businesses, to promoting the open exchange of ideas and culture,” he said. 

“That’s why, with science and public health as our guide, we have developed a new international air travel system that both enhances the safety of Americans here at home and enhances the safety of international air travel.”

The US had restricted travel for foreigners, who wished to fly to the US from several countries, as part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

The countries are China, Iran, United Kingdom, India, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City and Republic of Ireland.

The administration’s decision comes hours before Boris Johnson, UK prime minister, who is scheduled for a meeting with Biden on Tuesday, is expected to speak with the US president on easing the travel ban.