NEWS: U.S. Announces New COVID-19 Guidelines For International Travel

Over the past year and a half, the U.S. has implemented travel restrictions for those visiting from other countries, barring most non-U.S. citizens from traveling into the country.

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Recently, though, the U.S. has shared that they will be changing these restrictions and once again allowing international travel by air or land. And, now we’ve got a full look at what the restrictions will and will not involve!

According to NBC News, the Biden Administration has released the new guidelines for international travel for both unvaccinated U.S. citizens and foreign travelers, adding groups that will be exempt.

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The new policy will take effect on November 8th and will require that all international visitors are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination (and any other testing requirements) will need to be shown before boarding the plane and all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization will be accepted, regardless of whether they are approved in the U.S.

Travel rules are being updated!

The new guidelines do outline a few exceptions to this rule, however. For example, those who are traveling from countries with a vaccination rate that is under 10% will also need to “provide a compelling reason for why they are traveling to the U.S.” Plus, those under the age of 18, with “certain medical conditions,” clinical trial participants, and those “traveling on short notice” will also be included in the exemption.

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As for U.S. citizens and other long-term residents, the new guidelines are a bit stricter on those who are not vaccinated and will now require them to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test one day before traveling back to the United States. Previously, the requirement was within three days of travel.