US Announces Lifting of Travel Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel on 8th November 2021

The United States of America is bracing itself for hordes of travelers who are expected to flock to the country once it reopens its borders to non-essential travelers on the 8^th of November 2021. The announcement comes after more than a year of travel bans that saw the tourism and aviation industries suffering from their biggest loss yet.

In March 2020, the United States government issued restrictions on travel into the country to curb the spread of the virus. Entry at the northern and southern land borders was limited only to individuals engaged in essential travel which included public health responses, emergency purposes, and lawful trade.

President Biden decided to reinstate the ban until more Americans are vaccinated and protected from the virus. However, in September, the administration announced that the country would be reopening in ‘early November’ for fully vaccinated foreigners although there was no specific date given.

With only a few weeks left, the airline and travel industries were understandably upset as they wanted more clarity. They had no choice but to cancel flights and bookings pending further proclamations. On the 15^th of October 2021, it was finally announced that 8^th November is the confirmed date for international arrivals from previously banned countries. Kevin Munoz, the White House Assistant Press Secretary has also confirmed the story on Twitter.

The lifting of travel restrictions does come with conditions and non-citizens are required to present the following, as per the announcement of the Department of Homeland Security:

• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination as outlined on the website of the Centers for Disease Control
• Verbally attest to their purpose of travel and Covid-19 vaccination status at the Border Inspection

Only non-citizen travelers who are fully vaccinated and with proper documentation will be allowed to enter the United States of America for non-essential travel via ferry terminals and land ports of entry beginning on the 8^th of November 2021.

People who are traveling for essential purposes will not be required to be vaccinated. However, according to the Department of Homeland Security, starting on January 2022, all inbound travelers who are foreign nationals crossing either land or ferry border crossings – regardless of the purpose of travel – must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and must provide vaccination proof.

This latest development is expected to revive the severely-affected travel and tourism industries and advance the safe resumption of travel in general at the same time.