20 September 2021

Multiple news sources have reported that the US will be relaxing travel restrictions for vaccinated passengers from November. The Biden administration is expected to announce the new travel policy later today, marking the end of the 18-month travel ban imposed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All vaccinated travellers from countries affected by the travel bans, including the UK, the 26 Schengen countries in Europe, as well as Ireland, China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India, reportedly will be allowed to travel to the US from November onwards. International travellers will be required to show proof of full vaccination as well as a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure.

Details of what vaccines will be accepted and how evidence of vaccination status has not yet been released. Stricter requirements for non-vaccinated American citizen travellers are also reported. We understand that there will also be a contract tracing order placed on airlines so that potentially exposed travellers will be alerted.

This update will come as welcome news to many UK and EU travellers. Under the current policy, only American citizens, their immediate families, green card holders, and those with national interest exceptions may enter the US if they have been in the UK or the EU in the previous 14 days.

While The White House has not yet officially announced this update, we recommend monitoring their website for upcoming announcements.

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For information on other areas of US and UK immigration law, please see our website or contact your assigned LDI lawyer or enquiries@lauradevine.com.