There may be light at the end of the U. S. travel ban tunnel. Last year, during the Trump Administration, international travel to the U.S. was banned in response to Covid-19. During the meeting between President Biden and German Chancellor Merkel, a signal indicated that the travel ban may be lifted.
U.S. Travel Assoc. Reacts to Biden Remark on Lifting Int’l Travel Ban to U.S.
Quoting from the news release issued yesterday by the U. S. Travel Association:
WASHINGTON (July 15, 2021)—U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement on President Biden’s remark on reopening international travel:
“We welcome the president’s remark, delivered today with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, that more information on the timing for lifting international travel bans could come ‘within the next several days.
“The science says we can safely reopen international travel now, particularly for countries that have made considerable progress toward vaccinating their citizens. With proper safeguards in place, studies by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Mayo Clinic and Harvard University have all independently concluded the safety of air travel today.
“Each day that outdated restrictions on travel exist wreaks economic damage on our nation, not to mention the personal toll on individuals separated from their families and loved ones. Travel bans related to Canada, Europe and the U.K. alone cost the U.S. economy $1.5 billion every week—enough to support 10,000 American jobs.
“The U.S. travel industry urges the Biden administration, in accordance with the latest science, to swiftly revise its entry policies on international travel.”
Travel To And From Canada
Travel between these two borders was not part of the discussion yesterday. The Prime Minister of Canada announced yesterday that Canada plans to open the border to non-essential travel for fully vaccinated Americans in mid-August. Travel to Canada from other countries could resume sometime in September. Travel to and from Canada continues to be a moving target with multiple resumption dates being missed.
Final Thoughts
There is a pent-up demand for international travel. Welcoming visitors from other countries would be an economic shot in the arm for the U. S. economy. Covid has been a moving target getting better in some countries and then going backward. We have friends in the U.K. coming to see us in September. We are hoping that the travel ban into the U. S. will be lifted soon so they don’t have to cancel.
If you are planning to visit a country that says “welcome” today, it could change tomorrow. Be sure to check the immigration and health requirements of the countries you plan to visit frequently. Many countries require a health pre-clearance form submitted and approved before arriving along with any Covid testing requirements.
