The Biden administration is developing a US travel vaccine requirement for most foreign visitors, a policy designed to eventually replace the current system of broad international travel restrictions.
Administration Develops New Travel Policy
An interagency working group is creating a phased approach for the new system. A White House official stated, “The Biden administration is in the process of developing a new system for international travel that is consistent, safe and based on public health.” The goal is to create a Biden administration new travel policy that moves away from country-specific bans.
A Phased US Travel Vaccine Requirement
The plan will require vaccination for entry into the United States. “That means a phased approach that over time will mean, with limited exceptions, that foreign nationals traveling to the United States… need to be fully vaccinated,” the official explained.
Delta Variant Travel Restrictions Remain
The administration is not ready to immediately lift current travel restrictions due to rising COVID-19 cases linked to the Delta variant. This cautious stance is reinforced by recent advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has warned Americans against travel to the United Kingdom.
Current Bans and Industry Pressure
The United States currently bars most non-U.S. citizens who have recently been in the U.K., European Union, China, India, and several other nations. These rules, in place since early 2020, have faced criticism from European allies and the travel industry, who are pushing to know when will US lift travel ban policies.
Determining Proof of Vaccination for US Travel
The working group must still determine how travelers will provide proof of vaccination for US travel and which vaccines will be accepted. The administration is working to be ready “for when it is the right time to transition to this new system.“
