CNBC is reporting the U.S. is planning to ease travel restrictions for international visitors who are vaccinated against Covid-19 the White House said Monday. But the land border with Canada is staying closed another month.
Non-citizens visiting the United States will have to show proof of vaccination and a negative Covid test taken within three days of departure, said Jeff Zients, who is leading the nation's Covid response efforts for the White House.
The changes will take effect in November. There is currently no details on what vaccines will qualify and what would constitute as fully vaccinated and said the CDC would provide further details. The new policy applies only to air travel and not land border crossings.
AstraZeneca is not listed as a approved vaccine on the CDC official website, however it has the largest global reach of all current vaccines available and has been administered in over 176 countries. Many within the tourism and hospitality sector are concerned the ongoing exclusion of the vaccine will have a substantial impact on much need tourist dollars, as it could potentially see travellers who have been fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca or those with a single dose combined with Moderna or Pfizer, being denied entry.
The U.S. Travel Association hailed the announcement, saying it will boost the bottom line of the battered American tourism economy. But the announcement only applies to those who fly to the U.S. American authorities today (Monday) said they're extending the land border closure with Canada and Mexico until October 21, 2021.
*story will be updated as more details are available
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