eFM News

The United States says it will allow foreigners to fly into the country this fall if they have proof of vaccination and proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of flight.

The changes will replace a patchwork of travel bans that have been in place for the past 18 months, restricting travel by non-citizens who have been in the United Kingdom, European Union, China, India, Iran, Ireland, Brazil or South Africa.

Under the new policy, COVID testing and contact tracing will still be needed, but fully vaccinated individuals will not be required to quarantine.

The announcement was made Monday by White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

[Clip: Psaki]
"In early November we will be putting in place strict protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 from passengers flying internationally into the United States by requiring that adult foreign nationals traveling to the United States be fully vaccinated. Obviously this is the conclusion of a policy process on that particular issue and an important one facing many people around the world."

It was not immediately clear which vaccines would be acceptable under the U.S. system or how it will affect unvaccinated children and teenagers.

The move drew praise from the air travel industry, which has lost significant revenue from declines in international travel, business groups and allies, particularly in the U.K. and EU.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that he was "delighted" by the news.

"It's a fantastic boost for business and trade, and great that family and friends on both sides of the pond can be reunited once again," Johnson said.