U.S. Confirms The Date Of Vaccine Mandate Elimination For All Travelers

U.S. Confirms The Date Of Vaccine Mandate Elimination For All Travelers

On May 11, 2023, air travelers entering or moving within the United States will see an important change as several Covid 19 travel restrictions will be eliminated. One of these restrictions includes the Biden Administration’s mandate for international air travelers to be fully vaccinated.

Vaccine mandate for foreign travelers to end by May 12

On May 1, 2023, the White House stated that the COVID-19 travel vaccination mandate would expire on May 11, 2023, which coincides with the date when numerous emergency measures implemented during the pandemic were slated to expire.

In a press release, the Biden-Harris Administration says the following, “Today, we are announcing that the Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for Federal employees, Federal contractors, and international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.”

The policy shift to lift Covid-19 vaccination requirements for international air travelers in the United States has received backing from the tourism industry as many other countries have already terminated similar measures by 2022 or early 2023. Moreover, the death rate related to Covid-19 has decreased notably since the mandate was enforced as vaccination has reduced the risk of severe illness from the virus to the general public.

According to the U.S. government’s statement, foreign tourists will be able to enter the country starting May 12, 2023, regardless of their vaccination status. For the first time since the pandemic began, anyone from Canada and Mexico can now enter the United States through the land border without having to provide proof of vaccination.

Summary

The U.S. government has mandated full vaccination for international tourists and visitors entering the country for leisure and tourism since 2021. However, from May 12, 2023, this requirement will no longer be in effect, bringing the nation’s entry requirements in line with those of most other countries worldwide.