US To Allow Fully Vaccinated Foreigners From Nov: What We Know, What We Don't
Fully vaccinated travellers from China, India, Brazil, the EU, and Britain, will be allowed to enter the US.
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After an 18-month-long travel ban, the United States will lift the travel suspension allowing fully vaccinated travellers from China, India, Brazil, the European Union, and Britain, to enter the US from November, Reuters reported.
The decision, however, marks a shift from last week, when President Joe Biden's administration said that it wasn't the right time to lift any restrictions amid rising COVID-19 cases.
What We Know
Foreigners from which countries are allowed? The US will admit fully vaccinated air travellers from the Schengen countries in Europe including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Greece, as well as Britain, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil, Reuters reported.
Who is allowed right now? Only US citizens, residents and foreigners with special visas are allowed to enter the country at the moment.
What is needed to enter from November? Relevant visa, certificate to prove double vaccination before boarding flight.
Who is exempted from the double vaccine rule? Only children – who are not yet eligible for vaccine – are exempted.
Who benefits the most from this? Foreigners who are currently studying or working in the US. This provides them a chance to visit their home countries if they are fully vaccinated.
What We Don't Know
The vaccines which are 'acceptable': The White House said the final decision on what vaccines would be accepted is left to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This could be both FDA and WHO approved vaccines but there is no clarity on this yet.
Whether tourists are allowed: The Biden administration has not indicated whether tourists from the above countries will be allowed under these visas.
When will this come into force? The US administration has said that this will come to effect in 'early November.' However, it has not given a specific date yet.
Should one get a COVID test on entry? Again, there is no clarity on either COVID test or quarantine protocols.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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