The United States has opened its borders to vaccinated international tourists for the first time in more than 18 months.
Starting November 8, the US is welcoming back fully vaccinated travellers arriving by plane and through land borders. The new rules allow air travel from previously restricted countries, including the UK, most of Europe and China, provided that travellers have proof of vaccination and a negative Covid-19 test.
Tourists are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and the second of a two-dose vaccine must have been completed 14 days prior to departure. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers will have to get tested within 72 hours of boarding a flight to the country.
Unvaccinated air travellers — including US citizens — are required to show proof of a negative test taken within 24 hours of boarding a flight. Those who have received vaccines like the Russian Sputnik V, will not be permitted to enter the US.
Children under 18 don't need to be vaccinated but they must take a Covid-19 test. Kids under two are exempt from testing requirements. Vaccinated travellers can also visit the US through the land borders for "essential" travel.
Airlines and hotels are preparing for a surge in activity. Virgin Atlantic says bookings to the US, largely to New York, have surged 600% since the announcement was made. According to Travel + Leisure, Expedia, one of the largest online travel companies, saw a 43% increase in Australian travellers searching for hotels in the US, a 28% bump in hotel searches from UK travellers and a 24% increase from French travellers.
