U.S. to End COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for International Travelers
by Daniel McCarthy /Photo: Mystic Stock Photography / Shutterstock.com
The U.S. will end its COVID-19 vaccination requirement for inbound travelers next week.
The White House on Monday announced that the policy would officially end on May 11 on the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.
The requirement was the last major COVID-19-era travel requirement on the books—the U.S. had rolled back other requirements, including the inbound testing requirement, last year, but had kept its vaccination requirement in place.
The news could boost what is already expected to be a busy international summer travel season. According to U.S. Travel Association, the federal government should now focus on ensuring that travel is efficient this summer.
“Today’s action to lift the vaccine requirement eases a significant entry barrier for many global travelers, moving our industry and country forward,” U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said.
“However, the return of international visitors should be as efficient and secure as possible. The federal government must ensure U.S. airports and other ports of entry are appropriately staffed with Customs and Border Protection officers to meet the growing demand for entry.”
The requirement had been in place since 2021. Other countries, including Canada and Greece, dropped similar requirements for inbound travelers last year.
