U.S. To Ease COVID-19 Entry Restrictions
September 20, 2021
On September 20, 2021, the U.S. government announced that it plans to rescind the COVID-19 travel restrictions currently in effect by Presidential Proclamation for air travel from a number of countries (including China and most of Europe). Starting in early November 2021, fully vaccinated travelers should be able to enter the U.S. without restriction.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to issue new orders to implement this policy, to cover issues such as which vaccines will be accepted for travel purposes and what proof will be needed. As we have advised our readers in previous alerts, there will eventually be a new requirement for airlines to collect – and report to the CDC upon its request – contact tracing data for incoming passengers. Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated passengers reportedly will continue to be required to procure negative viral tests within three days of departure to the U.S., but non-vaccinated passengers will be subject to additional, more stringent testing and quarantine requirements upon arrival. Masks will continue to be required on flights to and from the U.S.
We are following developments closely and will update you as more information is available. If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).