After more than a year and a half of closed borders, the United States has reopened to vaccinated foreign visitors.
The U.S. lifted restrictions Monday on travel from a list of countries that includes most of Europe, Mexico and Canada.
The 20-month entry ban was first imposed by now former President Donal Trump during in the beginning of the Covid pandemic. The rules barred entry to most non-U.S. citizens from 33 countries.
U.S. citizens and residents could always return to the U.S., but across different times of the pandemic had to adhere to a range of rules, whether quarantining or providing tests. But for tourists, family members, and business travelers, the borders had been shut.
The new rules allow air travel from other countries as long as the traveler has proof of vaccination and a negative Covid test taken within three days of traveling. Visitors entering the country by land across either the Mexican and Canadian border will also require vaccination proof, but no test.
In London, travelers celebrated being able to finally journey to the U.S. To mark the occasion, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic had two flights take off simultaneously for the first time from London Heathrow Airport. Performers dressed in American-themed outfits adorned with sparkles and flags entertained travelers at the airport too.
Travelers told news outlets about how they had been separated from their families, friends and loved ones because of the border ban. Heathrow CEO Shai Weiss said the day was a day of celebration.
The ban first began on Jan. 31, 2020 under the Trump administration, which barred non-U.S. citizens from entering who had been to China in the previous two weeks. By March 2020, the ban expanded to European travelers for 30 days. Nearly two years later, travelers are rejoicing that borders are finally open once again.
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