
US Revokes Covid Testing For Air Travelers

The Biden administration will drop the Covid-19 testing requirement for inbound air travelers from abroad on Sunday, ending one of the longest-running travel restrictions of the pandemic. The change takes effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday.
The rule, put in place by the Trump administration in early 2021 and later tightened by the Biden administration, most recently required inbound travelers, including U.S. citizens, to show proof of a negative Covid test a day before boarding U.S.-bound flights. Travelers entering the U.S. at land border crossings were exempt.

Oleksandr Pidvalnyi/ Pexels | Hotels, theme parks and other travel businesses also lobbied the administration to drop the rule
White House Assistant Press Secretary Kevin Munoz confirmed the news on Twitter, with U.S. media saying the measure would end this weekend after strong lobbying from the travel industry. He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will monitor “based on the science and in context of circulating variants” but for now deemed testing was no longer necessary.
The number of Covid cases in the U.S. has dropped sharply since January of 2022, though the figures had started to rise again in subsequent months before plateauing. Deaths remain much lower than during the height of the pandemic because of the impact of the vaccination program.
Removal of COVID test requirements in other countries

Marcelo Renda/ Pexels | The Biden administration is lifting its requirement for international air travelers to the U.S. to take a COVID test a day before a flight
The travel sector, which has seen demand surge as concerns about the pandemic wane, has said the U.S. has lagged behind other countries in re-evaluating testing policies. The United Kingdom removed all Covid-19 test requirements for travel in March of 2022, as did Canada. Italy ended its testing requirements this month.
Japan is also moving away from the strict travel restrictions that have made it an outlier in the world by allowing about 80% of inbound travelers to skip COVID tests and quarantine upon arrival. Countries of origin will be divided into “blue,” “yellow,” and “red” regions based on coronavirus infection trends and rates of positive test results.
Those coming from the low-risk blue regions will not have to undergo COVID-19 tests at ports of entry nor quarantine at home or at other designated lodging. This will apply to everyone from the qualified regions regardless of their vaccination status. The government will issue an updated breakdown of the groups.
Airlines still advise travelers to take precaution

Riccardo/ Pexels | The requirement for a negative COVID-19 test before flying to the U.S. dates to January 2021
Previously fully vaccinated arrivals to the U.S. could show a negative test result within three days of travel, with non-vaccinated travelers made to test within a day of their journey. But when the Omicron variant swept the U.S. in November 2022, Biden toughened the rules to require all non-U.S. adults to test within a day.
Having clear and concise Covid requirements is seen as the way forward by some governments, especially with infection rates dropping following mass-scale vaccinations. Even in countries where entry requirements haven’t been fully relaxed, the attitude toward those who’ve gotten the jab and requisite boosters is increasingly one of open arms.
Travelers are still advised to check what internal regulations govern masking, vaccine passports, health checks, and the like to eat at restaurants, for example, or attend a concert, as the list below is merely about crossing borders. Travel insurance may also be necessary.
More in Celebrity
-
`
Taylor Swift Showed Her Generosity Once Again with This Selfless and Inspiring Act!
Country-singer-turned-pop star Taylor Swift has always been known as one of the most generous artists to fans in need. Of late,...
May 4, 2023 -
`
Hollywood Businesses: Celebrities Who Are Successful Entrepreneurs
When the curtains close, celebrities should always have a backup plan. Yes, the entertainment industry may be lucrative, but there will...
May 2, 2023 -
`
Remember When Kim Kardashian Was Fooled by a Man Who Stole Billions From Malaysian Government?
People who think that the Kardashians are ‘extra’ and ‘over the top’ have very good reasons for calling them these names....
May 1, 2023 -
`
Hollywood Stars Who Are Billionaires!
It’s no secret that you can build a fortune from the entertainment industry, but despite the massive paychecks actors take home,...
April 25, 2023 -
`
The Elephant Express: Zimbabwe’s Stunning 80km Safari Train
The Elephant Express is an extraordinary train journey. This novel method of transporting visitors from one resort to another mixes an...
April 25, 2023 -
`
World’s Coolest Neighborhoods To Visit In 2023 & Beyond
Mile End Mile End is a multicultural neighborhood located in the city of Montreal, Canada. It is famous for its diverse...
April 22, 2023 -
`
Are You Dating a Psychopath? Experts Say These Subtle Signs May Help You Determine
We all have an idea of what a psychopath is – and we make it a point to never go near,...
April 22, 2023 -
`
How Parents Can Help Their Kids Make New Friends
Making friends as a kid can be an intimidating process. When first meeting someone, it is often difficult to know how...
April 12, 2023 -
`
Can Renovating Your Kitchen Increase Your Home’s Value?
We have no qualms in saying that the kitchen is the epicenter of the house. From morning coffees to late-night cravings,...
April 10, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login