All along the pandemic, the United States of America has kept strict measures when it comes to their borders: in March 2020, a “travel ban” has been instated by the Trump administration to limit the number of travelers between the U.S. and Europe.
But after being closed for months, this past October 15, 2021 the White House made the announcement official stating the U.S. borders are to reopen from November 8, 2021 to vaccinated travelers from several countries, namely the 26 EU countries included in the Schengen area such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland and Greece, as well as the Great Britain, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran, and Brazil.
But this Thursday December 2, the Washington Post stated President Biden is to announce today new and stricter conditions to enter the United States, in order to face the emergence of the new Omicron variant. According to the daily, travelers entering the country will have to show a 24-hour old max. negative test before boarding, and the Biden administration is also thinking about asking for another test in the three to five days following arrival in the country.
Furthermore, the United States is considering compulsory vaccination, six different vaccines have been approved by the U.S.: Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson&Johnson, Sinopharm and Sinovac, namely those approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
What about the current formalities to enter the United States?
In addition to proof of complete vaccinatioin, travelers wishing to go to the U.S. will have to take a 72-hour screen test before boarding and wear a facemask. Furthermore, a traveler track-up system will be instated by the airlines, White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients announced.
Last but not leats, a "Passenger Disclosure and Attestation to the United States of America" certificate will also be needed prior to boarding.
According to the latest statments made by the Biden administration, the under-18s do not need to prove they have been vaccinated.
But, children over 2 years of age traveling with a vaccinated adult will have to present a negative Covid test performed in the three days prior to their boarding. Those traveling alone or accompanied by a non-vaccinated adult wil have to present a negative Covid-19 test performed 24 hours prior to the flight.
