US formally ends Covid-19 vaccination requirements
James ChappleThe United States has formally ended its Covid-19 vaccination requirements following a concerted industry lobby effort.
From 12 May, US air passengers will no longer have to provide proof of vaccination against Covid-19 to enter the country.
The move was confirmed by the US Department of Homeland Security earlier this month, and also applies to ferry passenger and arrivals via land ports.
President and chief executive of the US Travel Association, Geoff Freeman, said the development would ease "a significant entry barrier" for many global travellers, and would allow the US travel and tourism industry to "move forward" into the post-Covid world.
The Foreign Office on Thursday (11 May) updated its advice to reflect the change: "From 12 May 2023, Covid-19 vaccine requirements for air travellers to the USA will end. You will not need to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19," read the FCDO’s updated advice.
Harry Hastings, co-chief executive and co-founder of tour operator Ocean Florida, said enquiries had increased by a third since the US government on 2 May confirmed the mandate would end.
Hastings said the impact had been particularly noticeable on villa bookings and those for larger properties, with multi-generational groups no longer restricted by rules mandating the entire party is vaccinated.
“Prior to this announcement, groups of more than 10 looking for a Florida villa packages accounted for one in five enquiries," said Hastings. "Since the second of May, it has accounted for one in three."
He added the easing of the rules was "incredibly welcome after a turbulent few years for the travel industry".
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said the move would remove barriers to "frictionless" travel to its US heartland. "It will boost transatlantic customer demand as a busy summer approaches," the spokesperson added.
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