US House votes to end Covid-19 vaccine requirement for tourists

The move comes after the Biden administration dropped its Covid testing protocol for arrivals in June 2022, but has not yet lifted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination requirements for most inbound travellers. 

According to Reuters, the White House said on Tuesday (8 February) it was opposed to the bill, claiming the requirement has reduced the burden on health care systems while allowing families to reunite. The bill will now be considered by the Senate. 

The US government plans to end the Covid health emergency on 11 May – which, according to US Travel Association executive vice-president of public affairs Tori Emerson Barnes, is delaying the US inbound sector’s recovery from the pandemic.

"US Travel sees no reason to uphold the requirement until May – particularly as visitors from around the world plan spring and summer travel," she said.

"The US is the only country that has maintained this policy, putting at risk valuable visitor spending the longer it remains in place."