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Due to safety concerns during the pandemic, the United States had closed its borders to nonessential international travel for an extended period. As vaccination efforts against COVID-19 progress and travel conditions improve, the decision has been made to reopen the borders to foreign travelers, with the condition that they show evidence of being safe.
The US government has recently declared that travelers from many previously restricted countries are now allowed to enter. This list includes countries like Canada, Mexico, and various nations within the European Union. This move enables tourists to visit the United States in time for the upcoming holiday season, facilitating reunions for families separated due to travel restrictions.
The only requirement for foreign travelers entering the United States is proof of full vaccination as well as a recent negative COVID-19 test if arriving by air. However, those entering from Mexico or Canada by land are only obligated to show proof of vaccination, exempt from the testing requirement.
Today, the U.S. begins allowing fully vaccinated travelers from many countries to once again enter the country. https://t.co/LYtreHr3e7
— NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) November 8, 2021
The closures have severely impacted tourist attractions and shopping areas along the US borders and in popular tourist destinations. The reopening of borders is anticipated to provide a much-needed boost to these struggling businesses. One individual, River Robinson, shared her experience with NPR mentioning that the closures had kept her apart from her American partner, resulting in them missing out on celebrating the birth of their son together.
“I’m planning to take my baby down for the American Thanksgiving,” said Robinson. “If all goes smoothly at the border I’ll plan on taking him down as much as I can. It’s crazy to think he has a whole other side of the family he hasn’t even met yet.”
