The US government has confirmed it will lift restrictions on UK and EU travellers entering the country from Monday 8 November.
From that date, fully vaccinated travellers will be able to cross the border by either land or air, after more than 18 months of borders being closed for non-US citizens.
Travellers will need to show proof of their vaccination status, as well as a negative Covid-19 test result received within the 72 hours prior to departure.
However, the Foreign Office has said UK citizens "may wish to wait" to book travel to the US until further details are released about how vaccine status will be checked.
Confirming the change, White House assistant press secretary Kevin Munoz said on Twitter that the new policy is “guided by public health, stringent and consistent”.
The US announced last month that it would begin allowing EU and UK citizens into the country in November. The confirmation of the date as Monday 8 November brings certainty to a change that is widely seen as opening the doors to the return of international travel at scale for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “As the UK forges its recovery from the pandemic, the reopening of the transatlantic corridor and the lifting of Presidential Order 212F acknowledges the great progress both nations have made in rolling out successful vaccine programmes. The UK will now be able to strengthen ties with our most important economic partner, the US, boosting trade and tourism as well as reuniting friends, families and business colleagues.”
Sean Doyle, CEO and chairman of British Airways, said: “Nearly 600 days since the introduction of the US travel ban, this is a pivotal moment for the entire travel industry and finally provides the certainty we have so desperately needed.”
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, said: “The restart of this vital corridor will pay huge dividends for both economies and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and is another important step on the road to recovery for the business travel sector.
“We now urge both governments to work together to simplify the testing procedures currently required for UK-US travel to ensure it is as frictionless as possible.”
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
