After many months of not being able to, fully vaccinated people will finally be able to travel again between Europe and the United States. On Monday, the US announced that the travel ban will be lifted early November. This is excellent news for visa holders and applicants alike.

At International Management Solutions, we are very much looking forward to meeting with our esteemed clients, prospects, and partners again, and return back to a new kind of normal.

What does this all mean exactly and what are the conditions to enter the US?

FULLY VACCINATED
Starting in early November, foreign nationals traveling to the US will be required to be fully vaccinated (World Health Organization approved vaccines only) and to show proof of vaccination prior to boarding an airplane.

The exceptions for non-vaccinated travelers will be very narrow, such as for children, COVID-19 clinical trial participants; and humanitarian exceptions for people traveling for an important reason and who lack access to vaccination in a timely manner.

The US will be requiring that people who receive these very limited exceptions agree to get vaccinated upon arrival.

NEGATIVE TEST
The current requirement for everyone to show proof of a negative test taken within 3 days of boarding a flight will remain in place for all fully vaccinated travelers.

CONTACT TRACING
The CDC will also issue a Contract Tracing Order that will require airlines to collect comprehensive contact information for every passenger coming to the United States and to provide that information promptly to CDC upon request, and to follow up with travelers who have been exposed to COVID-19 variants or other pathogens.

These requirements will apply globally.

Should you wish to schedule a meeting in our office in Chicago or elsewhere to discuss your expansion plans in the US, please feel free to contact us.

Source: US Dept of Commerce – International Trade Administration