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U.S. outlines airline requirements for new travel rules
October 27th 2021
U.S. President, Joe Biden, signed a proclamation this week that lifts severe travel restrictions on 26 Schengen countries in Europe as well Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil from November 8. Read More » U.S. authorities confirmed individuals protected by COVID-19 vaccinations recognized by the World Health Organization— including AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Sinovac — can take advantage of the eased travel restrictions. Travellers inoculated with mixed recognized vaccinations also will be accepted, but Russia’s Sputnik vaccination, widely used in some countries, is not included. The new rules contain requirements airlines must follow to confirm foreigners arriving in the U.S. have been vaccinated. International visitors must provide official vaccination documentation and have received their last doses at least two weeks before travel. Anybody who lies about their vaccination status will be committing a criminal offense. Travellers entering the U.S. must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test done within 72 hours of departure. The new guidelines exempt children under 18 from vaccine requirements and people with medical issues. However, there is no exemption for people refusing to be vaccinated on religious grounds. Also exempt are non-tourist arrivals from about 50 countries where there are vaccine shortages and the vaccination rate is less than 10 percent. But this category of traveler will need a government letter authorizing travel for a compelling reason, be vaccinated within 60 days of arrival in the U.S. and provide a negative test within a day of departure. The U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will spot-check passengers for compliance. It is issuing new contact tracing rules that will require airlines to collect information such as phone numbers, email details and U.S. addresses and for carriers to retain such personal details for 30 days in case follow up is needed. “This will allow airlines to better coordinate with public health agencies in sharing information, when needed, to keep the public safe and informed and strengthen their ability to rapidly identify and contact people in the U.S. who may have been exposed to a communicable disease, such as COVID-19,’’ the CDC said in a statement.
