WASHINGTON —
The United States government will take its first steps to require that nearly all foreigners visiting the nation be vaccinated against COVID-19, a White House official reported.
The requirement would come as part of a gradual approach by the administration of President Joe Biden to reduce travel restrictions on foreigners.
A timetable has not yet been determined, as interdependencies working groups are studying how and when to safely move towards resuming normal travel, but eventually all foreigners, with some limited exceptions, are expected to be vaccinated against it. COVID-19 to enter the country.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity to comment on the policy being developed.
The Biden government has maintained in force certain travel restrictions that have reduced international flights to the United States, arguing the spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus.
Under these rules, foreigners who have been in China, in the Schengen area, in Great Britain, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa and India in the previous 14 days are prohibited from entering the United States.
All travelers to the United States, regardless of their vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days prior to their flight.
The Biden administration has faced pressure to lift some restrictions from allies, the commercial airline industry and families who have been separated from loved ones because of the regulations.
Many have complained that travel restrictions do not reflect the current situation of the virus, especially since the number of infections in the United States is worse than that of many nations that are prohibited from entering.
Airlines for America, a trade group that brings together the major U.S. airlines, said it was pleased by reports that the government plans to make it easier for more foreign travelers to enter the country if they have been vaccinated.
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