Only vaccines approved or authorized by the JAV maisto ir vaistų administracija arba Pasaulio sveikatos organizacija will be acceptable from the foreigners wishing to enter the United States.
Air carriers will be required to verify passengers’ proof of vaccination against coronavirus and provide their contact information to US federal authorities.
Even fully vaccinated foreign visitors will still have to submit a negative COVID-19 test taken in the final three days before their flight.
Foreign travelers without proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will have to present a same-day negative test, according to US officials.
There are some exceptions but they will apply primarily to the travelers under the age of 18 – who have to show a negative test, even if traveling with fully vaccinated adults – and those with valid documented medical reasons preventing them from being vaccinated.
Those traveling on non-tourist visas from countries with “low vaccine availability” will also be exempt.
Unvaccinated foreigners will have to show proof of a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test, wear a mask on the flight, present proof of post-arrival COVID-19 testing, and quarantine upon arrival to the US, complying with other measures as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Administration’s statement said.
The US has been hinting it would lift the travel restrictions since late September, but Monday’s announcement gave the details and the expected date.
In March 2020, the Trump Administration restricted non-Americans from flying in from the UK, the European Union, China, India, South Africa, and Brazil to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Current US Administration extended the ban once President Biden was sworn into office in January.
