Biden administration prepares plan to require foreign travelers to be vaccinated



[ad_1]

The Biden administration is currently developing a “phased” plan requiring all foreign nationals traveling to the United States to be fully vaccinated prior to entry with “limited exceptions,” according to a White House official.

The federal interagency working groups “are developing a policy and planning process to prepare when the time is right,” the official also said. Reuters first reported the development of an expected vaccination requirement for most international travelers.

“The interagency working groups are working on a plan for a consistent and secure international travel policy, so that we have a new system ready for when we can reopen travel. This includes a phased approach which over time will mean, with few exceptions, that foreign nationals traveling to the United States (from all countries) must be fully immunized, ”the official told CBS News. “Currently, the interagency working groups are developing a policy and planning process to prepare for when the time is right to move to this new system.”

The official said the administration is united to reopen international travel in a safe and sustainable manner. Due to the COVID outbreak largely caused by the Delta variant, the United States is maintaining existing travel restrictions.

It is not yet clear when the vaccination requirement for foreign nationals will begin, or what exemptions may apply.

CBS News asked an administration official if that would mean the United States would allow foreign travelers who have been fully vaccinated with vaccines such as AstraZeneca in the country, and the official responded that there was a ” ongoing policy review “on these issues by interagency. workgroups.

Other countries are already require foreign travelers to be fully immunized before their arrival. The United States currently prohibits foreign nationals from certain countries with high COVID-19 transmission rates from traveling to the United States, but has yet to prioritize travelers based on their vaccination status.

Meanwhile, some locations in the United States are starting to require vaccinations for many indoor activities. New York City will require proof of vaccination for customers to enter indoor bars, restaurants and gyms.

[ad_2]

Source link