US Extends Mandatory Vaccination to Enter

By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

#USA, April 26, 2022 – That message circulated on social media which said the US Covid-19 vaccine travel entry mandate was expiring on April 21 was true, not false.  But on Thursday, the expiry day, the US Department of Homeland Security announced an extension to the rule which requires non-US Citizens to be fully vaccinated in order to enter the States.

The requirements were first adopted in November as part of reopening the United States to land crossings by foreign tourists after the borders had been closed to most visitors since March 2020.

Also unchanged, international air travelers over the age of two regardless of citizenship must provide a negative test for the virus before arriving and non U.S. citizens must also show proof of vaccination. People traveling at land or ferry crossings do not need to provide a negative test.

There are some limited exceptions to the rules including for those who have recently recovered from COVID-19.

Airlines are still hoping for the testing requirement to be dropped; in line with other popular travel destinations.  There has been no confirmation on whether this is being considered.

Homeland Security in media reports explained the extension came following consultation with the CDC.

The Centers for Disease Control says vaccines are the most effective public health measure to protect people from severe COVID-19.

No date was obvious for when the extension of the vaccinated-only rule would expire.