After 20 months, the US reopens borders to vaccinated travelers today

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The US has reopened its borders to double-jabbed foreign visitors, ending a 20-month entry ban.

The ban was imposed by former President Donald Trump due to Covid-19.

It has affected non-US citizens from over 30 countries, including the UK and EU states, separating families and stalling tourism.

Airlines are expecting a flood of visitors as the restrictions are lifted for those who are fully vaccinated, and undergo testing and contact tracing.

“It feels good, it feels good!” Jerome Thomann, head of Paris-based travel agency Jetset Voyages told Reuters news agency, saying his team had seen an “incredible upturn” in bookings.

In an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, US borders were initially closed to travelers from China in early 2020. The restrictions were then extended to other countries.

The US land borders with neighbours Canada and Mexico will also reopen for the fully vaccinated.

TIJUANA, BAJA CALIFORNIA, 06MAYO2020.- Larga espera para cruzar la frontera se ha registrado en la garita Internacional de San Ysidro durante los últimos días, esto debido a la reducción del horario de operación de la garita de Otay, de 6:00 a 22 horas en todos sus carriles. De acuerdo a usuarios la espera para cruzar fue de hasta cinco horas durante la mayor parte del día. La demora provocó un fuerte congestionamiento en avenidas aledañas al puerto fronterizo. Las restricciones para cruces no esenciales impuestas por el gobierno Estados Unidos se aplicaran hasta finales del mes en curso, actualmente sólo residentes y ciudadanos estadounidenses pueden cruzar la frontera, además de ciudadanos mexicanos que vayan al vecino país por un motivo justificable. FOTO: OMAR MARTÍNEZ /CUARTOSCURO.COM

Thousands of migrants have arrived in areas along Mexico’s border with the US, hoping to take advantage of the newly-relaxed rules.

In southern Mexico, a new caravan of thousands of mainly Central American migrants – many of them children – has crossed from Chiapas to Oaxaca state, with the ultimate aim of reaching the border and being accepted into the US.

The Migrant Alliance Group, a Mexico-based advocacy group, has warned that false information is being spread about the new rules in some communities – with many asylum seekers assuming that they will now receive more favourable treatment from border officials.

Businesses in cities along the border with Mexico are hoping for a boost after struggling under America’s Covid-induced restrictions.

United Airlines says it expects a 50% rise in international inbound passengers, while Delta’s chief executive Ed Bastian warned travellers to expect queues.

Mr Bastian said: “It’s going to be a bit sloppy at first. I can assure you, there will be lines, unfortunately.”

The EU recommended allowing American travellers into the bloc in June, while visitors from the US have been able to travel to the UK since 28 July.

Source: El Universal

Mexico Daily Post