Biden Administration Eying Tighter Restrictions for Entering US

Posted on December 2, 2021 by Pulse News Mexico Leave a comment

Photo: British Council

By THE PULSE NEWS MEXICO STAFF

International travelers entering the United States — including U.S. citizens — may soon be facing even tighter covid-19 prevention restrictions for entry.

In the face of the highly concerning Omicron variant, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is currently considering requiring everyone who enters the country to be tested for covid infections within 24 hours before their flight and having all travelers — including U.S. citizens and permanent residents — be tested again after entering the United States, regardless of their vaccination status.

As of Wednesday, Dec. 1, no final decisions had been made, but the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the agency is working to revise testing requirements for international travelers.

Currently, international travelers must be tested within 72 hours before boarding a plane and must present proof of full vaccination by one of the World Health Organization- (WHO) approved covid vaccines.

The Biden administration is also considering implementing a mandatory quarantine for all foreigners entering the country, but U.S. citizens would apparently be exempt from this measure.

The administration is expected to announce its decision regarding the more stringent regulations on Thursday, Dec. 2.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told reporters Tuesday, Dec. 1, that the agency was “evaluating how to make international travel as safe as possible, including pre-departure testing closer to the time of flight and considerations around additional post-arrival testing and self-quarantines.”

As of Monday, Nov, 30, the United States banned all travel from South Africa and seven neighboring nations, with the exception of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.