Covid-19 pandemic: after 20-month ban, U.S. reopens borders to vaccinated travellers

After a 20-month ban, the United States is reopening its borders on Monday to double-jabbed foreign visitors.

The travel ban due to the ongoing pandemic was imposed by former President Donald Trump.

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

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

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Under the new rules, foreign travellers will need to show proof of vaccination before flying, get a negative Covid-19 test result within three days of travelling, and hand over their contact information. They will not have to quarantine.