America's Covid travel rules have undergone huge changes after a judge struck down the mask mandate on Monday.
Travellers won't be required to wear face coverings on airplanes and other public transport while the Florida federal judge's verdict is reviewed.
It comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has overhauled its travel warning system and cut all 89 countries on the Level 4 list - the highest risk category.
The countries dropped to "Level 3: High," which still discourages travel by unvaccinated Americans, includes the UK.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration called the face mask decision "disappointing" after renewing the mandate last week to last until May 3.
The move has thrown the travel industry into confusion as airlines took matters into their own hands.
Some firms, such as Delta, United, Southwest, declared masking optional on their planes.
In a press conference on Monday, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said: "The CDC recommended continuing the order for additional time — two weeks — to be able to assess the latest science in keeping with its responsibility to protect the American people.
"So, this is obviously a disappointing decision. The CDC continues recommending wearing a mask in public transit. As you know, this just came out this afternoon."
Psaki said the Department of Homeland Security and the CDC are reviewing the decision.
Changes to America's travel warnings
On April 13, the CDC announced a new travel warning system effective April 18.
The national public health agency uses Travel Health Notices to alert travellers to health threats and advise on how to protect themselves before, during, and after travel.
The CDC's overhaul means Level 4 travel health notices are reserved for "special circumstances, such as rapidly escalating case trajectory or extremely high case counts, emergence of a new variant of concern, or healthcare infrastructure collapse".
Levels 1, 2, and 3 will continue to be primarily decided by 28-day incidence or case counts.
The UK is on the Level 3 list marking where Covid rates are "high" alongside other countries including Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
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