Brits heading on USA holidays will no longer be required to show proof of a negative Covid test if they want to visit, as the holiday hotspot is due to drop the requirement.
Under the current US Covid travel rules, vaccinated visitors can enter the country for tourism, but are required to show proof of a negative Covid test taken within 24 hours before departure.
Unvaccinated Brits can't enter the USA unless they have an essential reason.
Now, an official from President Joe Biden's administration has told local news outlets that the pre-travel tests rule will be scrapped from Sunday (June 12) for international visitors arriving by air.
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A spokesperson for the country's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told POLITICO that the policy would be reviewed every 90 days.
Meanwhile, the White House's Assistant Press Secretary, Kevin Munroz, wrote on Twitter that the "US will end Covid-19 testing requirement for air travelers entering the country", adding that the CDC would continue to "evaluate its need based on the science and in context of circulating variants".
It will no doubt come as welcome news for Brits planning to tick some classic USA holidays off the bucket list, whether that's a trip to New York City, or exploring some of the USA's ridiculously pretty national parks.
Airlines have already been welcoming the news.
A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic said: "“The removal of pre-departure testing for international arrivals to the US is welcome news. It will boost consumer confidence even further and support the rebound in transatlantic travel this summer, with Virgin Atlantic leading the way offering a full roster of US destinations, including our brand new London Heathrow – Austin service.
"Frictionless transatlantic travel in both directions means reconnecting with loved ones and business colleagues is made even easier, supported by an onboard policy which allows our customers and people to make a personal choice on face masks. We can’t wait to see more of our customers flying with us to the US this Summer."
In recent months a number of holiday hotspots have been easing their travel rules for Brits. In fact, over 30 countries have scrapped rules altogether, including popular destinations like Croatia, Cyprus, Turkey and Greece.
Travel rules can change quickly during the pandemic. Always check the Foreign Office's latest USA travel advice before booking or going on a trip.
Do you think the US was too slow in ditching pre-travel Covid tests? Let us know in the comments below.
