US travel frees up

In a move welcomed by the industry, US officials announced last Friday (10 June) that international visitors will no longer require a Covid test, with the requirement being scrapped.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that the negative test requirements are no longer necessary “based on the science and data”.  The CDC will review its decision in another 90 days. Since October, travellers to the US have had to show a negative test result taken no more than one day before travel.

Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, made the point very clearly: “This needs to be a clarion call for all countries to remove the remaining restrictions and encourage international travel once more.

All travel facilitators around the world need to help build customer confidence and deliver the travelling experience necessary for our sector’s recovery.”

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson 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." (See in this week's BTN Austin and Virgin Atlantic.)

“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”.

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa

www.thebta.org.uk

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