Trump lifting Covid-19 travel restrictions on Europe, UK, Brazil: sources
[WASHINGTON] US President Donald Trump will rescind entry bans for most non-US citizens who recently were in Brazil and much of Europe starting on Jan. 26, two officials briefed on the matter told Reuters on Monday.
Reuters first reported in November that the administration had been considering lifting the restrictions, imposed early last year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, after winning support from coronavirus task force members and public health officials.
The restrictions are set to end under a new proclamation from Mr Trump the same day that new Covid-19 test requirements take effect for all international visitors. The White House did not immediately comment.
The restrictions have barred nearly all non-US citizens who within the last 14 days have been in Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the 26 countries of the Schengen area in Europe that allow travel across open borders.
The US restrictions barring most visitors from Europe have been in place since mid-March, while the Brazilian entry ban was imposed in May.
The Trump administration imposed the bans in a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Lifestyle
Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself.
Last week, the head of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention signed an order requiring nearly all air travelers to present a negative coronavirus test or proof of recovery from Covid-19 to enter the United States starting on Jan 26.
Airlines had hoped the new testing requirements would clear the way for the administration to lift the restrictions that reduced travel from some European countries by 95 per cent or more.
They pressed senior White House officials about the issue in recent days.
Reuters previously reported the White House was not considering lifting entry bans on most non-US citizens who have recently been in China or Iran.
REUTERS
KEYWORDS IN THIS ARTICLE
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Philippines’ Recto sees rate-cut delay risk if peso sinks to 59
Ecuador president declares state of emergency over energy crisis
US Senate has agreement on Fisa reauthorisation, will vote on Friday night, Schumer says
US expects to finalise new Aukus trade exemptions in next 120 days
IMF concerned about debt, fiscal challenges facing low-income countries
Bank of Japan’s Ueda says ‘very likely’ to hike rates if inflation keeps rising