Unvaccinated Americans to face stricter entry rules under new US travel policy

Unvaccinated Americans will be subject to stricter entry rules when arriving to the United States from an international location when the new travel policy is implemented from November.

As announced by the White House on Monday, the US will introduce a new international travel policy beginning in early November. The new policy allows all adult foreign visitors to travel to the US provided they demonstrate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before boarding their US-bound flight.

This rule applies to returning US citizens and permanent residents. However, border protocols will be stricter for unvaccinated citizens and residents. A spokesperson for the Department of State confirmed to Lonely Planet that these passengers will be required to provide proof of a negative test taken within one day prior to boarding their flight, rather than three, and must provide proof that they have purchased a viral COVID-19 test to be taken after arrival.

"The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will continue to strongly recommend against air travel by US citizens and [permanent residents] who are not fully vaccinated," the spokesperson added.

Under the new travel policy, unvaccinated adult foreign visitors will not be permitted to travel to the US, regardless of where they are coming from, though this ban won't apply to children who are not eligible for the vaccine.

In Monday's White House press briefing, press secretary Jen Psaki, said the CDC will issue a contact tracing system that will require airlines to collect "comprehensive contact information" from every inbound passengers so that they can follow up with anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 on their flight. However, the government has yet to confirm if it will go ahead. The CDC still must issue a formal order that will provide details on the new travel policy and the exact date on when it will begin.

In the meantime, all potential US-bound passengers, including visa applicants, can check for travel updates on the Department of State's website.