The US Is Thinking Of Putting 'A Vaccine Requirement' In Place For All Foreign Travellers
But several paths are being considered, according to one official.
A high-ranking U.S. official has revealed that U.S. vaccination requirements for travel are being considered and could be introduced for all foreign visitors entering the country.
During a press briefing on August 5, the White House COVID-19 Response Team and other public health officials were asked about reopening the borders for some international travel and possible plans to mandate vaccinations for international travellers.
Jeffrey Zients, the coordinator of President Joe Biden's COVID-19 task force, said that while travel restrictions are still in place, plans are currently being developed for when the U.S. allows travel again and how that can be done safely.
"Part of that planning is a phased approach that foreign nationals travelling to the United States may — there's still policy work being done here — may need to have some type of a vaccine requirement," Zients said.
He also noted that an official decision has not been made about that yet but it's one of several paths being considered.
Across the border, Canada will be allowing fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents to enter the country for non-essential travel as of August 9, but there's been no timeline announced for when unvaccinated visitors from the U.S. can cross over.