On Sunday, international travelers will no longer be required to have a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter the United States.
NBC reported, The rule, put in place by the Trump administration in early 2021 and later tightened by the Biden administration, most recently required inbound travelers, including U.S. citizens, to show proof of a negative Covid test a day before boarding U.S.-bound flights. Travelers entering the U.S. at land border crossings were exempt.
Private airlines still have the option to require negative test results if they wish, though most airlines have been pushing for the administration to drop the rule.
American Airlines CEO Robert Islom called the rule “nonsensical” likely due to the burden it has on the travel industry, particularly with airlines. Islom said “We’re really frustrated,” last week after meeting with politicians on the matter.
The United States is behind its foreign counterparts, with the UK, and others have long dropped their testing requirements for international flights.
The President of the U.S. travel association praised Biden for doing virtually nothing. “The Biden administration is to be commended for this action, which will welcome back visitors from around the world and accelerate the recovery of the U.S. travel industry,” Roger Dow said.