Flights between the UK and US to resume from November

Flights between the UK and US are to resume from November 8 after a 19-month ban.

The US-imposed travel ban, which has lasted 19 months amid the coronavirus pandemic, will be scrapped from 8 November- with only fully vaccinated Britons able to travel. Previously, anyone without US citizenship was barred from travelling to the US if they had been in the UK in the past 14 days.

This also applied to countries, including Ireland, as well as many EU nations and India.

However, White House assistant press secretary Kevin Munoz wrote on Twitter yesterday, Friday, October 15: “The US’ new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travellers to the United States will begin on 8 November. This announcement and date applies to both international air travel and land travel. This policy is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent.”

Travel industry bosses immediately welcomed the announcement as a “pivotal moment”.

Virgin Atlantic

“The US Government’s confirmation that fully vaccinated UK visitors will be able to enter the US from November 8 is welcome news and finally allows consumers and businesses to book travel with confidence,” said Shai Weiss, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic.

He added: “As the UK forges its recovery from the pandemic, the reopening of the transatlantic corridor and the lifting of Presidential Order 212F acknowledges the great progress both nations have made in rolling out successful vaccine programmes.

British Airways

“The UK will now be able to strengthen ties with our most important economic partner, the US, boosting trade and tourism as well as reuniting friends, families and business colleagues.

“We are thankful to prime minister Johnson and the UK government, the Biden administration and our industry partners for their support in removing these barriers and allowing free travel between our countries to resume.”

“Nearly 600 days since the introduction of the US travel ban, this is a pivotal moment for the entire travel industry and finally provides the certainty we have so desperately needed.

“We can’t wait to welcome our customers back on board and reconnect friends and families across the Atlantic, rebuild US-UK business relationships and reclaim Britain’s position as a leader on the global stage,” said Sean Doyle, Chief Executive of British Airways.

Abta

“The decision to allow double vaccinated travellers to travel to the US from the UK from 8 November is great news for holidaymakers, business travellers and those who have been separated from friends and family for so long. It also sends a strong message that long haul travel is open for business so should help to boost consumer confidence in travel more broadly,” said an Abta spokesperson.

He added: “The USA is one of our most popular long-haul destinations and in a normal year attracts almost five million visitors from the UK.”

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