US reviewing transatlantic travel restrictions
US President Joe Biden has promised to address the ongoing transatlantic travel ban.
After talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Biden will make a decision ‘in a matter of days’ on when US-Europe non-essential travel can restart.
"It’s in process now. I’m waiting to hear from our folks in our COVID team as to when that should be done," Biden said.
Although Europe has eased travel restrictions for inbound American travelers, the US has kept strict travel restrictions in place that were imposed under former President Donald Trump.
"We welcome the President’s remark, delivered today with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that more information on the timing for lifting international travel bans could come ‘within the next several days," said U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Tori Emerson Barnes.
"The science says we can safely reopen international travel now, particularly for countries that have made considerable progress toward vaccinating their citizens."
Biden’s hint at a relaxation of the ban is the clearest signal yet that it may be coming to an end soon.
In answering Merkel’s query it relates specifically to EU passenger flights but any relaxation of restrictions will likely include the UK.
There has been intense pressure for several weeks from industry groups on both sides of the Atlantic to allow free movement to kick start business travel.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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