Fully vaccinated travellers will be allowed to travel to the US from November 8
th – ending a 21- month travel ban – in a huge boost to the international meetings and events industry.
The White House said vaccinated people who have had a negative test in the 72 hours before travelling will be granted entry, marking the end of restrictions dating back to March 2020.
The announcement is likely to spark a dash for flights for IMEX America – the meetings industry’s largest trade show – which is taking place at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, November 9-11.
In a short statement on LinkedIn, IMEX Group shared: "We are delighted that the US has announced an easing of travel restrictions starting from November 8th giving the green light to hundreds more global buyers, exhibitors and industry professionals to attend IMEX America which is open until Thursday November 11th. The decision is a massive morale booster for the industry & we look forward to giving the global business events community the homecoming it deserves & as it's the 10th edition of IMEX America it's set to be a very special reunion!"
As things stand most non-US citizens who have been in the UK and several other European countries, China, India, South Africa, Iran, and Brazil within the last 14 days are barred entry to the US.
Anyone who has received a jab from one of the vaccines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or that have an Emergency Use Listing from the World Health Organization will qualify.
Here the 'Emergency Use' part is significant. It means travellers who have received the AstraZeneca jab, widely used in the UK, as well as China's Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines, to enter the country.
Travellers will not be required to go into quarantine upon entering the country.
The announcement has been eagerly awaited by meetings industry professionals, following President Biden's initial announcement back in September that the policy would take effect 'early November'.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
