A new U.S. travel policy set to begin in November will lift nearly 18 months of pandemic-induced international air travel restrictions for foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Currently, with certain exceptions, travelers from 33 countries have essentially been banned from entering the U.S. The new policy will require airlines to collect vaccination and contact information from U.S.-bound travelers, but currently there are no guidelines regarding this data collection for passengers or crew arriving via business aircraft.
Foreign nationals must show proof of vaccination and proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken three days before boarding an airplane. There will be some exemptions to the vaccine policy, including for children not yet eligible to be vaccinated.
Quarantine for vaccinated travelers coming into the U.S. will not be required. Any unvaccinated Americans returning to the U.S. will be subject to stricter testing requirements under the new procedures. They will need to test within one day of departure and will be required to test again after their arrival. The new rules will not apply to travelers crossing land borders with Mexico and Canada.
“NBAA participates in regular meetings with multiple government agencies and industry associations to coordinate the safe arrival of international passengers,” Brian Koester, the association’s director of flight operations and regulations, told AIN. “While we understand the new process will apply to all aircraft arrivals, including business aviation, the government is still determining the details. NBAA will make information available once we know the process for complying with the new requirements.”