President Joe Biden has changed the rules of entry into the USA quickly and significantly tightened. The reason for the strict requirements: the spread of mutations of the coronavirus.

US government issues entry ban

President Joe Biden takes announced tougher Corona measures for entrants to the US. Shortly before the change of president, his predecessor had relaxed the restrictions. As of now, there is again an entry ban for travellers from Brazil, Ireland, the United Kingdom as well as South Africa and 26 European countries in the Schengen area. Exceptions continue to apply only to US citizens, green card holders, close relatives of US citizens and diplomats or employees of international companies. Tourist travel is explicitly not allowed. An end date for the measures has not yet been named.

Stricter measures

In addition to a general obligation to wear a mask on public transport - airlines had previously introduced this rule independently - a compulsory quarantine on entry is also to apply in future. This is because self-isolation after arrival in the USA was previously only a recommendation by the government. For all those who are still allowed to enter, there is also a Corona testing requirement. At least three days before departure, a negative result of a Covid-19 PCR test must be presented to the airline. If a passenger proves a positive test result or has survived Covid, boarding will be denied. These measures are intended not only to protect American citizens, but also to prevent an aggravated course of the global pandemic.

Future steps

In the coming weeks, these actions will be monitored by U.S. health agencies Homeland Security, Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration Centers for Disease Control. Joe Biden has asked HHS and Homeland Security to take "appropriate regulatory action" if needed and to adjust. Furthermore, the Covid-19 vaccination and follow-up tests are being examined and monitored. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop.

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