Passengers wearing face masks walk at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport in Finland following institution of COVID-19 travel requirements [File: Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva via Reuters)

Washington, September 21 (RHC)-- U.S. President Joe Biden will ease foreign travel restrictions into the United States beginning in November, when his administration will require all foreign nationals flying into the country to be fully vaccinated.

All foreign travellers flying to the U.S. will need to demonstrate proof of vaccination before boarding, as well as proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of flight, said White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients, who announced the new policy on Monday.

“This vaccination requirement deploys the best tool we have in our arsenal to keep people safe and prevent the spread of the virus,” said Zients.  Biden will tighten testing rules for unvaccinated American citizens, who will need to be tested within a day before returning to the U.S. from abroad, as well as after they arrive home.  Fully vaccinated passengers will not be required to quarantine, Zients said on a conference call with reporters.  

The new policy will replace a patchwork of pandemic travel restrictions first instituted by President Donald Trump last year and tightened by Biden earlier this year that restrict travel by non-citizens who have been in the United Kingdom, European Union, China, India, Iran, Republic of Ireland, Brazil and South Africa.

“This is based on individuals rather than a country-based approach, so it’s a stronger system,” Zients said.  The European Union welcomed the U.S. announcement on Monday that it will re-open its doors to European travellers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

“A long-awaited step for separated families & friends, and good news for business,” the 27-nation bloc’s executive Commission said on Twitter.