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First foreign visitors arrive in US after 20-month Covid ban

09 November 2021 00:45 (UTC +04:00)

The first foreign travellers have arrived at US airports, eager to reunite with family and loved ones after a 20-month Covid-19 travel ban, APA reports citing BBC.

The US on Monday reopened its borders to double-jabbed visitors, ending the restrictions imposed by former President Donald Trump in March 2020.

The travel limitations have affected non-US citizens from over 30 countries, including the UK and EU, separating families and stalling tourism.

A flood of visitors are expected today.

"It feels good, it feels good!" Jerome Thomann, head of Paris-based travel agency Jetset Voyages told Reuters news agency, saying his team had seen an "incredible upturn" in bookings.

Restrictions have been lifted for those who are fully vaccinated, and undergo testing and contact tracing.

Two flights from London's Heathrow airport have since landed in New York - marking the return of one of the world's busiest flight paths.

Travellers arriving at New York City's John F Kennedy airport were greeted by applause, balloons and cookies.