Remarks of US President Biden Hints at Lifting of International Travel Ban

Remarks made by US President Joe Biden have given hope to the prospect of reopening transatlantic travel from Europe.

In a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House, he promised that more information on the timing of the lifting of international travel bans would be forthcoming.“within the next several days.”

The US Travel Association applauded Biden’s comments on Thursday, following an almost 18-month ban on non-essential travel to the US from Europe due to the pandemic.

Tori Emerson Barnes, executive vice president for public affairs and policy, stated: “We welcome the president’s remark, delivered today with German chancellor Angela Merkel, that more information on the timing for lifting international travel bans could come ‘within the next several days.’

“The science says we can safely reopen international travel now, particularly for countries that have made considerable progress toward vaccinating their citizens. With proper safeguards in place, studies by the US Department of Defense, the Mayo Clinic and Harvard University have all independently concluded the safety of air travel today.

“Each day that outdated restrictions on travel exist wreaks economic damage on our nation, not to mention the personal toll on individuals separated from their families and loved ones.

“Travel bans related to Canada, Europe and the UK alone cost the U.S. economy $1.5 billion every week – enough to support 10,000 American jobs.

“The US travel industry urges the Biden administration, in accordance with the latest science, to swiftly revise its entry policies on international travel.”

Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s chief customer, and operating officer told the Telegraph: “Vaccination levels are very high in the UK, and very high in the US – if we follow the data the US should open. So should big parts of Europe, and so should other parts of the world. Step by step aviation can be rebuilt safely.

“We are calling on the Biden administration as well to allow Brits to travel there.”