One of the most affected industries was the transport industry. The requirements to visit different countries keep changing now and then. With inconsistent regulations, it can be challenging and confusing for people who want to travel abroad, the same challenge applying even to those wishing to travel between Europe and the United States of America.

After the election of the new US president, the travel restrictions to the country became more strict; the governments did so to keep new Covid 19 variants at bay while they tried containing the already existing ones.

Regardless if you want to travel to the US visa-free, you need to check www.estaform.org and see if you are eligible to get approved for one.

Which passengers were banned from traveling into the United States?

Every government is trying its best to contain and manage the spread of the Covid-19 disease. As a result, the US immigration department instilled a travel ban for people who had visited some European countries. Some of these countries include Portugal, Czech Republic, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Greece, and Ireland.

Those who are to be permitted into the US from Europe must present a medical certificate that proves that they have tested negative for the disease. This means that everybody (apart from those in the military and children under the age of 2) had to be tested prior to their visit, preferably three days before their journey. The accepted testing methods include:

  • Viral antigen
  • NAAT
  • RT-PCR
  • TMA
  • RT-LAMP

These restrictions have affected global trade immensely. In fact, by the end of the year 2020, the trade of global merchandise recorded the sharpest quarter-on-quarter decline ever to be recorded. Falling with a staggering 14.3%, much focus had to be directed towards breaking down supply chains and restructuring them in a way that keeps them relevant and functional. The collapse of these chains proved just how much countries depend on each other.

However, even with the numerous challenges, the wait seems to be nearly over. Vaccinated US citizens will soon be allowed to travel to Europe after a year-long ban. On May 19, 2021, ambassadors in the European Union decided that fully vaccinated visitors can now be allowed to visit the 27-nation bloc. Some of these countries include Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Georgia, and Iceland.

However, even with traveling being allowed, there are still measures that have to be followed. For example, if you want to travel on the COVID – tested flights, you must get tested before your departure and on arrival. This is mandatory for everyone, whether you have received the vaccine or not. However, the good news for those entering the US from Europe is that you will not be required to quarantine once the test results are out.

Conclusion

Every country has had to put in efforts to adjust to the new normal. However, with the vaccines out now, things seem to be getting easier and more manageable now.