BELIZE CITY, Mon. Nov. 8, 2021 — Starting today, Monday, November 8, 2021, all non-US citizens and non-immigrant adults desiring to enter the United States of America must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. A press release issued on Friday by the US Embassy in Barbados states that vaccination status must be provided before such travelers can board a plane to the United States.
“Passengers will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status,” the release states. On Friday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also updated its requirement for air passengers.
“You will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country,” the CDC advisory states.
It goes on to say, however, that some categories of persons are exempted from this requirement, but that persons who meet any of those criteria for exemption must fulfill additional travel requirements for entry into the US.
“At this time, all air passengers ages 2 or older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, must show a negative result of a COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States,” the CDC bulletin states.
US president Joe Biden issued a proclamation which indicated approval of these requirements last month on October 25. On that same day, the CDC issued an order to implement the presidential proclamation.
The CDC states, “The Proclamation and CDC’s Order do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants. The Proclamation and Order also do not apply to aircrew members under certain circumstances.”
At this time, the Biden administration’s vaccination mandates are being met with legal challenges at both the state and federal levels. While US courts have since put a hold on those mandates— thus preventing them from immediately taking effect, the US government has January 4 as the deadline in sight.