The easing of travel curbs on vaccinated visitors from 33 countries brings relief to separated families and sparks a surge in bookings

Starting on November 8, the United States will lift its travel restrictions, which have been in place for over a year, effectively barring tourists and non-essential visitors from 33 countries, including the UK, most of Europe, and China. The announcement brings a long-awaited end to months of separation for families, friends, and loved ones, many of whom have missed significant events, such as birthdays, holidays, and important milestones like Emma Raducanu’s US Open final.

Under the new rules, all visitors with WHO-approved vaccinations (including AstraZeneca) will be permitted entry into the US. This policy change is expected to fuel a wave of travel, with airlines such as Virgin Atlantic reporting a 600% increase in bookings, particularly to New York. Delta Air Lines anticipates an “onslaught of travel” with long airport queues likely in November.

Hotel prices in major cities like New York are also returning to pre-pandemic levels, after a summer marked by widespread discounts. Tourism experts predict the surge in travel will continue for years, driven by pent-up demand from overseas visitors eager to reconnect with loved ones and explore the US once more.