'Light at the end of the tunnel': US eases restrictions for international travelers

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The US has eased travel restrictions for international travelers for the first time since March 2020. 

Beginning Monday, Nov. 8, vaccinated adults who are not US residents can once again visit the country for non-essential travel from places like Canada, Mexico and most of Europe. 

"We're seeing light at the end of the tunnel, and the travelers have very great pent-up demand," said Rose Gray, business relations director for Fox World Travel. "They want to travel, but they want to do it safely."

All travelers from another country will be required to show proof of vaccination, and they'll need a negative COVID test within 72 hours. 

The Department of Homeland Security and travel agencies both expect to see an increase in tourism as people are able to travel for fun and reunite with friends and family from across the world again. 

"When travel opens up, that is just a great thing for the entire travel industry," said Gray. "I have colleagues who are traveling to Europe today.
They text me to tell me the lines are insane traveling internationally right now, and I can only imagine what it's going to be like coming in today." 

Christie Green is the marketing coordinator at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. She says the lifted restrictions will make places like Chicago airports more congested, and that's a good thing here in Milwaukee.

"Flights will be full during the holidays, but the airlines are not adding many additional flights, so it won't be much busier than normal," said Green. 

Another change comes to unvaccinated US citizens returning home from another country. They'll now be required to test negative for COVID within 24 hours of returning, two days shorter than the 72 hours previously required. 

The changes to international travel will also take effect for land borders.