Covid: US opens up to fully vaccinated travellers

The US is easing its coronavirus travel restrictions, re-opening to passengers from the UK, EU and other nations.

From November, foreign travellers will be allowed to fly into the US if they are fully vaccinated, and undergo testing and contact tracing.

The US has had tough restrictions on travel in place since early last year.

The move answers a major demand from European allies, and means that families separated by the restrictions can be reunited.

White House Covid-19 coordinator Jeff Zients announced the new rules on Monday, saying: "This is based on individuals rather than a country-based approach, so it's a stronger system."

"Most importantly, foreign nationals flying to the US will be required to be fully vaccinated," he said.

US restrictions were initially imposed on travellers from China in early 2020, and then extended to other countries.

The current rules bar entry to most non-US citizens who have been in the UK, EU, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil within the last 14 days.

Under the new rules, fully vaccinated passengers will not be required to quarantine. Officials said there would be some exceptions to the new policy, including for children who are not eligible to be vaccinated.