USA Reopens Borders to UK Visitors
15th October 2021
Last modified on October 17th, 2021
It is the move the US ski resorts have been waiting for and opens up the USA for international skiers and snowboarders this winter. UPDATED
The US government has said that it will reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travellers from 33 countries on 8th November.
Vaccinated people who have had a negative test in the 72-hours before travelling will be allowed to enter.
“This policy is guided by public health, stringent and consistent,” said a White House spokesman.
The current rules bar entry to most non-US citizens who have been in the UK.
People who have been jabbed with one of the vaccines that are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or have been granted an Emergency Use Listing from the World Health Organization (WHO) will qualify under the system.
The Emergency Use aspect will allow travellers who have received the Astra-Zeneca jab that has been widely used in the UK to enter the USA.
Skiing is now on the cards for foreign visitors.
“We are very excited about the news of a definite date for the borders to open for international visitors,” said the director of marketing at Park City in Utah, Chad Wassmer, to PlanetSKI.
“We look forward to welcoming back visitors from the UK for the upcoming 2021/22 ski season.”
Idaho, USA. Image © PlanetSKI.
Nicolas Barrancos, VP International Sales for the Alterra Mountain Company and Ikon Pass, said to PlanetSKI, “We are thrilled to welcome back skiers and riders from the UK this winter.
“We missed you!”
Ski operators report that some people are looking for a bucket list ski trip in the post-pandemic world and the USA sits on that list for many.
The snow cannons have already started in Colorado as resorts battle it out to be the first to open, and it looks like it’s Wolf Creek on Saturday and A-Basin on Sunday.
The change in US travel rules is no great surprise as the White House had indicated in September that the rules would be lifted ahead of Thanksgiving towards the end of November.
“The UK and EU are very important markets for us, and we look forward to welcoming back visitors to Park City, Utah for the upcoming 2021-2022 ski season,” added Chad.
President Biden has ordered all private companies, including ski resorts, with more than 100 employees to make vaccinations compulsory.
Those who refuse will need to be tested each week.
The strict rules on entering Canada have already been lifted so if you fancy a bucket list ski trip to North America then the easing of travel rules and restrictions should be very welcome.
Image © PlanetSKI
