The rules first were put in place in October 2021 as the U.S. prepared to reopen its borders to international travelers in November 2021 after being closed for 20 months due to the pandemic. The requirements apply to any non-U.S. citizen, who still will need to provide proof of receiving at least two Covid vaccine doses or an acceptable single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Foreign airlines also are required not to allow any non-U.S. travelers who do not fulfil these vaccination rules to board their flights to the US. The U.S.’s move to extend its Covid entry rules came as China finally reopened its border to international travelers on Jan. 8 after nearly three years. The country has also ended its quarantine regime as part of the relaxation of its zero-Covid policy.