The U.S. Travel Association (USTA) this week praised the Biden administration’s announcement that the pre-departure COVID testing requirement for inbound air travelers to the United States will be lifted on June 12.
The end of the COVID testing requirement follows months of lobbying by the USTA and other aviation groups that noted growing scientific advancements that have made it possible to end the rule. The USTA cited a recent survey that found more than half of international travelers said the pre-departure testing requirement was a major deterrent for inbound travel to the U.S.
“The Biden administration is to be commended for this action, which will welcome back visitors from around the world and accelerate the recovery of the U.S. travel industry,” said Roger Dow, USTA president and CEO. “International inbound travel is vitally important to businesses and workers across the country who have struggled to regain losses from this valuable sector. Prior to the pandemic, travel was one of our nation’s largest industry exports. The lifting of this requirement will enable the industry to lead the way toward a broader U.S. economic and jobs recovery.”
