Buffer for U.S., stop obligation from June 12
CNN broke the news, anticipating the official announcement by the Biden administration. As of midnight June 12, [...]
United States of America
CNN broke the news, anticipating the official announcement by the Biden administration. As of midnight June 12, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will eliminate the requirement for travelers to present a negative swab to enter the U.S. A measure that had been in effect since November 2021.
Stop the buffer for the U.S.
In this article:
The stop to the U.S. buffer was among the most anticipated news in the travel industry. The major airlines had been clamoring for months now for it to be eliminated to provide the final spur to the tourism recovery. And the entire travel industry has long lobbied, as it believed the test was no longer necessary "based on science and data." Now, the CDC has confirmed that-the current pandemic picture-no longer warrants mandatory swabs. Hence, the decision to eliminate it for 90 days. If in 90 days the situation worsens, perhaps because of a new variance, the obligation could be reinstated.
Also according to CNN reports, the Biden administration plans to work with airlines to ensure a smooth transition to change. Although, in all likelihood, the air carriers are already ready. And definitely enthusiastic. "The Covid-19 pandemic has now moved into a new phase because of the widespread adoption of highly effective Covid-19 vaccines, the availability of effective therapies, and high rates of immunity. Each of these measures has helped reduce the risk of serious illness and death in the United States," it reads. Nick Calio (President of the Airlines of America) had also recently gone to the White House, specifically to call for the abolition of the requirement. The only solution, in everyone's eyes, for the recovery of an industry that has been severely damaged by the pandemic.
Boom in bookings and more expensive ESTA
The summer of 2022, the first in two years when returning to the U.S. for tourism is possible, is marked by optimism. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has spoken of a Record demand among hotel reservations, Broadway and attractions. According to City Cruise, the ferry company to the Statue of Liberty, the numbers are now at 70% of pre-Covid levels. While, speaking of hotel reservations, the percentage rises as high as 95%.
However, the prices are not exactly cheap. The first novelty concerns theESTA, introduced in 2006 for travelers from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (including Italy). While until a few weeks ago its cost was $14, today it has doubled: each traveler will have to pay as much as 21 dollars For the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. A mandatory document, without which you will be turned away at check-in (here the official website to request it).
Beyond ESTA, traveling to the US today is definitely expensive. If in the summer of 2008 a euro was worth more than 1.55$, today a euro is worth only 1.05$. Car rental prices are skyrocketing, gasoline prices too. However, by juggling a bit of forums and official sites, and spending a little time on it, it is still possible to treat yourself to a vacation in the U.S. without dipping into your wallet.
