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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 18:09 GMT by WSB-TV
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U.S. Government Announces Plan to Relax Travel Restrictions for Visitors From the United Kingdom and Other European Nations

WASHINGTON — In a move that signals the next stage of the U.S. post‑pandemic recovery, officials announced today that the U.S. will ease a number of travel restrictions that have applied to visitors from the United Kingdom and several other European countries. The policy change, part of a broader “Travel Freedom” initiative, will reduce quarantine requirements, relax testing mandates and streamline entry procedures for those arriving from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several other EU member states.

The announcement was made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a statement released this morning. “We recognize that the risk of COVID‑19 transmission from travelers who are fully vaccinated or have a recent negative test is extremely low,” the statement read. “From [effective date], we are eliminating the 14‑day home quarantine requirement for travelers from the UK, and reducing the required waiting period for travelers from the rest of the EU to just a single day after arrival.”

Key Elements of the New Travel Rules

1. No Quarantine for UK Travelers
   Visitors entering the United States from the UK will no longer be required to quarantine at home for 14 days. The policy will be effective immediately for all arrivals, regardless of vaccination status.

2. Reduced Waiting Time for Other European Countries
   Travelers from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland will still be required to isolate for a single day after arrival. That is a significant reduction from the prior 14‑day requirement, and it will be enforced with the help of local health authorities.

3. Testing Requirements
   The new policy eliminates the pre‑flight PCR test requirement for all travelers from the UK. Travelers from the rest of the EU will still need a negative test result taken no more than 72 hours before departure, but the U.S. will waive the post‑arrival testing requirement if the traveler has a recent negative test.

4. Entry Procedure Changes
   The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will introduce a streamlined “Travel Freedom” portal for travelers from the United Kingdom and the listed EU countries. The portal will allow travelers to submit vaccination records, travel itineraries and proof of negative test in advance, allowing for a faster inspection process upon arrival.

Industry Reactions

The U.S. Travel Association welcomed the move, calling it “a major step forward for the industry” that will likely stimulate international tourism and business travel. “We anticipate a significant uptick in travel volumes from the UK and Europe once the new policies take effect,” said the Association’s CEO, Maria Johnson. Airlines operating transatlantic routes have already begun adjusting flight schedules to accommodate the expected surge.

“Customers are anxious to return to international travel,” said a spokesperson for United Airlines. “We’re looking forward to a smooth rollout of these changes so we can bring our travelers safely back to the U.S.”

Why the Change?

The U.S. has been gradually lifting restrictions on international travel as COVID‑19 cases decline globally and vaccination rates rise. In July, the U.S. also removed the 14‑day home quarantine for travelers from the UK and Ireland after those countries declared a “low risk” status. The current policy is a continuation of that trend.

The Department of State’s latest travel advisory for the United Kingdom has been upgraded from “Exercise Increased Caution” to “Exercise Normal Precautions,” reflecting the reduced risk level. The U.S. government has noted that the new policy is consistent with the WHO’s guidance that vaccinated travelers are at minimal risk of spreading the virus.

Links for More Information

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security statement: https://www.dhs.gov/press-release/us-set-ease-travel-restrictions
• U.S. Travel Association comment: https://www.ustravel.org/press-releases/travel-freedom
• United Airlines travel update: https://www.united.com/TravelFreedomUK

Potential Impact

Travel analysts predict that the policy change will increase inbound tourism from the UK and Europe by up to 30% in the next 12 months. Additionally, business travel is expected to rebound faster than leisure travel, as corporate executives and investors return to the U.S. for conferences and negotiations.

While the new rules offer considerable relief to travelers, public health officials caution that travelers should still adhere to standard COVID‑19 precautions, including mask usage in crowded indoor settings and regular hand hygiene. They also advise staying informed about any changes in local restrictions upon arrival.

Looking Ahead

The U.S. government has stated that it will continue monitoring COVID‑19 trends closely and may adjust travel policies as needed. Meanwhile, the “Travel Freedom” initiative will roll out in phases, starting with the U.K. and followed by the EU countries listed in the announcement. Travelers are encouraged to check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for updates on entry requirements and to confirm that their travel documents meet the new criteria.

As the world moves toward a new normal, this policy shift underscores the U.S. commitment to reopening international travel corridors while balancing public health concerns. Whether the easing of restrictions will translate into a robust rebound for the travel sector remains to be seen, but the initial signs point to a hopeful trajectory for both travelers and the industry alike.