Move FM Global News

WASHINGTON D.C.: The White House says COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international travelers and federal workers will no longer be required as of 11th May, when the pandemic-related public health emergency ends in the US.

In February, the House of Representatives voted to lift the requirement for most foreign air travelers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

In June, the Biden administration continued Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccination requirements for most foreign travelers, but it did bring to an end the requirement for people arriving in the US by air to test negative for COVID-19.

This week, the Homeland Security Department also said that from 12th May, non-US travelers entering the US via land ports of entry and ferries will no longer be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination.

After a series of court rulings, the Biden administration’s rules imposed in September 2021 requiring about 3.5 million federal employees and contractors to be vaccinated have not been enforced for over one year.

In March, a federal appeals court upheld a decision preventing the enforcement of the employee vaccination requirement.

Additionally, in October 2022, the White House instructed federal agencies to not enforce contractor vaccine requirements.

This will begin the process to end vaccination requirements for Head Start educators and government-certified healthcare facilities, the Health and Human Services Department said.