U.S. issues vaccines-based entry rules for air travel

The new rules will mean a significant easing of restrictions to countries like India, Brazil, South Africa and U.K.

Most adults who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and will have to be fully vaccinated, as per a new Presidential Proclamation signed by on Monday. The rules, which also include pre-travel testing specifications, have been expected for weeks and will harmonise disparate, country-specific rules. For some jurisdictions and countries, including India, Brazil, Ireland, the Schengen Area, South Africa and the U.K. , , it will mean a significant easing of restrictions.

“For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines will be accepted that include the FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listed vaccines,” a senior administration official told reporters on a briefing call on Monday. Covishield – a version of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in India – is on the WHO list, while the world health body is meeting on Tuesday to make a determination on whether to add another Indian vaccine, Covaxin by Bharat Biotech, to the list.