United States Quietly Extends The Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate For Non-Citizen Arrivals Through April 10, 2023
America just quietly extended the Covid-19 vaccination mandate through April 10, 2023 for international travelers who are looking to enter the country.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has signed an emergency amendment to continue vaccination requirements for non-U.S. citizens. International foreign travelers will still need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19 until April 10, 2023. The amendment actions declared that the "foreign air carrier" requires each individual, prior to boarding a flight to the United States, to present proof of vaccination.
"Presented paper or digital documentation of Proof of Being Fully Vaccinated Against
COVID-19, consistent with the CDC Order and Technical Instructions, that includes
personal identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) that match the personal identifiers on
the passenger’s passport or other travel documents; or Presented documentation proving that they are an Excepted Covered Individual, under the Proclamation and the CDC Order as further explained in the CDC Technical Instructions," is stated on page 3. The amendment was signed by the Acting Executive Assistant Administrator, Austin J. Gould, on December 30, 2022.
It's important to note that the meaning of "fully vaccinated" means that non-citizens who have only received one dose of a "two-dose series" (and have previously recovered from the virus) do not meet the definition. Pfizer and Sinovac, for example, require two doses. Federal data released back in April 2022 showed that Americans who received their booster shot were getting sick with Covid-19 more often than their unboosted counterparts. With more studies coming out on the jab's side effects, it makes sense why many people can't help but feel the extension is unnecessary.
It seems the U.S. is falling behind, since many countries are now fully open and do not require a vaccine to enter. There is no word on whether or not this recent emergency amendment will be extended once again, despite the document having an expiration date of April 10, 2023.
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