Travel companies expect a huge rush to the US as the Biden government lifts direct entry ban for fully vaccinated travelers.
The new rule comes into effect on November 8th. It will benefit those who hold long-term tourist, business or work visas, while new and additional flights from Air India and American Airlines are expected to offer better travel options. Visa dates (for new applicants) are being shortened due to local Covid-19 measures and there is still no clarity about their resumption.
“International travel will gain momentum as Covid-19 cases across the country decline and travel norms are eased through leading global destinations, including the US. Fares will be higher in the first few days, but we expect them to be streamlined after about a week, ”said a spokesman for Yatra.com
On Friday, the White House announced the lifting of restrictions on vaccinated travelers, which will make it easier to travel between the two countries. Those vaccinated with an FDA or WHO approved Covid-19 vaccine are accepted. The US government will issue separate orders and guidelines to implement the new travel policy.
Restrictions on non-US citizens were first imposed on air travelers from China by then-President Donald Trump in January 2020 and then extended to dozens of other countries. May travel restrictions for India went into effect as the country was hit by the second wave of pandemics.
These restrictions resulted in tourist or business visa holders having to spend a fortnight outside of India to enter the United States. The restrictions did not apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, among other things. Direct entry was made possible for students whose classes began after August 1st.
While November to December is traditionally a peak season for domestic travel from the US, there could also be a rush for outbound flights this year. Travel industry sources say many people who postponed travel to the US due to restrictions could book flights.
“The US update on the admission of fully vaccinated Indians without quarantine from November 8th is a welcome development for our business travelers, but also for families and leisure segments. Flight capacity is currently limited to flights below the air traffic bubble. Fares that are already over 60 percent above the pre-pandemic level could see an increase, ”said Indiver Rastogi, President and Group Leader (Global Business Travel), Thomas Cook India.
Currently, Air India and United operate nonstop flights to the US from Mumbai and Delhi. From November 3rd, Air India will increase the frequency on the Delhi-Chicago route from six to seven per week. American Airlines will be offering new connections between New York and Delhi from October 31, and between Seattle and Bengaluru from January 4.
“The US government’s decision to lift travel restrictions is a positive development and must now be followed up by an increase in visa services in India. Visa appointments were restricted due to local Covid-19 measures and personnel problems within the US State Department, among other things. This affected applicants for tourist, business and work visas. Many found it impossible to get a new visa because no appointments were available, ”said Poorvi Chothani, managing partner of LawQuest, an immigration law firm.
“New H1B visas have been issued to those who qualify for National Interest Exemptions under the Directive. However, there are thousands of individuals admitted and eligible to apply for H1B visas who have not been able to start their new jobs in the United States. Improved visa services in India are vital to enable people to travel to the US, ”she added.
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