Last weekend in which travelers flying to the US will have to undergo tests for Covid-19 before actually setting foot on US soil, subject to negative results of course. The obligation lapses in fact at midnight on Sunday 12 June. A sigh of relief for airlines and all related industries, as well as for the many foreigners who have had to observe stringent anti-Covid rules since the beginning of the pandemic.
No more Covid tests upon arrival in the US
The health authority (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has established that, “on the basis of the scientific information and data” available, undergoing the test on arrival is no longer necessary at this point. A decision that will be reviewed at the expiry of the 90 days when it can also be revoked in the event of a new surge in infections or a strong spread of new variants. The measure was introduced in January 2021. The revocation comes after the decision in April to abolish the obligation to wear masks for travelers on airplanes.
Japan reopens to foreign tourists
The pressure eases – in part – also on the other side of the Pacific: in Japan in particular, which reopens its borders to foreign tourists for the first time in two years, although still with many limits. The decision concerns 98 countries with currently a low Covid risk, including Italy. However, visitors must be part of organized groups and follow the guidelines that include the signing of a health policy for medical services in the country, as well as using the mask even outdoors.
Green certificate abolished in Europe
Meanwhile, anti-Covid restrictions have recently been lifted in Europe also to enter Spain, Portugal and Germany. In Italy they were abolished starting from 1 June. In no EU country is it now necessary to provide evidence of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or negative test results.
The exception of France
The only exception is France. In order not to be subject to quarantine, travelers must in fact still present a certificate of vaccination or recovery or a negative pre-departure swab. But everything suggests that soon it will also fall in France where starting from May 16 the mask is no longer mandatory even on public transport, the only situation in which this obligation remained. The end of the obligation of the mask in closed places dates back to February. The obligation remains valid only for those who enter hospitals or health institutions.