Irish citizens may soon be able to visit the United States as the latter could ease its travel restrictions imposed to stop the further spread of the virus in just over two weeks, according to the Editor of Air and Travel magazine, Eoghan Corry.
The Irish travel expert stressed that there are “very strong indications from America that the ban on Irish people going to America will be lifted on Labour Day,” September 6.
“We need a few things to go right for that to happen because it did look as if it was going to be lifted in July, and it did get put back. But the latest date, the important date, is September 6,” Corry pointed out in this regard, IrishMirror reports.
In March 2020, authorities in the United States imposed a travel ban on other countries, including the European Union and Schengen Zone countries, as well as the United Kingdom, China, India, South Africa, Iran, and Brazil, in a bid to halt the virus’ further spread. Such a decision means that citizens of Ireland are also prohibited from entering US territory.
At present, only citizens and permanent residents of the United States, certain family members, as well as other persons who meet the requirements of exemptions are permitted to enter the United States.
Even though travellers from Ireland and other European countries are prohibited from entering the US, Americans are eligible to visit European states after the Council of the EU placed the US on the list of epidemiologically safe countries on June 18.
According to Corry, the reciprocation has “broken down as the US is happy we’re welcoming American tourists, all while the opposite arrangement is not allowed.”
The travel restrictions imposed on European states and other countries have often been criticized by many governments, organizations, and airlines who called on the US authorities to lift the ban that remains effective for more than 16 months now.
Earlier this month, the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) urged the US President to abolish the restrictions imposed on European citizens through a letter signed by key figures at APEX, who claimed that Europe doesn’t present a risk while stressing that divided families deserve to rejoin after more than a year of separation.
The Ambassador of the EU to the US, Stavros Lambrinidis, previously emphasized that the United States should lift the travel restrictions imposed on European travellers. However, such a decision has not been taken yet, despite speculations that the US could soon permit travellers from other countries to enter its territory again.
