The United States will end its COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international travelers and federal employees on May 11, the date when the public health emergency order imposed at the beginning of the pandemic expires, the White House announced this week.
In February, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of suspending the requirement that most foreign travelers present proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon entering the country by air, land, or sea, one of the few pandemic restrictions still in effect.
Last June, the Biden administration ended the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test for people arriving in the U.S. by air but maintained the vaccination requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for most foreign travelers.
The rule had previously prevented Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic from participating in some tournaments in the U.S. due to his unvaccinated status. However, starting May 12, he will be able to enter the country and freely compete in American tournaments.
The Biden administration’s rules imposed in September 2021 also required around 3.5 million federal employees and government contractors to be vaccinated, or they could face termination. This rule has not been enforced for over a year following a series of court decisions.