Secretary of State says US borders will remain closed for EU citizens
As EU nations continue to reopen their borders to Americans — Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany and Austria this week alone — the U.S. will refrain from doing the same, at least for now.
On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said offering reciprocity in lifting travel restrictions currently imposed on EU citizens since March 11, 2020, would be “premature,” as reported by Reuters at a news conference in Paris.
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“We are anxious to be able to restore travel as fully and quickly as possible. I can’t put a date on it, we have to be guided by the science, by medical expertise,” said Blinken, who is in the French capital this week to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
"Throughout this crisis, U.S. airlines have leaned into science and research to prioritize the health and safety of all travelers. U.S. airlines have been – and continue to be – strong advocates for the development of a risk-based, data-driven roadmap for resuming international travel," said Katherine Estep, a spokesperson for Airlines for America, an airlines industry group. "We continue to urge the federal government to adopt a reciprocal policy backed by science that allows travelers who are fully vaccinated, or who have presented a negative Covid-19 test, to travel to the U.S. The science is there and it is time – if not past time – to take action."
As of today, nearly 66% of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 data tracker.
“France is America’s oldest friend and Ally. Our relationship is built upon our shared commitment to the same values – democracy, human rights, the rule of law, security, and prosperity,” Blinken said in a press statement on June 24. “The closeness of our military, economic, and political cooperation form the basis of our enduring partnership.”
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Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
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- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.