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White House could relax COVID-19 travel restrictions as early as May

March 18, 2021
3 min read
White House could relax COVID-19 travel restrictions as early as May
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The White House could relax restrictions on travel between the United States and Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Europe by mid-May, according to CNBC.

The news comes as individual states and cities move to quickly reopen, but there has been no formal announcement about the potential policy shift just yet. CNBC reported that President Joe Biden and his COVID-19 task force "need more time to feel comfortable with reopening borders and increasing the level of air traffic from overseas."

The new measures would affect travel across the Mexican and Canadian borders, sources told CNBC, and on inbound travel from the U.K., Europe and Brazil.

Right now, all travelers flying back to the U.S. from abroad need to test negative for COVID-19. Additionally, since March 2020, the U.S. has limited inbound land border crossings from Canada and Mexico to "essential travel" only. Travelers crossing the border for tourism purposes do not fall under the essential travel designation. Travel by non-citizens from Brazil, South Africa, the U.K. and much of Europe has also been banned.

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This may not have any effect on travel restrictions into Canada, which has incredibly strict quarantine and testing mandates. And the ban on nonessential travel between the U.S. and Canada was extended on Thursday until at least April 21, 2021. Government leaders in both countries first announced the border closure one year ago on March 21, 2020, and have extended the order on a near-monthly basis since.

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Canada has also tightened its requirements for travelers arriving by air.

All travelers ages 5 or older must present a negative COVID-19 test result prior to boarding any flight entering Canada from another country. All travelers to Canada must also take a PCR test upon arrival and pay for a three-day quarantine in a government-approved hotel while waiting for the result of the test. If the traveler’s test returns a negative result, they will be able to finish their mandatory 14-day quarantine at home. If a traveler’s test comes back positive, they will be required to quarantine in designated government facilities.

Upon entering office, President Biden doubled down on the ban on non-U.S. travelers from Brazil, England, Ireland and 26 additional countries across Europe, known as the Schengen Area. South Africa was also added to that list of countries.

This news comes after Biden urged states to open COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all adults by May 1.

“If we do this together, by [July 4], there’s a good chance you, your families and friends will be able to get together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a cookout or a barbecue and celebrate Independence Day,” President Biden said.

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x 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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  • Intro Offer
    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.

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    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

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

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 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.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • 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.