In travel news for March 16, 2022 we have updates on mask rules for flights to, from, or within the United States, as well as updated rules for British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Hethrow Airport, and we have a COVID update from France you’ll want to hear.
The Transportation Security Administration has extended the Mask Mandate for public transportation which included airplanes, airports, trains and buses until April 18th. The mandate was originally set to expire on March 18th. The 1 month extension is largely based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During this extension the "CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor. This revised framework will be based on the COVID-19 community levels, risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science.”
In the United Kingdom, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have dropped their mask mandates starting today, March 16. This aligns with Hethrow Airport removing its mask requirement this week. Within the UK masks have become optional in England and Northern Ireland, however mask mandates are still in effect in Scotland and Wales. Masks will still be required when traveling to or from a destination that still has a mandate in effect.
France has re-classifed the United States as a “green” country. This change in classification allows fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. to enter by simply showing proof of vaccination. It’s also become easier for unvaccinated travelers to enter France from the U.S.. Previously unvaccinated travelers had to provide a “compelling reason” to enter France, this requirement has been removed. Unvaccinated travelers will now be allowed entry by showing a negative COVID PCR test taken within 72 hours, or proof of a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure. Proof of recent recover will also allow an unvaccinated traveler to enter France. And that’s not all. France has suspended the vaccination pass and has removed the Mask Mandate for indoor spaces. Previously, without a vaccination pass a traveler would not be allowed in most public areas such as restaurants and cafes. Masks are now only required on public transportation. So not only will travel to France be easier for vaccinated travelers, but unvaccinated travelers can enter and enjoy all that France has to offer.