The United States House of Representatives has voted to end COVID vaccine requirements for foreign air travellers.
As one of the few remaining pandemic travel restrictions, the Republicans and seven Democrats voted 227 to 201 to end the rule on Wednesday.
The requirement for people to test negative before arriving in the US by air was dropped by the Biden administration back in June, but the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination requirement was maintained.
Reacting to the vote, the US Travel Association said the bill was outdated, adding that the “need for this requirement has long since passed”.
However, it is not clear whether the Senate will take up the bill.
On Tuesday, the White House said vaccination requirements had “allowed loved ones across the globe to reunite while reducing the spread of COVID and the burdens it places on the country’s health care system,” but plans to end the public health emergency on 11 May.
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“As we approach the end of the public health emergency, the administration will review all relevant policies, including this one,” the White House added.
Currently, adult visitors to the United States who are not citizens or permanent residents must show proof of vaccination before boarding their flight, with some limited exceptions.
