America Reopens: Vaccinated Travellers Welcome from November 8

The US lifted its COVID-19 travel ban on November 8, 2021, allowing fully vaccinated foreign travellers to enter by air with a pre-departure negative test. Land borders with Canada and Mexico also reopened to vaccinated non-essential travel, ending strict pandemic-era closures.

For Sri Lankans with family, business, or wanderlust calling them to the United States, the timing meant long-delayed reunions and trips could finally happen. Vaccination requirements and pre-travel testing remained, but the doors were open. Airlines added flights, and one of the world's largest travel corridors was active again.