The US Travel Association says the US Senate’s passage of a bill to terminate the government’s COVID-19 emergency declaration – and repeal vaccine requirements for visitors – will provide a much-needed boost for travel for the country.

The protocols were scheduled to expire on May 11.

“(The) bipartisan action by Congress to lift the vaccine requirement for travel to the US eases a significant entry barrier for many global travellers that will move our country forward,” said USTA President and CEO Geoff Freeman.

He warned, however, that “to further increase global competitiveness, the Biden administration must set a goal to reduce wait times to 21 days for US visitor visas, which still exceed a year in our top 10 visa-requiring markets.

“Together, these policies can help achieve the Commerce Department’s goal of welcoming 90 million visitors annually by 2027. US Travel Association extends its appreciation to Congress and urges President Biden to support the legislation.”