The US 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 on Wednesday seven Democrats voted 227 to 201 to end the rule.
The requirement for people to test negative before arriving in the United States by air was dropped by the Biden administration in June, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination requirement remained.
In reaction to the vote, the US Travel Association said the bill was obsolete, adding that “the need for this requirement is long past.”
However, it is unclear whether the Senate will pass the bill.
On Tuesday, the White House said the vaccination requirements had “allowed loved ones around the world to come together while reducing the spread of the virus COVID and the burdens it places on the country’s healthcare system,” but plans to end the public health emergency on May 11.
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“As we near 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 are required to show proof of vaccination before boarding a flight, with some limited exceptions.
