The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the voice of the global business travel industry, supports the decision and recent announcement by the Biden Administration to no longer require non-U.S. travelers entering the United States via air, land and seaports of entry to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Effective May 12, the move coincides with the Biden Administration’s end of the coronavirus public health emergency and the Presidential Proclamation on air travel, which also takes effect on the same day.

GBTA has been active throughout the pandemic in supporting the safe and thoughtful re-opening of the U.S. and return to travel, especially for international travelers.

“As we mark the current phase in terms of the pandemic, this latest development will serve as a strong driver in encouraging and facilitating international air travel. It will help further pave the way for business travel and its critical role in supporting and growing economies, companies, and teams around the world. It will also help free up critical time and resources, such as global staff and operations of airlines and airports, contributing to an improved passenger experience,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA. 

GBTA’s April 2023 Business Travel Outlook poll shows the continued return of international business travel. Corporate travel buyers surveyed estimate their international bookings have returned to 63% of their 2019 pre-pandemic levels (up from 54% reported in January), and their current spending is back to 66% (up from 58%). Additionally, in the same poll, 50% of all respondents surveyed said disruptions during their business travel – such as canceled or delayed flights, long security lines, crowded airports, or long bag check lines – has somewhat or greatly reduced their willingness to travel for work.

About GBTA

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premiere business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area and serving stakeholders across six continents. GBTA and its 8,000+ members represent and advocate for the $1.48 trillion global travel business and meetings industry. GBTA and the GBTA Foundation deliver world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. For more information visit gbta.org.

About the GBTA Foundation

The mission of the GBTA Foundation, the US 501c3 charitable arm of the Global Business Travel Association, is to help the global business travel industry create a positive impact and better future for people and the planet. The GBTA Foundation focuses on the strategy and execution of GBTA's global sustainability programs, supporting initiatives related to climate action; diversity, equity and inclusion; and other talent-related topics via education, research and advocacy. For more information visit gbtafoundation.org.