GBTA Vigorously Supports the Lifting of COVID-19 Testing Requirements for U.S In-Bound Travelers by the Biden Administration

Alexandria, VA  – GBTA, the voice of the global business travel industry, supports the anticipated announcement by the Biden Administration eliminating the requirement for all travelers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, within 24-hours of arriving in the United States, effective Sunday, June 12.

“GBTA heartily applauds the lifting of the U.S. testing requirement which has been a remaining key barrier impacting the return of travel. It is vital to global recovery that we continue to show that America is open for business and for business travel. Americans have been unwilling to take the chance of being unable to return to the U.S. at the end of their business trip or vacation. This will also help to ensure we create an easy path forward for international travelers to return to the U.S. for business, conferences, and meetings. We’ve made progress in returning to life and business and cannot afford to go backwards,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, Global Business Travel Association.

GBTA has been an active voice on this topic over the past months. As recently as this week, GBTA hosted its 2022 U.S. Legislative Summit on Capitol Hill where GBTA constituents met with U.S. legislators to share an appeal from the business travel industry to lift the testing requirement in the U.S. GBTA stakeholders outlined that the U.S. travel restrictions were impacting people’s willingness to travel. Constantly changing requirements and strict testing measures were cited as a top concern for business travel in a GBTA study.

Lifting the U.S. testing requirement was also the prime topic of GBTA testimony provided by Neufang at a June 7th U.S. Senate Subcommittee hearing on reviving conventions and tourism through international travel.