Relief and reunions in sight as US finally lifts Covid travel restrictions

Curbs on vaccinated visitors from 33 countries to go on Monday - for many separated loved ones it's not a moment too soon

On 8 November, the US will ease restrictions that effectively halted tourism and non-essential travel from 33 countries, including the UK, most of Europe and China. The restrictions have separated families and loved ones, with thousands missing out on birthdays, holidays - and in the case of the British tennis star Emma Raducanu's parents - a US Open final.

Now all visitors with a WHO-approved vaccination (which includes AstraZeneca) will be allowed to visit the US. Visitors with passports from any country where fewer than 10% of the country's population has been vaccinated will also be allowed.