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US finally removes vaccine requirement
When last week, the US announced that they would finally be ending their state of emergency over Covid from 11 May, they did not issue any changes to the mandate for all non-US nationals to be vaccinated to enter the US. It looks like this may have been an oversight. Yesterday they finally announced that they would remove the requirement to be fully vaccintaed to enter the US from the same date, 11 May. This is good news as it removes part of the hassle of entering the US.
The briefing announced,
Today, we are announcing that the Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for Federal employees, Federal contractors, and international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.
Virgin Atlantic welcomed the news.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said:
“The relaxation of the vaccination requirement for foreign nationals removes barriers for frictionless travel to the USA, our heartland for nearly 40 years. It will give a boost to transatlantic customer demand as a busy summer approaches. Virgin Atlantic has now resumed services to all of its 12 transatlantic destinations, including new routes to Austin and Tampa and longstanding favourites New York, Orlando and Los Angeles, with a premium, personalised experience onboard and at the airport, delivered by our amazing people.”
You can see the full official announcement here.
IHG 25% off Flash sale
IHG have another flash sale which starts today, 2 May, and ends in a week’s time. You can save up to 25% off the Best Flexible Rate with breakfast included. The offer is valid for IHG Hotels & Resorts across India, the Middle East, Africa & the Maldives at InterContinental, voco, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels and resorts.
As usual, there is a catch, and you have to pre-pay the whole stay in advance and can’t cancel for a refund.
You get an extra 10% off with app bookings and 5% extra for being an IHG One Rewards member. IHG One Rewards members also receive 25% to 30% discount on dining as part of IHG Dining Deals at participating outlets when showing proof of their membership via the IHG App.
- Start Date: 2 May 2023
- End Date: 9 May 2023
- Stay until 30 September 2023
You can find the offer page here.
Marriott flash sale – ends tomorrow 3 May
Marriott has launched a 72-hour sale with a massive bonus. Marriott Bonvoy Members who book a private home rental between May 1 – May 3, 2023 will earn 40,000 bonus points for 4+ night stays from May 15th, to September 9, 2023.
When:
• Booking Window: May 1, 2023 – May 3, 2023 (midnight US time)
• Stay Window: May 15, 2023 – September 9, 2023
How:
Just sign into your Marriott account and book a home between May 1 – 3 for 4+ nights during the stay window from May 15 – September 9. Once the stay is complete, you will earn their base points, plus a 40,000 points bonus per eligible paid night. Points will automatically appear in the Member’s Account 21-42 days following the completion of the stay.
