Biden to lift travel restrictions on southern African countries that were put in place due to omicron

(CNN) – The Biden administration is lifting travel restrictions on eight southern African countries that were implemented last month after the omicron variant was first identified in South Africa, a White House official told CNN.

The restrictions will be lifted on December 31 at 12:01 am ET.

In late November, Biden, on the advice of his health team, restricted travel from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.

The measures banned nearly all foreign nationals who had been “physically present” in the countries during the “14-day period prior to their entry or attempted entry into the United States.”

US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and non-citizens who are spouses of citizens or permanent residents were exempt.

Travel restrictions had come under increased scrutiny as the omicron variant became predominant in new cases in the US.

Biden said Tuesday he was “considering” lifting the restrictions.

“I am considering reversing (the travel restrictions), I am going to speak with my team in the next few days,” Biden told reporters after a speech on covid-19 at the White House.

Vacation travel is set to pick up again soon, and it’s likely to be another very busy time for American travelers despite the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Air travel during vacations is now at a higher level than pre-pandemic levels.