US travel warning as new rules are introduced for Brits due to rise in Omicron cases

BRITS heading to the US will have to follow strict new rules as countries try to reduce the spread of the new Omicron variant.

The US opened its borders to the UK last month, after being closed for nearly two years.

However, arrivals would still need to have a negative Covid test to enter.

Originally needing to be taken within 72 hours, the new rules have reduced this to just 24 hours – meaning Brits have much less time to take it.

The new rules will be in place from Monday, December 6, with airlines giving passengers a three day "grace period" according to the Telegraph.

The country also confirmed that mask rule will remain in place until at least March, which require all passengers aged two and over to wear face masks.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Rochelle Walenksy said the they must "take quick and targeted action to help curtail the introduction and spread of the omicron variant into the United States.”

The first case of the Omicron Covid variant was confirmed in the US on December 1 in a fully-vaccinated person in California.

Another five have been confirmed in New York, along with one in Colorado and Minnesota.

President Joe Biden said: "We're going to fight this variant with science and speed, not chaos and confusion."

The new rules come as other countries crack down on travel rules and exemptions due to a Covid spike, especially across Europe.

Spain has banned all unvaccinated Brits which includes anyone over the age of 12, while Switzerland is making all Brits quarantine for 10 days on arrival.

Austria has banned tourists until at least December 13, having gone back into lockdown while Portugal now required Covid tests from all arrivals, even if vaccinated.

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