Americans welcome loved ones back as US reopens international travel

The US reopened its land borders to non-essential travel Monday after almost 20 months of Covid-19 restrictions. Travel across land borders from Canada and Mexico has been largely restricted to workers whose jobs are deemed essential. New rules will allow fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the US regardless of the reason. (AP)

Passengers were welcomed by airline staff who waved American flags while helping guests with security checks and other formalities. Gold paper crowns were distributed to the arriving passengers as a welcome gesture from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. (AP)

People cross through the Paso del Norte International bridge on Monday. The US-Mexico border reopened to vaccinated individuals after almost two years of restrictions. (AP)

The travel restrictions were eased just in time for the holiday season and would be a boost to the tourism industry in the US. (AP)

Passengers from a Virgin Atlantic flight from Manchester, England, are welcomed with stars-and-stripes balloons during their arrival at Orlando International Airport, Monday. (AP)

Natalia Abrahao is lifted up by her fiancé Mark Ogertsehnig as they greet one another at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. Pandemic travel restrictions have made their recent meetings difficult and infrequent. (AP)

People applaud and take pictures as MaKensi Kastl greets her boyfriend, Thierry Coudassot, after he arrived from France at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. The couple has not seen one another in person for over a year due to pandemic travel restrictions. (AP)

Performers entertain passengers at London Heathrow Airport's T3 as the US reopens its borders to UK visitors in a significant boost to the travel sector, in London. (AP)