WASHINGTON D.C.: After being locked out for 18 months during the Covid pandemic, fully vaccinated Irish travelers will be able to enter the United States beginning November 8.

White House Assistant Press Secretary Kevin Munoz confirmed the news, tweeting: "The U.S.' new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to the United States will begin on Nov 8.

"This announcement and date applies to both international air travel and land travel."

The opening of U.S. borders comes after 18 months of strict border closures to Irish travelers arriving on land and by air.

While U.S. citizens have been able to travel to and from the EU for several months, restrictions have remained for EU citizens hoping to travel to the U.S.

New procedures require vaccinated passengers to show they have tested negative for COVID-19 within three days of their flights to the U.S.