SoCal woman reunites with her boyfriend after nearly 2 years as COVID travel restrictions lifted

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The U.S. on Monday fully reopened to many vaccinated international travelers as a COVID travel ban in place for more than a year and a half was lifted. And for many, that meant joyous and tearful reunions at airports.

Gerry Mulder of Ventura couldn't wait to see her boyfriend, who flew in from Amsterdam to Los Angeles International Airport. The pandemic kept them apart for nearly two years.

"Fantastic, fantastic! The borders are open!" Mulder said with a grin from ear to ear as she embraced her partner, Jelle Oud.

Oud said he's been waiting since last Christmas to visit. The couple says they plan on getting married in Las Vegas.

At LAX, many more reunited after being separated for so long.

American citizens and permanent residents were always allowed to enter the U.S., but the travel bans grounded tourists, thwarted business travelers and often keep families far apart. Travelers must have proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test.

Watch the video above for the full report. The Associated Press contributed to this report.