Update as of 3 May 2023: The United States is lifting all COVID-related travel restrictions on 11 May 2023.
It’s no secret that the United States of America boasts more than enough epic sights and staggering landscapes to leave any visitor awestruck; whether it’s the towering skyscrapers of New York City, the golden coastlines of California, or the evergreen naturescapes of Colorado and Washington. Since 8 Nov 2021, the USA has lifted travel restrictions and is now open for tourism.
Read on for everything you need to know about USA travel requirements, including vaccine guidelines and safety protocols during COVID-19.
Note: This article was originally published on 26 Nov 2021. It is regularly updated for any new developments.
Also read: Italy Travel Restrictions: All You Need to Know to Plan Your Visit
United States entry requirements
All fully vaccinated foreign travellers — regardless of citizenship — can enter the United States, as long as they show proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated international travellers will not be allowed to board their flight to the USA. However, exemptions are made for children below the age of 18, as well as others who meet the criteria by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) here.
Update as of 12 Jun 2022: Eligible travellers entering the USA by air no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recovery.
Pre-arrival documents for travel to the USA
All international travellers should prepare the following USA travel requirements before their trip:
1. Proof of vaccination
International travellers must show acceptable proof of full vaccination as listed here. The CDC website includes the following examples of valid documentation:
- Vaccination certificate with QR code
- Digital pass via Smartphone application with QR code (ex. European Union Digital COVID Certificate)
- Printout of a COVID-19 vaccination record or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate issued at the national or sub-national level or by an authorised vaccine provider
- Digital photos of vaccination card or record, downloaded vaccine record, or vaccination certificate from an official source (ex. government agency, public health agency, or other authorised vaccine providers)
The United States accepts all FDA-approved and authorised vaccines for travel, including vaccines with an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO). To be considered fully vaccinated, your last vaccine dose must have been administered 14 days before the day of your flight.
Children under the age of 18 are exempted from showing proof of vaccination. For more information about vaccine exemptions and other categories that meet the CDC’s exemption criteria, read here.
2. Contact information for contact tracing purposes
All international travellers must provide their contact information to airlines for contact tracing. This will allow U.S. federal and health departments to keep air passengers safe and identify those who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
To determine what else you need before your flight to the United States, this Travel Assessment may also prove useful.
3. Passport
Must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay
4. Valid visa (if applicable)
Depending on your passport, you might need a tourist visa to travel to the USA.
Arrival
Fully vaccinated travellers will neither need to take an on-arrival test nor quarantine upon arrival.
Arriving passengers who are not fully vaccinated but are eligible to travel to the USA through the CDC’s exempted categories should follow these travel requirements:
- Take a COVID-19 test within three to five days of their arrival in the USA.
- Self-quarantine for seven days after they arrive in the USA, even if they test negative for COVID-19.
- Become fully vaccinated as soon as medically appropriate, or within 60 days of arrival.
Regardless of vaccination status, international travellers who can provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days will not need to take a COVID-19 test three to five days after they arrive in the USA.
During your stay
Visitors in the United States are generally not required to wear masks in outdoor areas, transportation hubs such as airports, and indoor areas of public transportation. However, the CDC advises that people wear a mask in indoor public places if they have weakened immune systems or they are visiting destinations with high numbers of COVID-19 cases.
If you are travelling domestically within the USA, keep in mind that travel requirements and health protocols vary depending on the state you visit. Businesses like restaurants and cafes may also have different guidelines when it comes to wearing a mask indoors.
Also read: UK Travel Restrictions: All You Need to Know Before Visiting
With the United States open for tourism, click here to get started with some travel inspiration.
Featured image credit: bluejayphoto via Canva Pro