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The wonderful concrete jungle of New York city is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Well known for its famous attractions such Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, historic neighborhoods, and numerous world famous museums, the city is truly a magical place that will steal your heart.
Not even New York was immune to the pandemic and ended up becoming one of the hardest hit areas when the COVID-19 outbreak began.
Now that numbers have stabilized many tourists are wondering if it's time to return to the big apple.
Here are all the latest COVID-19 entry requirements for New York city and everything you need to know before booking your trip.
Countries Permitted To Visit New York
New York follows all U.S. COVID-19 entry requirements which currently bans the following countries from entering:
- EU
- China
- Brazil
- UK
- Ireland
- Iran
COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements
There are currently no COVID-19 PCR testing requirements for travelers arriving from abroad.
Travelers arriving from within the U.S. will need to follow the domestic testing requirements for New York.
Travelers Tip: In the event travelers want to get tested for COVID-19 both John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens and Newark International Airport in Newark, New Jersey offer PCR testing through XpresCheck. Results are available in 2-5 days. Note that the turnaround time may be longer than required for entry requirements into other countries.
Quarantine Entry Requirements
All travelers entering the United States from any country with a CDC Level 2 or Level 3 health notice are required to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days when arriving in New York.
The countries exempt from quarantine are:
- American Samoa
- Anguilla
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Falkland Islands
- Fiji
- Guernsey
- Greenland
- Grenada
- Isle of Man
- Laos
- Macau SAR
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Micronesia
- Mongolia
- Montserrat
- New Caledonia
- Palau
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Taiwan
- Timor-Leste
- Vietnam
- New Zealand
- Saint Barthelemy
- Thailand
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
Health care in the United States is very expensive. All incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to New York.
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in New York
All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in New York:
- Everyone over the age of two are required to wear face masks when in a public place and are unable to maintain social distancing
- Follow social distancing markers and instructions
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
A vaccine for COVID-19 is not yet available to the public. New York has not announced any mandates on a proof of vaccine record (POVR) for entry.
Visa Entry Requirements For New York During COVID-19
All travelers arriving in New York must follow all regular United States visa requirements.
Travelers that require a visa must apply at the U.S. embassy/consulate in their home country before traveling to New York.
Travelers Arriving in New York From Within The United States
Travelers that were in another state for more than 24 hours:
- All travelers must fill out the traveler health form
- All travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test no older than 72 hours of arriving in New York.
- Travelers must then quarantine for 3 days upon arrival.
- Travels will then take another COVID-19 on day 4.
- If the test is negative, travelers will be released from quarantine.
Travelers that were in another state for less than 24 hours:
- ll travelers must fill out the traveler health form
- Travelers must quarantine for 3 days upon arrival.
- Travels will then take a COVID-19 on day 4.
- If the test is negative, travelers will be released from quarantine.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Claudia Wicki
Monday 19th of April 2021
So an international traveller (US passport, foreign residence) travelling into Newark Airport but destination NY, is okay with PCR negative test documentation (before flight) contact tracing entry form and then in NY must re-test within 3-4 days. No special needs for New Jersey if just "passing through". What car services are available NJ to Bronx
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 19th of April 2021
This news article is old (as is says at the top 'last updated 6 months ago') and things have changed. As of April 10: "Asymptomatic travelers entering New York from another country, U.S. state, or territory are no longer required to test or quarantine as of April 10, 2021. Quarantine, consistent with the CDC recommendations, is still recommended for all travelers who are not fully vaccinated or have not recovered from laboratory confirmed COVID-19 during the previous 3 months"
AKES
Tuesday 27th of October 2020
Hi Guys ,
I miss traveling to USA , I am from Qatar holding Visa B1/B2 and I want to know if I can travel to Miami for tourist sin facing any issues with the immigration related to COVID 19 requirements . Swift response will be highly appreciated.
Kind Regards
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 27th of October 2020
You will have to confirm with US border police or the US consulate