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The United States has officially reopened to international tourists for the first time since March 2020.
The U.S travel industry and various airlines expect thousands of travelers to descend on U.S shores today. Travel experts have warned of severe delays of up to 8 hours at the U.S. airports.
Delta Airlines have witnessed a 450 percent uptake in bookings since the government decided to reopen. And travel companies worldwide have witnessed record bookings to the U.S.
The Entry Requirements From November 8
The United States will reopen to tourists from the following countries:
- China
- India
- United Kingdom
- Republic of Ireland
- The European Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City
- Iran
- Brazil
- South Africa
The Vaccination Requirements
Foreign tourists from the above nations can enter the United States for non-essential reasons from today if they have proof of vaccination and they’ve taken a negative COVID-19 test within 3 days of departure to the U.S.
However, the U.S will make some rare exemptions to the vaccine requirement, and these include the following:
- Travelers under the age of 18
- Travelers from nations with low vaccine availability, such as under 10 percent of the nation’s population vaccinated
- Passengers with certain medical conditions, including those who’ve had severe anaphylactic reactions to the COVID vaccine are exempt
The White House stated, “For anyone traveling to the United States who cannot demonstrate proof of full vaccination, they will have to produce documentation of a negative test within one day of departure.”
The U.S government will not require children below two years old to take a COVID-19 test before departure.
But children aged between two and seventeen will require a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure if they’re with fully vaccinated adults.
But, if travelers under 18 aren’t traveling with fully vaccinated adults, they will need to take a COVID-19 test within one day of departure.
The United States has approved all vaccines approved by the WHO for entry into the country.
If travelers can meet the above requirements — there is no quarantine on arrival for incoming passengers.
The Land Border Restrictions
The new entry requirements apply to all foreign travelers entering through Canada or Mexico via land or ferry.
Currently, foreign citizens crossing the land border for essential purposes don’t require proof of vaccination.
However, all travelers — including anyone traveling for essential purposes — will need to show proof of vaccination from January.
The COVID-19 Situation In The United States
Travelers visiting the United States this week will be delighted to hear cases have dropped nationwide in recent months.
The current 7-day case average nationwide is 73,148, a significant decrease from the 175,000 7-day case average in mid-September.
The United States has fully vaccinated 58.3 percent of its population, with 67.2 percent of New York citizens fully vaccinated and 61.8 percent of Californians fully vaccinated.
The Restrictions Within The United States
The restrictions within the United States vary drastically from state to state. Some states have dropped all COVID-19 restrictions, including mask-wearing and social distancing.
On the other hand, Hawaii is still enforcing mask mandates, social distancing, limits on gatherings, and mandatory vaccination to access certain indoor activities.
States like Nevada and California still mandate mask-wearing in certain places.
Travelers should conduct research on the city, state, or area they’re visiting to understand the certain COVID-19 restrictions within that area.
If you’re interested in more information regarding the U.S reopening, check out these articles:
- U.S. Releases Full Entry Requirements Travelers Need To Know For Nov 8
- International Passengers Could Face 8 Hour Wait Times At U.S. Airports Starting Monday
- What Travelers Will Need To Enter The United States Beginning November 8
- Hawaii Announces New Entry Requirements For International Visitors
- These U.S. Airlines and Airports Are Most Likely To Have Delays
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
MC
Tuesday 9th of November 2021
Perhaps you should note here that the federal rules only apply to Hawaii if you are flying directly to Hawaii from outside the US. If you are flying to Hawaii via the US you are "downgraded" to a domestic traveler and have to follow a different set of rules. Source: (link)
Stephan
Monday 8th of November 2021
Well, I made it to the US. Was pretty easy. Vaccination and test certificates were checked at Vienna airport before departure. Flight to Chicago was fully booked, and there were many flights from Europe arriving around the same time, so immigration was very busy. But it was fast and efficient, just regular US immigration procedures, no further check of health documents or status. I think i never had a faster immigration procedure at any US airport ever, 10 minutes and I was good to go.....I was expecting the worst on day 1 and it was super simple. Thumbs up!
Liberty
Monday 8th of November 2021
Just a reminder for American citizens: The government CANNOT prevent you from entering the US if you cross into it by land. (When you are talking to a border office, you are already on US soil and thus already in the country.) It is absolutely unconstitutional and illegal to do this, and a severe violation of human rights.
Christian
Tuesday 9th of November 2021
@Liberty, good point. That fact is being omitted too many times in the news, most likely because they don’t want people to know their rights. Green card holders cannot get turned away either .