The current state of travel regulations is constantly changing, so it is important to know exactly how to be prepared when you are traveling to the USA.
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Land, ferry, and air borders have reopened and vaccinated travelers are welcome to travel to the USA and visit its vibrant cities and towns, iconic landmarks, and diverse cultural experiences. Below, we’ve detailed everything you will need to know about your visit, including U.S. entry requirements and vaccine guidelines.
How to travel to the USA: Air or Land Borders
When arriving at a U.S. land port of entry or ferry terminal for non-essential travel, international visitors should be prepared to:
- Present proof of COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the CDC website
- Verbally attest to their non-essential travel and COVID-19 vaccination status
Traveling by Air
Prior to boarding a flight to the United States, travelers should prepare for:
Proof of Vaccination
International visitors to the United States must provide proof of full vaccination prior to boarding their flight to the United States. Accepted vaccines include those that are FDA approved or authorized, as well as vaccines with an emergency use listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Individuals can be considered fully vaccinated at least two weeks after the last dose of an accepted single-dose series or any combination of two doses of an accepted two-dose series. Children under the age of 18 are exempt from the vaccine requirement, and other limited exceptions apply.
Testing Requirements
International travelers aged two and older are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than three days before travel. Both nucleic acid amplification tests, such as a PCR test, and antigen tests qualify.
In a very limited number of cases, there are additional testing requirements for those who are exempt from the proof of vaccination requirement and documentation needs for travelers who can demonstrate recent recovery from COVID-19 in place of a negative viral test.
Contact Tracing Requirements
All air passengers to the United States are required to provide contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the United States for the purposes of contact tracing.
This process is critical to detect and respond to variants of COVID-19, helping protect the public and international visitors.
Federal Mask Mandates
All travelers are required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while in airplanes, airports, and other indoor areas of public transportation while traveling to, within, or out of the United States.
State and Local Requirements
Once international visitors arrive at their destination, individual state and local governments, as well as some businesses, may have their own health and safety guidelines regarding masks, social distancing, vaccination status, and more.
In order to be certain what the mandates are in the city you are traveling to, be sure to contact the local health department prior to your departure so you can be prepared.