What are the requirements for the entry of tourists into the United States?
On November 8, the United States will lift its 18-month ban on international tourists , as long as they show proof of vaccination and a negative test for the new crown. The land borders with Canada and Mexico will also reopen to fully vaccinated international tourists and U.S. citizens living in those countries, as well as returning U.S. tourists. Domestic passenger traffic in the U.S. is now approaching 2019 levels, with millions of domestic travelers passing through TSA checkpoints every day .
Millions more are expected to travel by air and by land in the coming weeks. But as some countries loosen virus regulations, others are tightening entry rules to stem a new wave of the virus. Evolving rules, a rapidly changing pandemic, and a lack of internationally coordinated travel regulations continue to rattle and confuse consumers — and many travel industry operators.
Travelers in and out of the U.S. may have questions about the complex regulations around the holiday season. Here's what we know so far, as the rules are constantly changing, you may want to keep an eye on this article for updates.
Where can I get the testing required to enter the United States?
Can enter the United States with PCR and virus test results. Vaccine travelers must be tested within 72 hours of departure, while unvaccinated U.S. travelers must be tested within 24 hours of departure.
Many hotels offer on-site testing for an additional fee. If not, ask the concierge or hotel front desk for the nearest testing location to guarantee results within the stipulated time frame.
Many pharmacies offer tests for travel, and most major cities have walk-in testing sites. Tests range from $25 to $150, depending on the country; PCR tests are more expensive and take longer to produce results.
As a backup option, most airports offer COVID-19 testing, but expect to be expensive and queues, so be sure to get there early.
Will the results of the self-test be accepted?
Yes, as long as the test meets a few requirements. The test must be an antigen test or nucleic acid test approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use.
Make sure you have a working internet connection when taking the test, as you will have to connect to the telehealth service to verify your identity and provide instructions during the test.
The FDA has authorized eight home tests, but not all of them offer online guidance and instant results.
Abbott's BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag cartridge test typically returns results within 15 minutes and comes with a digital app called NAVICA that makes it easier to get the results, which can be helpful for travel. Once you receive a negative test result, the app will generate a QR code that will be updated every time you take a new test.
How much does the express self-test cost?
A six-pack of BinaxNow tests costs $150 and is available on eMed's website. A two-pack home test is also available at some pharmacies for about $25.
Ellume home testing, another popular option for international travel, costs between $30 and $40. Because home testing is in high demand, be sure to order well in advance of your trip.
Do I need a digital vaccine certificate to travel?
While most countries accept the CDC's white paper vaccination cards, places such as the Cayman Islands require digital certificates and impose quarantine restrictions on those unable to provide them.
There are a variety of digital health passes available for travel in the US, but be sure to check the requirements of the country you are visiting before you go. The SMART Health Card is a verifiable digital proof of vaccination that generates a QR code that shows only the individual's name, date of birth and vaccination status. It is available in states that use the SMART health system, or through retail pharmacy programs.
CLEAR's Healthpass is another option, which generates a QR code and vaccination details, including vaccine type and dose. CLEAR has partnered with the Hawaii Safe Travels Program to verify travelers’ COVID-19 test results or proof of vacation to meet the state’s quarantine exemption requirements. The app allows visitors to skip the verification line when they arrive in the state.
Several states, including New York and California, have their own digital apps that pull data from those states' vaccination registries, which can be used as proof needed for travel.
While most countries accept digital passes upon entry, some require visitors to apply for a local digital pass to secure access to restaurants, bars and cultural events. Switzerland was one of the first countries to take the step last month, requiring all visitors from outside the European Union and the Schengen area to register for a Swiss health pass before arriving .
Do I need booster shots for international travel?
Most places don't need it yet. But some countries are imposing vaccine "expiration dates" for travelers as new variants of the virus emerge and concerns grow over vaccines becoming less effective.
Croatia and Austria, among the first countries to introduce the practice this summer, will only accept travelers who have had a second dose or booster shot within a year. The vaccine is valid for 270 days, or about nine months, for those who received a single dose of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine. Anyone who does not meet the criteria will also have the option to submit a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of departure. There is no "expiration date" in the United States.
Israel took stricter measures when it reopened to fully vaccinated foreign travelers on Nov. 1, accepting only those who had been vaccinated within the past six months .
Many countries say they are open to fully vaccinated travelers, but as booster shots are rolled out around the world, it's important to read the fine print to know which vaccines are accepted and how long they are valid.
Do I have to show proof of vaccinations for domestic flights?
unnecessary. Beginning Nov. 8, only those entering the U.S. from abroad must show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. Unvaccinated U.S. travelers can travel but must return with a coronavirus test taken within 24 hours of departure.
Masks are still required for domestic air travel.
Does my child need vaccinations to travel abroad?
Each country has its own entry requirements, so check the policies of your destination first. Unvaccinated children under 18 can enter the U.S. if they are 2 years of age or older, are traveling with a vaccinated adult, and have had a negative COVID-19 test three days before departure. If children are traveling alone or with an unvaccinated adult, they must be tested within 24 hours of travel.
Are the rules different for land border crossings?
Beginning November 8, the U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico will reopen to vaccinated foreigners. There is no testing requirement for overland border crossings, although travelers will need to show proof of vaccinations. Children under the age of 18 may enter the country accompanied by a vaccinated adult.
I am a US citizen. Where can I find entry regulations for other countries?
The New York Times continues to update the list of countries Americans can currently travel to , as well as specific entry requirements
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