USA reopens all borders from 8 November
The US Government has announced that it will reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travellers, with effect from 8 November 2021.
Accepted vaccinations
Vaccines accepted by the USA include all FDA approved or authorised vaccines, and WHO Emergency Use listing vaccines.
Before you arrive
If you’re travelling to the USA by air, you must have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before your date of travel, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within 3 months of your date of travel.
You must be able to show evidence of the above before you board your flight. This applies to all travellers aged 2 and above, including US Citizens, permanent residents and those who have been fully vaccinated.
After you arrive
You won’t need to quarantine. However, you should take a viral COVID-19 test within 3-5 days of your arrival. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, self isolate, get tested and follow the COVID-19 rules in place at your location.
You must wear a mask inside
You must wear a face mask over your nose and mouth on all forms of public transport travelling into, within or out of the USA. This includes wearing a mask inside airports, stations and ports.
You don’t have to wear a mask in outdoor areas, like the open deck of a ferry or the uncovered, open top deck of a bus.
Check all local requirements and follow guidelines
Different states, areas and buildings open to the public may have different rules regarding social distancing and mask wearing. Always check the requirements in place before you travel.
Details still to be released
There are several “granular details” effecting travel that have yet to be confirmed. For example, it is unclear how entry requirements will be managed at the border, whether the USA will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record, or what the entry rules will be for young children who haven’t been vaccinated, or children aged 12-18 who have only received a single vaccination. You may, therefore, wish to wait until these details have been confirmed before booking your travel.
Returning to the UK
Don’t forget to check the requirements for entry to the UK before you return, such as completing a passenger locator form and booking and paying for your Day 2 COVID-19 test.
Further information
For further information on the rules regarding travelling to the USA from the UK, please visit .GOV.UK or the CDC.GOV. For all other queries, please contact us.