International Travel to the USA

International travel to the USA is no longer the easy trip it once was. If you’re considering a visit to the United States, the first thing to know is that *foreign national air travelers to the U.S. must be fully vaccinated in order to enter the country.

Before booking any trip, consider what may happen if you’re exposed to COVID before or during your trip and what quarantine requirements are in place at your destination. Unlike many countries, COVID requirements in the U.S. vary from state to state (and in some regions, from county to county). With all that said, international travel to the U.S. from non-banned countries is still doable and enjoyable with a little planning and forethought.

*Information accurate as of June 2022

Current U.S. Travel Bans

Any current U.S. travel bans are available on the CDC website, where information is updated on a regular basis. As requirements change due to COVID, we strongly recommend that prospective travelers keep a close eye on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of State websites for up-to-the-minute information.

U.S. International Travel Restrictions

Whether you are a foreign national visiting the United States or a U.S. citizen returning home from international travel, it's important to know what U.S. international travel restrictions are currently in place. 

U.S. travel restrictions, like those of other countries, change as new information becomes available. That’s why it is advisable to stay on top of current guidelines as your departure date grows nearer. Below are some frequently asked questions that you may have as an international traveler:

• Do international travel restrictions apply to me when I am returning to the U.S. from a trip abroad?
  
  Yes. International travel restrictions to the USA include stipulations for both international visitors and U.S. citizens, as outlined below. All USA entry requirements COVID necessitated must be followed, whether you are a citizen returning from international travel or a foreign national visiting the country. The State Department provides detailed information by country to assist you when planning your trip.
  
  

• What are the current United States travel restrictions in place for visitors and returning citizens?
  
  As of 12:01 a.m. ET on June 12, 2022, inbound international air travelers are no longer required to provide proof of a negative viral COVID-19 test taken within one day of your flight’s departure to the United States.
  
  However, there is still a vaccine requirement for foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. (see the following question and answer for details).
  
  As of April 18, 2022, the CDC's order requiring masks on public transportation and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect. However, the CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.
  
  

• Will I need a COVID vaccine to travel to the USA?
  
  If you are a foreign national wondering, “Do I need to get a COVID-19 test before traveling to the United States?" the answer is yes. *All foreign national air travelers (non-immigrants and non-citizens) are required to be fully vaccinated and must provide their airline with proof of their vaccination status prior to boarding their flight to the United States.
  
  Exceptions to this order are rare and may only apply to children under 18, travelers who are medically unable to get the vaccine, and emergency travelers who do not have timely access to the vaccine.
  
  This online assessment from the CDC website can provide further insight into the COVID travel requirements that you must meet in order to travel to the United States.
  
  

• Which vaccine is approved for international travel?
  
  COVID vaccine travel restrictions require that foreign international air travelers to the U.S. be fully vaccinated with the necessary number of doses of the following approved vaccines:
  
  
  • Janssen/J&J
  • Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech)
  • Spikevax (Moderna)
  • Convidecia (CanSinoBIO)
  • Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca)
  • Covaxin
  • Covishield
  • BIBP/Sinopharm
  • CoronaVac (Sinovac)
  • Nuvaxovid (Novavax)
  • Covovax
  
  If you do not see your vaccine listed above, you will not be allowed to enter the United States. Anyone with specific questions regarding a vaccine that is not included on this list is advised to contact the U.S. Embassy located in their home country for more information.
  
  
  
• How soon can I travel after my COVID vaccine?
  
  The COVID vaccine is considered active 14 days from the date it was administered. Check the CDC website for more detailed information on how the 14-day period is calculated.
  
  
  
• If you are vaccinated, can you travel without a COVID test to the U.S.?
  
  Yes. As of 12:01 a.m. ET on June 12, 2022, inbound international air travelers are no longer required to provide proof of a negative viral COVID-19 test taken within one day of your flight’s departure to the United States. 
  
  
  
• Does the government require you to stay home for 14 days after traveling?
  
  CDC travel quarantine guidelines and current coronavirus travel restrictions can be confusing when it comes to quarantine requirements. While there is no official requirement currently in place, the CDC does recommend that travelers receive a COVID test 3-5 days after entry to the U.S. and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel. Be sure to check for updated information prior to travel.
  
  

• Do travel restrictions vary based on where you are traveling within the U.S.?
  
  Yes, they can. In addition to federal entry requirements, individual states, territories, counties, and cities may have their own requirements like wearing a mask, providing proof of vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements. Prior to traveling, check your destination’s state and local health department website for details regarding travel requirements.

*Information accurate as of June 2022

Travel to U.S. from Europe

Can Europeans travel to the USA now? If you are considering travel to the U.S. from Europe, you will want to stay abreast of all federal restrictions and requirements. Currently, there are no U.S. travel restrictions European citizens must adhere to other than the vaccine requirements for all foreign international air travelers discussed above. Similarly, UK to U.S. travel restrictions have also been lifted as of December 2021. 

A question frequently asked by European travelers is, "Will I be quarantined if I travel to the United States?” The short answer is no, as the CDC has not implemented any quarantine requirements for foreign travelers at this time.

However, it is recommended by the CDC that travelers arriving in the United States undergo a COVID test within the first 3-5 days of arrival. It is also recommended that travelers self-quarantine for 7 days and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.

U.S. Travel Restrictions India

Can tourists travel to the USA now? Yes—the U.S. travel ban from India was lifted as announced in November 2021. Currently, all travelers from India, and all foreign countries, will be required to show proof of vaccination to enter the U.S.

U.S. travel restrictions for India include other issues such as general safety. There are regions of India that are considered areas of concern by the U.S. Department of State. United States citizens traveling to India should be aware of unrest in the following areas and avoid them: 

• The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to terrorism and civil unrest
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict

U.S. Travel Restrictions by State

It’s important to be aware that the United States may have travel restrictions by state that differ from the federal guidelines. Further, it's not just U.S. travel restrictions by state that foreign travelers need to worry about, as many cities and counties have enacted their own guidelines. It is highly recommended that travelers keep an eye on federal guidelines via the CDC and U.S. Department of State websites, as well as city and county-level restrictions. 

One example relates to New York City. While NYC has lifted its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for restaurants, some restaurants have chosen to keep vaccination requirements in place. Other states, such as Florida, have no restrictions at all.

It is strongly advisable that you check the information for not only the United States but also the state, city, and county that you will be visiting prior to your arrival.

CDC International Travel Guidelines

CDC international travel guidelines are a fantastic resource for anyone who is planning to visit the United States—or for citizens who will soon return from overseas travel. The CDC requires or recommends that all travelers:

• Get fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to travel to the United States (this is required of all foreign air travelers)
• Wear a face mask covering your mouth and nose while in transit to the U.S. and while in any airport in the United States (recommended)
• Get a COVID test within 3-5 days of arrival and limit interaction with others during the first seven days in the U.S. (recommended)
• Keep abreast of all travel guidance changes via the CDC or the U.S. Department of State websites (recommended)
• Remember that states, cities, and counties may have their own COVID-related restrictions in place which could be more stringent than the federal guidelines (recommended)

There is a lot to keep track of when traveling during COVID, but when the right precautions are taken, safer travel is possible. Taking the time to research and understand COVID travel restrictions can help make your trip go smoothly.

As the date of your departure grows closer, be sure to frequently check the CDC and U.S. Department of State websites. As we all know, when dealing with this pandemic, restrictions and guidelines can change quite quickly. Safe travels!