After 19 months, the United States will lift a pandemic travel ban affecting foreign visitors from more than 30 countries. Instead, visitors from outside the United States will be asked to show proof of vaccination and a current negative Covid test to replace the ban.
There are two exceptions to this rule: those under 18 and those from countries with limited vaccines. Since Covid-19 was announced a pandemic in March 2020, international arriving and departing halls have been among the sleepiest parts of airports across the United States.
Since early last year, many international visitors have been barred from entering the United States because of pandemic travel restrictions that have slashed revenue for hotels, retailers, restaurants, and aviation services.
Most visitors from the EU, the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Brazil, and China were barred from flying into the United States by restrictions first imposed by President Trump’s administration and eventually expanded to include other countries by President Joe Biden pretty early this year.
International visitors are now subject to new regulations, including vaccination requirements, after the reopening of the border.
As a result, airlines have reported an increase in bookings to the United States, and they expect a significant increase in travelers even before the peak holiday season.
International flights are expected to be packed and in high demand for the next few weeks. Since the Biden administration announced in September that it would lift the restrictions, the number of international flight searches to the United States has quadrupled.
The number of international flights has increased, but the schedules are still lower than before the pandemic.
On Dec. 1st, the trans-Atlantic flights for United Airlines will be restored to 87 percent of their original program. Throughout November and December, American Airlines’ international capacity is forecast to be more than double what it was a year ago and 28 percent lower than in 2019.
Vaccine proof of concept
Before flying into the United States, non-citizens will be required to prove that they have been vaccinated against Covid-19. Two weeks before departure, the second dose of a two-dose vaccine must have been administered.
It is possible to show documentation in a paper certificate, a photograph, or a digitized version of the document. Airline employees will examine it.
In addition to those approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and those outlined for use by the World Health Organization, the following companies manufacture accepted vaccines: Johnson & Johnson/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covid shield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac.
The Covid tests
All vaccinated visitors to the United States will be required to show proof of a negative Covid test performed within the previous three days.
Since January, all arrivals, including US citizens, have been subject to this requirement. Travelers who have not been vaccinated, including US citizens, must have had a Covid test within one day of their arrival. The results of both rapid antigen and PCR tests are acceptable.
Vaccine exemptions for minors and others
- To comply with the new regulations, the United States has outlined several exceptions. Children under the age of eighteen are especially at risk, as some countries have not yet authorized the vaccination of children, or vaccines are scarce.
- Over-2-year-olds traveling with adult vaccinations must still show proof of an anti-Covid test taken within 3 days of departure. Proof of a test done within one day is required for those traveling alone.
- Visitors from 50 countries, including most of Africa and Afghanistan, Haiti, Iraq, and Armenia, will be exempt from mandatory vaccinations in the United States.
- Visitors who cannot get vaccinated due to medical reasons must provide a letter from their doctor to the airline. Visitor exceptions are also available for humanitarian or emergency reasons, which require a letter from the State Department before departure.
US Nationals
The United States does not require proof of vaccination from US citizens before they leave the country.
However, they will be required to show proof of having a negative Covid test performed within one day, rather than the three days necessary for travelers who have a Covid vaccination record if they do not have one.
Forensic Tracing
Passengers heading to the United States will be needed to provide airlines with contact information, including email, phone number, and address, in an outbreak.
In addition, according to a statement from the White House last month, all foreign nationals traveling to the United States will have to be vaccinated.
Non-U.S. air travelers will be required to show verification of vaccination and proof of a current negative COVID-19 test before boarding a flight.
There will be no requirement for foreign nationals entering the United States via land to show proof of a recent negative test. There are no more extended quarantine requirements for foreign visitors or US citizens entering the country.
Americans who have not been vaccinated will face more stringent testing requirements when they travel abroad. Depending on the countries they plan to visit, quarantines may also be imposed.
