New US Travel Rules Effective November 8

After an 18-month ban on most inbound travel, US President Joe Biden signed a presidential proclamation on Monday, detailing the country’s new travel rules and adding clarity on vaccine requirements and border checks.

The new rules come into play in two weeks and will permit anyone who is fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) to enter the US by land or air. Travelers will also be allowed entry if they have received “mix and match” jabs, combining two different COVID-19 vaccines. US citizens or permanent residents are not required to be fully vaccinated to enter but will be subject to testing requirements that are more stringent than those in place for fully vaccinated arrivals.

“With science and public health as our guide, the United States has developed a new international air travel system that enhances the safety of Americans and international air travelers,” White House officials said in Monday’s release. “The additional detail released today provides airlines and international air travelers with time to prepare for this new policy ahead of the November 8 implementation date.”

Consequently, under the new rules, airlines will be responsible for checking passengers’ proof of vaccination and COVID-19 testing status before they depart for the US. This streamlining is expected to eliminate big queues at border checks.

When will travel restrictions be lifted?

The White House will introduce its new travel policy on November 8. “Starting on November 8, non-citizen, non-immigrant air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the US, with only limited exceptions,” the White House stated on Monday.

Who can then travel to the US?

At present, travelers who have been in the UK, European Schengen Zone, Republic of Ireland, China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India within the last 14 days are barred from entering the US with few exceptions. However, this will change on November 8, when the US will permit all fully vaccinated international travelers to enter by air, provided they show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of traveling to the US. The US will also open its land borders with Canada and Mexico to vaccinated visitors, yet a negative COVID-19 test will not be required, according to the CBC.

Moreover, travelers who previously did not need proof of vaccination during the pandemic will also be required to be vaccinated before traveling to the US from November 8. They will need to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter, regardless of vaccination status. This new policy applies to everyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the US.

Travelers will be required to wear a mask throughout their journey and provide their telephone number and email address as part of a new contact-tracing system for inbound travelers.

What about returning vaccinated Americans?

Fully vaccinated Americans will only need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their travel to the US by air, as per CDC guidelines.

What about returning unvaccinated Americans?

US citizens and permanent residents who are not fully vaccinated can still enter the US by air; however, they must be tested within 24 hours of flight departure and undergo testing upon arrival.

What about children?

Children under 18 are exempt from vaccine requirements “given both the ineligibility of some younger children for vaccination, as well as the global variability in access to vaccination for older children who are eligible,” the White House noted. However, children aged 2 to 17 must take a pre-departure test. If traveling with a fully vaccinated adult, an unvaccinated child should test within 72 hours of departure. In cases where an unvaccinated child is traveling alone or with unvaccinated adults, they must test within one day of departure.

What vaccines does the US accept for travel?

The CDC stated it will accept any vaccine authorized by the WHO for emergency use, including Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, and Sinovac.

How will I present proof of vaccination before traveling?

The Biden administration indicated that foreign nationals will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding their flight to the US. This proof can be an official vaccination certificate issued by a public health or government agency, which travelers must present to the airline prior to boarding. Airlines will need to ensure the name and date of birth on the certificate match the passenger’s identification to confirm validity.

Will I need a health pass?

Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is increasingly required for various aspects of daily life in the US, such as dining indoors, visiting museums, and attending concerts or large events. However, the rules surrounding these passes can be confusing, particularly since there is no standardized system in the US. What you need and where it’s required depend on your destination.

In New York City, for example, proof of vaccination is required for indoor dining, bars, gyms, theaters, and other entertainment venues. Similar regulations apply in New Orleans, as well as in O’ahu and Maui in Hawaii.

Additionally, in California, proof of vaccination is mandated across numerous indoor venues in San Francisco and Los Angeles County. It’s also needed to visit theme parks such as Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags.

There are other cities and counties in the US where proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required for entry. Always check in advance before planning any travels, as it’s crucial to have proof of vaccination ready to reduce the risk of entry denial in certain locations.

This article was first published on September 20, 2021, and updated on October 26, 2021.