This article was published on November 22, 2021, and all the information in the article is correct as of this time. Before you book your trip, we highly recommend that you also check official sources for the most up-to-date travel requirements, as they are subject to constant change.
Can I enter the United States?
The United States of America is open at the moment, but there are some covid-related travel restrictions.
Can I enter the United States if I am vaccinated?
You can enter the United States if you are vaccinated. However, the presence of a negative PCR test is still obligatory when boarding the plane to the US. From December 6, 2021 you need to get the COVID-19 viral test no more than one day before you travel to the US.
Seven vaccine drugs are approved in the US:
- Moderna
- Pfizer/BioNTech
- Johnson&Johnson
- AstraZeneca
- Covishield
- Sinopharm
- Sinovac
Travel documents if you are vaccinated
Make sure to have one of the documents listed below to prove you are vaccinated:
- Verifiable records (for example, the European Union Digital COVID Certificate for visitors from the EU)
- Non-verifiable paper records (printout of COVID-19 vaccination record or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate issued at the national or subnational level or by an authorized vaccine provider)
- Non-verifiable digital records (digital photos of vaccination card or record, downloaded vaccine record or vaccination certificate from an official source)
The requirements to present the test do not apply to U.S. residents who have recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days and children under the age of two.
Every document must contain the QR code to confirm your data is from the official database and protected from tampering.
Can I enter the United States if I am unvaccinated?
You can enter the United States if you are unvaccinated, but conditions for unvaccinated people are tighter. For example, starting from November 8 2021, unvaccinated visitors will have to produce documentation of a negative test result within one day of departure.
If you are unvaccinated, and you arrive in the United States from “green”, “orange”, or “red” countries
Regardless of what country unvaccinated travelers come from to the United States, all are required to do the same things:
- Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel;
- Stay home for the full 7 days even if your test is negative;
- If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
Who cannot enter the United States?
Presently, the US has special limits for the following countries. The list has been updated on November 27, 2021. Please be aware the information can be changed. Always check official government resources for the latest entry restrictions.
- China
- Iran
- European Schengen area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City)
- United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Republic of Ireland
- Brazil
- South Africa
- India
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Zimbabwe
Travelers who were physically present within the countries listed above during the 14 days preceding their arrival into the United States are prohibited from entering the country.
Travel documents if you are unvaccinated
If you are unvaccinated, you need to have one of two documents:
- Viral test that was conducted on a sample taken no more than one day before the flight departed from a foreign country
- Documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (if you have recently recovered and have a positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country)
Can I leave the United States?
Presently, the United States has no restrictions on departing the country.
Can I leave the United States if I am vaccinated?
If you are vaccinated, you can easily leave the US. Check out the list of top 10 warm places to travel to in December.
Travel documents if you are vaccinated
Make sure to have one of the documents listed below to prove you are vaccinated:
- Verifiable records (for example, the European Union Digital COVID Certificate for travelers from the EU)
- Non-verifiable paper records (printout of COVID-19 vaccination record or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate issued at national or subnational level or by an authorised vaccine provider)
- Non-verifiable digital records (digital photos of vaccination card or record, downloaded vaccine record or vaccination certificate from official source)
Can I leave the United States if I am unvaccinated?
You may leave the United States if you are unvaccinated.
Traveling to “green”, “orange”, or “red” countries from the United States if you are unvaccinated
In terms of destinations, the government of the United States divides countries into:
- Very High COVID-19 level
- High COVID-19 level
- Moderate COVID-19 level
- Low COVID-19 level
Regardless of your destination, they recommend avoiding traveling to any country without a strong reason if you are unvaccinated.
Travel documents if you are unvaccinated
If you are unvaccinated, you need to have one of two documents:
- Viral test (the conducting period depends on the certain destination)
- Documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (if you recently recovered and have a positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country)
COVID-19 situation in the United States currently
The US has a moderate COVID-19 situation. More and more people are getting vaccinated, and unvaccinated citizens abide by the mask regime. All public places are open. Read our guide on a great American adventure.
FAQs
Is it safe to travel to the United States right now?
- Your trip to the United States will be completely safe if you follow basic COVID-19 recommendations:
- Wear a mask indoors if you are unvaccinated
- Avoid close contact with other people
- You do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings if they are not crowded.
Is Washington DC open for travel?
- Washington DC is open for travel now. So, feel free to discover amazing sights like the Nation Mall or the White House, the cradle of American history. When you travel there, remember you need to have proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test at outdoor events of 500 or more people, indoor recreational events or establishments, restaurants, and bars.
Do I have to be quarantined if I go to the United States?
- You do not need to be quarantined in the United States if you are vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated, you must stay home and self-quarantine for seven full days.
How do I get a health pass to travel to the United States?
- You need to download the Clear application to digitise your vaccination status. Find the Health Pass option and upload your vaccination data.
Useful links:
- The US international travel requirements
- Traveling to, from, and around the US during the COVID-19 pandemic
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