International travellers flying to the US no longer have to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test before entering the country. The change - which came into effect on Sunday - has come thanks to the ‘tremendous progress’ the country has made in tackling the virus.
A spokesperson for the Centre For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the decision was made on the basis of high vaccine uptake and widespread population immunity. They added: "Each of these measures has contributed to lower risk of severe disease and death across the United States.”
Prior to the change, air passengers travelling to the US from a foreign country had to show a negative Covid-19 viral test, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, before they boarded their flight. The CDC said it will re-evaluate dropping this requirement in 90 days time and would ‘not hesitate to act’ to reinstate it should new variants make it necessary.
Read more: 12 countries with recently eased travel rules that Brits can visit
Do I have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to fly to the USA?
If you are not a US citizen and not an immigrant, you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country. Upon arrival, fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine and are recommended to take a viral test within three to five days.
You can check if the US considers you to be fully vaccinated here . The CDC says a person who has received only one dose of an accepted two-dose series and has recovered from Covid-19 is NOT considered fully vaccinated for travel to the United States.
Your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel. Children 17 and under are exempt from the vaccination requirement.
The USA will accept the UK’s proof of Covid-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of Covid-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. The CDC website lists the forms of acceptable proof of COVID-19 status here .
Face mask requirements for travel to the US
Everyone aged two years or older—including passengers and workers— should properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in indoor areas of public transportation and transportation hubs. This is especially the case in locations that are crowded or poorly ventilated, such as airport jetways.
Visa requirements for travel to the USA
You will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter the USA as a visitor. You can check the US State Department website to find out which you will need.
The British government says that, due to the continuing impact of Covid-19, visa appointments at the US Embassy in London remain limited. Therefore, in making an application, you are advised to plan as far ahead as possible before your date of travel.
For more information on travel rules for entering the US, visit the government website .
