The international travel ban into the U.S. has been lifted as of November 8, 2021, for vaccinated tourists from nearly anywhere.
Under the previous international travel ban, any travelers originating in or passing through 33 countries and most of the European Union were banned unless there were special circumstances. The policy was based on the CDC’s rating of countries as having controlled or uncontrolled outbreaks of COVID-19, as well as their vaccination progress and internal policies for dealing with the pandemic.
Now, any adult with proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and a recent negative test can fly into the United States. Children under 18 and unvaccinated people from countries with very low vaccine availability are also eligible with a negative test within three days of departure. Those who have not been vaccinated for medical reasons will be required to bring a doctor’s note, and those traveling for humanitarian reasons will require a State Department letter before departure. Unvaccinated U.S. citizens will be allowed to fly into the country, but must have a negative test less than 24 hours before departure.
Airlines offering international flights are thrilled about this change, of course. United Airlines expects a 50 percent jump in ridership on international inbound flights to happen immediately, and the airline adding more flights to meet it, though its flight numbers will still be over 30 percent short of pre-pandemic levels. American Airlines has twice as many international flights scheduled for November and December as it did in 2020.
Important information about the guidelines
- Inbound non-citizens must provide proof to airline personnel of being fully dosed with an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks before flight.
- All travelers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test:
- Within the past three days for vaccinated travelers or unvaccinated children flying with a vaccinated adult.
- Within the past day for unvaccinated travelers, unvaccinated unaccompanied children, and those flying with a medical exemption from vaccination approved by a medical professional.
- All travelers must provide information for contact tracing.
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