This week, the United States reopened its land and air borders to foreign visitors fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This officially concludes a 20-month restriction on non-essential travel from around the globe that impacted families and tourism.
To slow the spread of COVID-19, restrictions have been in place since early 2020. Until this week, U.S. borders remained closed to travelers from the European Union, Britain and China, India, and Brazil. Overland visitors from Mexico and Canada also had guidelines to follow.
Travel restrictions into the U.S. strained diplomatic relationships and has been criticized in many countries, particularly in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The ban only allowed travel for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, medical workers, attendance at educational institutions, conducting of essential work, emergency response, official government or diplomat work, and the U.S. military.
Many months of restrictions affected millions of people and helped fuel the economic downturn. However, the greatest challenge was perhaps the personal misery of family and friend separation. Many are relieved that they can now visit their children and parents. Loved ones are being reunited as non-essential travel to the U.S. resumes.
Entering the United States
Each method of travel has slightly different requirements. All visitors arriving to the U.S. by air will have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and bring proof of a negative COVID test no more than 72 hours old. Vaccines authorized or approved by the FDA or World Health Organization will be accepted for entry into the United States. Exceptions will be made for people traveling from countries with low vaccine availability, as well as for those under age 18. Unvaccinated? You will have to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of the flight.
Land border rules are different. Non-essential travel is being allowed for fully vaccinated travelers. Travelers crossing a land border will not need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, only proof of vaccination. U.S. citizens crossing these borders on land will not need to prove their vaccination status.
Having just arrived back from the Virgin Islands by ship this week, cruising comes with requirement as well. Currently, to embark on a cruise, you must be vaccinated and have a negative COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours. The only exceptions for vaccination are children and individuals who cannot be vaccinated. Cruise ship passengers entering the U.S. do not need to take another test prior to U.S. port arrival. This is interesting as our cruise company did a good job segregating the vaccinated from the non-vaccinated on board, but there are no control measures for those visiting foreign ports and returning to the ship.
Planning on Traveling to a Foreign Country?
To avoid complications and inconvenience, it is essential to check the U.S. State Department website well before your travel. Each country listed on this page has consulate or embassy specific information on current conditions, entry and exit requirements, acceptable tests and shots, availability of tests for returning U.S. citizens, quarantine information, and movement restrictions. For example, with COVID-19 currently on the rise in Germany, the site is recommending a “Level 3 – Reconsider Travel Advisory”.
The good news is we are seeing restrictions lifted on non-essential travel. However, to avoid disappointment make sure you study the procedures and requirements for where you are going and understand the method and requirements for coming home. And as always, don’t forget to keep your self-reporting travel requirements in mind when determining your next international destination.
