Before Covid-19 brought international travel all but to a standstill, around 3.8 million British nationals visited the United States of America every year. Whether it’s a beach holiday in Florida; a trip to Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood; or the skyscrapers, museums and theatres of New York – the USA has always been a big draw for UK holidaymakers.
The total number of people visiting the country from the United Kingdom in 2019 was about 4.8 million, according to the Statista website. That fell, however, to 730,000 travellers from the UK in 2020, and to just 461,000 last year.
But with Covid travel restrictions gradually lifting in many countries around the world, and the summer holiday season approaching, more people are expected to be heading stateside once again this year. For anyone looking to pay a visit, the latest travel advice for British passport holders is available on the UK Government website.
READ MORE:Is London bigger than New York – the 34 cities in the world that are even bigger than London
The US authorities enforce entry requirements for overseas visitors, including from the UK. These include rules governing Covid vaccinations and tests.
What you will need before setting off
First of all, travellers will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit through the USA. The US State Department website has information telling you what you will need.
You will need to be able to demonstrate that you have been fully vaccinated against Covid before entering the country. US authorities will accept vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation, including AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna.
Further details are available on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Embassy websites. British nationals are advised to check the latest requirements before booking a holiday or business trip.
Whether vaccinated or not, most passengers will need to show a negative Covid-19 test prior to boarding a flight to the USA. This has to be taken “no more than one day before travel”, but does not apply to children under the age of two. Airline passengers also have to provide their contact details before travelling.
Requirements on arrival in the USA
Travellers who are fully vaccinated do not have to quarantine or self-isolate on their arrival in America. They are, however, advised to take a Covid test within three to five days of their arrival.
This recommendation does not apply to anyone who has been diagnosed and recovered from Covid-19 within the past 90 days. This is regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors from the UK are reminded that quarantine rules may differ between individual US states. These can change, depending on the number of cases reported in different areas and transmission rates there. You must wear a mask on aircraft, trains, buses and at airports in the USA.
Proof of vaccination status
An NHS Covid pass is acceptable as proof of vaccination status for visiting the USA. The final vaccine dose, however, must have been received at least 14 days before travelling. NHS appointment cards are not accepted as proof of vaccination status.
Other forms of proof accepted include the European Union Digital Covid Certificate, and either a Covid-19 vaccination record printout or national vaccination certificate. Digital proof from official sources or authorised vaccine providers may well be accepted.
All information provided, however, must tally with personal information including full name and date of birth provided on your passport or other travel documents. Details must also include the name of the source issuing the record, for example the NHS, along with the vaccine manufacturer and date of jab.
What if I’m not fully vaccinated?
Overseas visitors from the UK will not usually be allowed to enter the USA if they have not been vaccinated. Someone with an exemption on health or medical grounds may be able to enter. A list of exceptions is available on the CDC and US Embassy websites.
If you’ve had Covid-19 in the past year
Unfortunately, if you have tested positive for coronavirus in the past 12 months but are not fully vaccinated you will not be allowed to enter the USA. That is unless you are covered by one of the exceptions listed by US authorities.
It means that most people will have to show a negative test result or official documentation as proof of recovery in the past three months to your airline before flying.
Entry requirements for children
Young people aged 17 and under are exempt from needing to prove their vaccination status, including children under two years old who won’t have to take a Covid test prior to departure from the UK. Anyone 17 and under who is unvaccinated won’t be asked to quarantine on arrival. But they will have to take a test within three to five days and should self-isolate if they have symptoms or test positive.
Unvaccinated children travelling alone, or with adults who have not had all their jabs, will have to show proof of a negative Covid test taken within a day before travelling. Documentation may be required on arrival for children accompanied by one parent or a legal guardian.
Leave a Reply