One Week To Go: US Border Reopening To Vaccinated Travelers

Simple Flying

By Pranjal Pande

Published Oct 31, 2021

An American airlines airplane is seen at the Juan Santa Maria airport in Alajuela, Costa Rica, on May 28, 2021. - Costa Rica is experiencing its most critical moment since the Covid-19 pandemic breakout, in March 2020, but maintains an encouraging outlook for its economic reactivation. (Photo by Ezequiel BECERRA / AFP) (Photo by EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP via Getty Images)

We're finally here. After nearly two years since the US first imposed restrictions, the country is finally reopening to international travelers. Starting November 8th, fully vaccinated passengers from around the globe can travel to the US once again, subject to standard entry rules. Here's a detailed look at the rules and what you need to know before your flight.

Requirements

Starting next Tuesday, all passengers can travel to the United States once again if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Travelers are considered inoculated if they have received an FDA or WHO-approved vaccine, with the final dose given at least 14 days before traveling. To prove the same, an official certificate from the appropriate government must be shown before boarding.

The rule now applies to all non-US residents or citizens, including countries that weren't previously banned. Additionally, passengers must also provide a negative test taken within three days of travel.

Australia-crew-vaccine-priority-getty — The policy won't come into effect for another four months. Photo: Getty Images

Children under 18 are exempt from the vaccine rule and can resume travel to the US. However, if traveling without vaccinated adults, all minors must provide a negative test within one day of departure rather than three for others. The same one-day rule testing applies to all unvaccinated US citizens, permanent residents, and exempt foreigners.

The exemptions

In addition to the ones above, the US has outlined exemptions for some foreigners coming to the US after next Tuesday. The notable exemption is for those with 'documented medical contraindications' to COVID-19 vaccines. A doctor's note will be needed at check-in with details of the adverse consequence. These travelers will instead be subjected to self-quarantine and strict testing rules to fly to the US.

Considering the unequal spread of COVID-19 vaccines globally, the US will also allow passengers from a list of low-vaccinated countries to enter. All visa holders except B1/B2 visas can fly from these 50 countries but will have to quarantine and take tests after arrival. Countries on this include much of Africa, Afghanistan, Yemen, and more.

Passengers Getty — COVID cases are surging once more in the US. Photo: Getty Images

Other exceptions include those part of select clinical trials, embassy-approved reasons for travel, and more. However, for the most part, all foreigners must be fully vaccinated to enter the US from November 8th onward.

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Airlines ready

For carriers globally, the US is one of the key international markets. With millions of passengers every year, the border closure has hit airlines hard. However, the reopening could be a chance to revive their fortunes, and carriers are not holding back.

Air India, Virgin Atlantic, United, American, and dozens of others are all ramping up flights to meet booked demand. For now, passengers and airlines globally are counting back the days to return to the US to reunite family and friends and put the pandemic behind them.

What do you think about the US' travel rules? Let us know in the comments!