by Danielle Garrett of PlanIt Travel Designs for The Aha! Connection
Source: Delta Airlines
Beginning November 8, fully vaccinated international travelers who want to come to the U.S. can now do so, following the U.S. government’s announcement that it will lift travel restrictions on foreign nationals that have been in place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s what you need to know about the new U.S entry requirements:
Vaccine & Testing Requirements
Fully vaccinated foreign nationals will be permitted to enter the U.S. with proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure. Unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be able to board a flight to the U.S., unless they meet the criteria for one of the exceptions.
Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens returning from abroad will still be required to show proof of a negative test result within three days of departure.
Unvaccinated U.S. citizens must show proof of a negative test within one day of departure to re-enter the U.S. from abroad. Approved test types include COVID-19 viral tests approved by the U.S. government (molecular, nucleic acid amplification [NAAT], RT-PCR, TMA, LAMP, and antigen tests accepted).
Children under 18 years of age are exempt from the vaccination requirement. Children between ages 2 and 17 are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test (under age 2, not required to test).
Attestation Form & Contact Tracing
All passengers ages 2 and up will need to complete an attestation form before boarding a flight to the U.S.
Contact tracing information will be required for all passengers entering the U.S. Delta will collect this information for its passengers on behalf of the CDC.
Approved Vaccines & Proof of Vaccination
Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks (14 days) or more after receiving one dose of a single dose vaccine, two doses of a two-dose vaccine or any combination of a two-dose vaccine (i.e., mix and match) of an approved or authorized for emergency use vaccine by the U.S. FDA and World Health Organization (WHO) including:
- J&J (also called Janssen)
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Moderna
- AstraZeneca
- Covishield
- BIBP/Sinopharm
- Sinovac
Proof of vaccination can either be digital or paper and must include at a minimum full name and date of birth matching the traveler’s passport, name of official source issuing the vaccine, vaccine type and date(s) of vaccination.
As the U.S. reopens and more travelers return to the skies, wait times at the airport and security checkpoints may be longer than normal. Early arrival is recommended.
Please remember to travel responsibly, wear your mask and reconsider travel if you are elderly or immune-compromised! And remember to check your destination travel restrictions/requirements before and during planning, as well as double-checking before departure!
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