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COVID-19 international travel advisories

Visitors to the U.S. do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check Department of State travel advisories for the country you will visit.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

You do not need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or take a COVID-19 test to enter the U.S. This applies to U.S. citizens and non-citizens.

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific travel advisories, including COVID-19 restrictions, from the Department of State.

See the CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel to learn:

• If you can travel if you recently had COVID-19
• What you can do to help prevent COVID-19 

LAST UPDATED: May 31, 2024

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• COVID-19 travel advice

Lower your risk of COVID-19 as you travel for a safe and fun adventure.

Successful travel starts with being prepared for the unexpected. Coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19, is now a part of standard travel planning.

As you choose a destination, travel group or event, add COVID-19 to the list of things to research. When packing for yourself or anyone you're caring for on the trip, consider COVID-19 prevention and testing.

No one wants to plan for the worst. But having a plan in case you catch the COVID-19 virus while traveling can save time if you need medical care.

To start, it can help to ask these basic questions as you make plans.

Am I up to date with my COVID-19 vaccine?

Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine helps prevent serious illness, the need for hospital care and death due to COVID-19 .

If you need a vaccine, plan to get it at least a few weeks before you travel. Protection from the vaccine isn't immediate.

Am I, a travel companion or a person I live with at high risk of serious COVID-19 illness?

Many people with COVID-19 have no symptoms or mild illness. But for older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions, COVID-19 can lead to the need for care in the hospital or death.

If you or those around you are at high risk of serious COVID-19 illness, take extra safety measures during or after travel.

Ask a healthcare professional if there are any specific actions you should take.

Does my destination, tour group or event need proof that I had a COVID-19 vaccine? Do I need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test?

The country you travel to may not need to know your COVID-19 status. But you might need the information for other reasons.

Events, venues or tour groups might require proof that you are COVID-19 negative or are up to date on a COVID-19 vaccine. Check before you go so you have all the paperwork you need.

What's the plan if I get COVID-19 on my trip?

No one wants to get sick while traveling. But in case you do, it helps to know where you can get medical care and whether you'll be able to stay apart from others while you have symptoms.

Put together a COVID-19 kit with rapid home tests, masks, a thermometer, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Before you leave, gather health information from your healthcare professional. Make sure it gives the details on any health conditions you're managing and medicine you take.

COVID-19 spread during travel

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person. When the virus is spreading, spending time indoors with a crowd of people raises your risk of catching it. The risk is higher if the indoor space has poor airflow.

The coronavirus is carried by a person's breath.

The virus spreads when a person with COVID-19 breathes, coughs, sneezes, sings or talks. The droplets or particles the infected person breathes out could possibly be breathed in by other people if they are close together or in areas with low airflow.

The virus carried by a person's breath can land directly on the face of a nearby person, after a sneeze or cough, for example. And people may touch a surface that has respiratory droplets and then touch their faces with hands that have the coronavirus on them.

Clean hands

While you travel, one way to lower your risk of COVID-19 is to clean your hands often.

Wash your hands after using the bathroom, before making food or eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If you touch something that others regularly touch, such as an elevator button or a handrail, make sure to clean your hands afterward.

Also, try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Wearing a face mask is another way to lower your risk of COVID-19 .

Travel brings people together from areas where viruses may be spreading at higher levels. Masks can help slow the spread of respiratory viruses in general, including the COVID-19 virus.

Masks help the most in places with low airflow and where you are in close contact with other people. Also, masks can help if viruses are spreading at high levels in the places you travel to or through.

Masking is especially important if you or a companion have a high risk of serious COVID-19 illness. Choose the most protective mask that fits well and is comfortable.

Get the COVID-19 vaccine

As the virus that causes COVID-19 changes, COVID-19 vaccines are updated, so stay up to date with the recommended shots.

Know when the COVID-19 virus is spreading in your area

Check with health agencies in the area to see where the COVID-19 virus is spreading. Information about the spread of the virus may include the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 or the number of people who test positive for the disease.

Keep some space around you

Choose outdoor activities and keep some distance between yourself and others. Poor airflow plus lots of people crowded together equals a higher chance you'll come in contact with the virus that causes COVID-19 .

If you can, try to avoid spending time with people who have COVID-19 symptoms or who are sick.

There will likely be times during travel when you don't have a choice about how close you are to others. Here are some tips for air travel, public transportation and lodging.

The risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from air travel is thought to be low.

Air in the plane's cabin changes over quickly during the flight, being replaced every few minutes in some planes. Airplane air also is often filtered. So germs, including viruses, are trapped before they spread.

The air flowing down from vents above the seats in each row may help keep germs from spreading. Seats also may act as a barrier to germ spread on a plane, unless the person who is ill is sitting close to you.

You can help lower your risk by spreading out to keep distance between you and others when you can and cleaning your hands regularly.

Wearing a mask in crowded areas, such as security lines and bathrooms, can help protect you from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Trains, buses and cars

Trains and buses may have good airflow and air filtering. But check before you travel so you know what to expect. When a vehicle is crowded, wear a face mask and take other steps, such as cleaning your hands.

Taxis and private cars used for ride-sharing may not have air filtering. But in most cases, rolling down a window could be an option to improve airflow.

Rental car companies may post their cleaning policies on the internet, or you can ask directly when you book the vehicle.

Hotels and other lodging

Cleaning protocols at hotels, vacation rentals and other lodging have largely returned to the way they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have questions about how hosts or businesses protect guests, contact them directly. In public areas of hotels, take steps to lower your risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 .

Put safety first

Despite your planning, an illness may delay or cancel your trip. Stay home if you or anyone you're traveling with has:

• Symptoms of COVID-19 , such as fever or new loss of taste or smell.
• Taken a COVID-19 test and is waiting for results.
• Been diagnosed with COVID-19 .

Keep watch for serious symptoms of COVID-19 , such as trouble breathing or chest pain. If you or a person you're taking care of has symptoms that worry you, get help.

Once the fever is gone and symptoms are getting better, you may choose to travel. But for about five days after feeling better, you could still give others the virus that causes COVID-19 . Take extra actions to protect the people around you.

• Wear a mask.
• Keep your distance from others, especially when indoors.
• Clean your hands regularly.
• Keep the air flowing by turning on fans or opening windows when you can.

If you start to feel worse or your fever comes back, avoid being around others again until you feel better.

Stay flexible

With COVID-19 vaccinations, testing and treatment, events and travel are back to typical levels in many places. But as waves of COVID-19 outbreaks happen, it's important to stay flexible with your plans. Knowing whether the COVID-19 virus is spreading in your area or in places where you're traveling can help you make decisions about whether to go and what to put on your agenda.

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• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Understanding how COVID-19 vaccines work. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel advice for the general public. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-travel-advice-for-the-general-public. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/infections-diseases/covid-19. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obtaining health care abroad. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/health-care-abroad/health-care-abroad. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Goldman L, et al., eds. COVID-19: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, community prevention, and prognosis. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 16, 202.
• Taking steps for cleaner air for respiratory virus prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/air-quality.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• How COVID-19 spreads. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• COVID-19 overview and infection prevention and control priorities in non-U.S. healthcare settings. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/non-us-settings/overview/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Hygiene and respiratory viruses prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/hygiene.html. Accessed May 14, 2024.
• About handwashing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Masking during travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/masks. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Masks and respiratory virus prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/masks.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• About physical distancing and respiratory viruses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/physical-distancing.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• How can ventilation reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 on airplanes? World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-travel-advice-for-the-general-public. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Bielecki M, et al. Air travel and COVID-19 prevention in the pandemic and peri-pandemic period: A narrative review. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101915.
• Symptoms of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Preventing spread of respiratory viruses when you're sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.

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Executive Order on Promoting COVID- ⁠ 19 Safety in Domestic and International   Travel

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: 

Section 1.  Policy.  Science-based public health measures are critical to preventing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by travelers within the United States and those who enter the country from abroad.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Surgeon General, and the National Institutes of Health have concluded that mask-wearing, physical distancing, appropriate ventilation, and timely testing can mitigate the risk of travelers spreading COVID-19.  Accordingly, to save lives and allow all Americans, including the millions of people employed in the transportation industry, to travel and work safely, it is the policy of my Administration to implement these public health measures consistent with CDC guidelines on public modes of transportation and at ports of entry to the United States.   

Sec. 2.  Immediate Action to Require Mask-Wearing on Certain Domestic Modes of Transportation.

(a)  Mask Requirement.   The Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Secretary of Transportation (including through the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)), the Secretary of Homeland Security (including through the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard), and the heads of any other executive departments and agencies (agencies) that have relevant regulatory authority (heads of agencies) shall immediately take action, to the extent appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to require masks to be worn in compliance with CDC guidelines in or on: 

(i)    airports; 

(ii)   commercial aircraft; 

(iii)  trains; 

(iv)   public maritime vessels, including ferries; 

(v)    intercity bus services; and

(vi)   all forms of public transportation as defined in section 5302 of title 49, United States Code.

(b)  Consultation.   In implementing this section, the heads of agencies shall consult, as appropriate, with interested parties, including State, local, Tribal, and territorial officials; industry and union representatives from the transportation sector; and consumer representatives.

(c)  Exceptions.   The heads of agencies may make categorical or case-by-case exceptions to policies developed under this section, consistent with applicable law, to the extent that doing so is necessary or required by law.  If the heads of agencies do make exceptions, they shall require alternative and appropriate safeguards, and shall document all exceptions in writing.

(d)  Preemption.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, the heads of agencies shall ensure that any action taken to implement this section does not preempt State, local, Tribal, and territorial laws or rules imposing public health measures that are more protective of public health than those required by the heads of agencies. 

(e)  Coordination.  The Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response and Counselor to the President (COVID-19 Response Coordinator) shall coordinate the implementation of this section.  The heads of agencies shall update the COVID-19 Response Coordinator on their progress in implementing this section, including any categorical exceptions established under subsection (c) of this section, within 7 days of the date of this order and regularly thereafter.  The heads of agencies are encouraged to bring to the attention of the COVID-19 Response Coordinator any questions regarding the scope or implementation of this section.

Sec. 3.  Action to Implement Additional Public Health Measures for Domestic Travel. 

(a)  Recommendations.   The Secretary of Transportation (including through the Administrator of the FAA) and the Secretary of Homeland Security (including through the Administrator of the TSA and the Commandant of the Coast Guard), in consultation with the Director of CDC, shall promptly provide to the COVID-19 Response Coordinator recommendations concerning how their respective agencies may impose additional public health measures for domestic travel.

(b)  Consultation.   In implementing this section, the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall engage with interested parties, including State, local, Tribal, and territorial officials; industry and union representatives from the transportation sector; and consumer representatives.  

Sec. 4.  Support for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Authorities.  The COVID-19 Response Coordinator, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and the heads of any other relevant agencies, shall promptly identify and inform agencies of options to incentivize, support, and encourage widespread mask-wearing and physical distancing on public modes of transportation, consistent with CDC guidelines and applicable law.

Sec. 5.  International Travel. 

(a)  Policy.   It is the policy of my Administration that, to the extent feasible, travelers seeking to enter the United States from a foreign country shall be: 

(i)   required to produce proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test prior to entry; and 

(ii)  required to comply with other applicable CDC guidelines concerning international travel, including recommended periods of self-quarantine or self-isolation after entry into the United States.

(b)  Air Travel.  

(i)    The Secretary of HHS, including through the Director of CDC, and in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation (including through the Administrator of the FAA) and the Secretary of Homeland Security (including through the Administrator of the TSA), shall, within 14 days of the date of this order, assess the CDC order of January 12, 2021, regarding the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test result for airline passengers traveling into the United States, in light of subsection (a) of this section.  Based on such assessment, the Secretary of HHS and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take any further appropriate regulatory action, to the extent feasible and consistent with CDC guidelines and applicable law.  Such assessment and regulatory action shall include consideration of: 

(A)  the timing and types of COVID-19 tests that should satisfy the negative test requirement, including consideration of additional testing immediately prior to departure; (B)  the proof of test results that travelers should be required to provide; (C)  the feasibility of implementing alternative and sufficiently protective public health measures, such as testing, self-quarantine, and self-isolation on arrival, for travelers entering the United States from countries where COVID-19 tests are inaccessible, particularly where such inaccessibility of tests would affect the ability of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to return to the United States; and (D)  measures to prevent fraud.

(ii)   The Secretary of HHS, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation (including through the Administrator of the FAA) and the Secretary of Homeland Security (including through the Administrator of the TSA), shall promptly provide to the President, through the COVID-19 Response Coordinator, a plan for how the Secretary and other Federal Government actors could implement the policy stated in subsection (a) of this section with respect to CDC-recommended periods of self-quarantine or self-isolation after a flight to the United States from a foreign country, as he deems appropriate and consistent with applicable law.  The plan shall identify agencies’ tools and mechanisms to assist travelers in complying with such policy.

(iii)  The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of HHS (including through the Director of CDC), the Secretary of Transportation (including through the Administrator of the FAA), and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall seek to consult with foreign governments, the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association, and any other relevant stakeholders to establish guidelines for public health measures associated with safe international travel, including on aircraft and at ports of entry.  Any such guidelines should address quarantine, testing, COVID-19 vaccination, follow-up testing and symptom-monitoring, air filtration requirements, environmental decontamination standards, and contact tracing.  

(c)  Land Travel.  The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of HHS, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of CDC, shall immediately commence diplomatic outreach to the governments of Canada and Mexico regarding public health protocols for land ports of entry.  Based on this diplomatic engagement, within 14 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of HHS (including through the Director of CDC), the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the President a plan to implement appropriate public health measures at land ports of entry.  The plan should implement CDC guidelines, consistent with applicable law, and take into account the operational considerations relevant to the different populations who enter the United States by land.

(d)  Sea Travel.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Commandant of the Coast Guard and in consultation with the Secretary of HHS and the Director of CDC, shall, within 14 days of the date of this order, submit to the President a plan to implement appropriate public health measures at sea ports.  The plan should implement CDC guidelines, consistent with applicable law, and take into account operational considerations.  

(e)  International Certificates of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.  Consistent with applicable law, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of HHS, and the Secretary of Homeland Security (including through the Administrator of the TSA), in coordination with any relevant international organizations, shall assess the feasibility of linking COVID-19 vaccination to International Certificates of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) and producing electronic versions of ICVPs.  

(f)  Coordination.  The COVID-19 Response Coordinator, in consultation with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, shall coordinate the implementation of this section.  The Secretary of State, the Secretary of HHS, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall update the COVID-19 Response Coordinator on their progress in implementing this section within 7 days of the date of this order and regularly thereafter.  The heads of all agencies are encouraged to bring to the attention of the COVID-19 Response Coordinator any questions regarding the scope or implementation of this section.

Sec. 6.  General Provisions.   (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE, January 21, 2021.

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The Latest on U.S. Travel Restrictions

By Lauren Hard Oct. 19, 2021

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What to Know: U.S. Travel Restrictions

Beginning today, international visitors who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus can enter the United States by air or across the land borders with Canada and Mexico.

Here’s the latest →

The new policy ends an 18-month ban on nonessential travel from 33 countries, including China, Brazil and European Union members. The ban had affected tourists and those hoping to visit family and friends in the U.S.

The rules reorient the U.S. approach to vetting its visitors during the pandemic.

Instead of basing entry decisions on travelers’ countries of origin, the U.S. is focusing on vaccination status.

International visitors flying into the U.S. now need to show proof of vaccination before boarding and a negative coronavirus test taken within three days of their flight.

The three vaccines available in the U.S. — Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — are accepted, as are vaccines cleared for emergency use by the W.H.O., including AstraZeneca and Covaxin.

Unvaccinated foreign visitors cannot enter the country, with limited exemptions.

Unvaccinated Americans returning home need to test negative for the coronavirus within one day of their flight and show proof they have purchased another test to take after arriving.

The hope is with these longstanding bans being lifted, the U.S. tourism industry will start to recover. The halt on travel caused a loss of nearly $300 billion in visitor spending, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Keep up with the latest travel news, trends and feature stories.

Our Coverage of U.S. Immigration

Changes to Asylum Restrictions:  The Biden administration is expected to take action to make it harder to lift its policy banning asylum for migrants  who cross the southern border illegally.

America’s Brutal Visa Lottery: For Chinese seeking educational opportunity, the United States has long been the top spot, but as more want to stay to work, their paths are full of roadblocks .

A Migrant Family’s Struggles: Margarita Solito and her family fled violence and poverty in El Salvador, hoping to build a better life in San Francisco. The city often wasn’t what they thought it would be .

Home-Buying Assistance: Gov. Gavin Newsom of California rejected a Democratic proposal  that would have extended first-time home-buyer loans to some undocumented immigrants. Republicans had widely criticized the bill.

When One Partner Is Deported:  American citizens whose spouses have been deported face wrenching decisions on what is best  for their future, especially when they have children.

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Plan your Travel

⚠   The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expired as of May 11, 2023. This site will no longer be updated and will remain online for historical purposes only.

For current COVID-19 guidance, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

• Before booking your trip, check for international travel advisories  and destination-specific COVID-19 risk . Refer to individual state, territorial, tribal, and local government websites for domestic travel advisories and information about quarantine or other restrictions.   
• The UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker is a free online tool for travelers to get information on COVID-19 requirements for international travel and the measures in place at the destination.  
• Review CDC’s considerations for Travel During COVID-19 before you go to determine your personal risk.  
• Pack Smart! Pack Safe! Know what is in your carry-on and checked bags and make sure there are no prohibited items inside before arriving at the checkpoint. As a temporary exemption from the 3-1-1 rule, TSA is allowing one oversized liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags. These will need to be placed in a bin during the screening process. Passengers may also bring hand wipes through checkpoints.  
• Unused COVID-19 test kits do not contain dangerous goods and are typically allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.  
• COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples (e.g., nasal swabs and vials of sputum) are not allowed in carry-on baggage. These samples must be properly packaged, handled, and identified as a UN3373 Category B Infectious Substance (PDF) during transportation. Passengers should check with their carrier before packing COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples in checked baggage or shipping as cargo. Individual carriers and international requirements may be more restrictive than domestic regulations. Visit FAA’s Pack Safe site for more information.  
• CDC recommends wearing a mask throughout your travel experience.   
• Consider joining TSA PreCheck ™. Members continue to be eligible for expedited screening procedures and have the shortest wait times. TSA PreCheck provides the most convenience and least amount of physical contact at the TSA checkpoint. Visit TSA PreCheck to enroll today.   
• Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. government for assistance. Visit travel.state.gov for more information.   
• Make two copies of all your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.  
• Remember, if you are sick, stay home and do not travel! Contact your airline regarding their  re-booking and cancellation policies . 

*All information developed in accordance with CDC guidelines. 

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the US.

Passport validity requirements

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. 

Dual nationals  

US law requires US citizens to enter and exit the US using a US passport. Contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for more information.

Visa requirements

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an  Electronic System for Travel Authorisation ( ESTA ) visa waiver  or a visa .

The US State Department has more information on visas .

Applying for an ESTA visa waiver 

Apply for an ESTA visa waiver through US Customs and Border Protection. You can also apply using the ESTA Mobile app on android or on iOS .

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have:

• been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
• a criminal record
• been refused admission into, or have been deported from the US
• previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

You cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you were in the following countries on or after March 2011: 

• North Korea

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021. 

If you are not eligible for an ESTA , you must instead apply for a US visa.

Applying for a visa

The US Embassy in London has information on how to apply for a visa .

US visa appointments

Visa appointments at the US Embassy in London are limited. Plan your application as far ahead as possible before travel. If you need to travel urgently, you can request an expedited interview through the US Embassy’s appointment service provider.

The US Embassy has more information on visa appointments .

Children and young people

Anyone aged 17 and under must:

• have a valid visa or ESTA visa waiver on arrival
• be able to provide evidence about the purpose, location and length of their visit if asked by immigration officials
• have written consent from one or both parents if travelling alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian

The US authorities can stop you entering the country if they have safeguarding concerns about a child. If this happens, the US authorities will take the child into their care, and their return from the US could take months. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot speed up the return of British nationals aged 17 and under from the US.

The US government has information about children travelling to the US . If you have questions, contact the US Embassy in the UK .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide .

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Global Entry programme

The US Customs and Border Protection programme Global Entry allows pre-approved travellers through border control faster at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can  register to get a UK background check . If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry.

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Fact Sheet: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S. at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals

Updated Date: May 1, 2023

DHS Statement on the Lifting of Title 19 Requirements

Beginning May 12, 2023, DHS will no longer require non-U.S. travelers entering the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request. DHS intends to rescind these Title 19 travel restrictions in alignment with the end of the Public Health Emergency and the termination of the Presidential Proclamation on air travel .

As of Thursday, April 21, 2022, DHS will extend COVID-19-related land border entry requirements. Non-U.S. travelers seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  

These restrictions apply to non-U.S. travelers who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals. 

This announcement does not affect requirements for entry into the United States by air.

What To Expect

As travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, wait times are expected to increase. The resources below are intended to prepare travelers to improve the cross-border travel experience. Travelers should plan for longer than normal wait times and longer lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are reminded to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers arriving or departing from air, sea or land ports of entry are encouraged to opt in to using Simplified Arrival or Mobile Passport Control , which can make the inspection process touchless and more expedient with the use of facial comparison technology . Documented non-citizens may also apply for and manage their I-94s through the CBP One TM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Arrival at Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has allowed inbound non-U.S. travelers (non-U.S. citizens who are neither U.S. nationals nor lawful permanent residents) to seek to enter the United States via a land port of entry (POE) or ferry terminal if they are fully vaccinated and have appropriate documentation.

Non-U.S. individuals traveling to the United States via land ports of entry or ferry terminals, whether for essential or non-essential reasons, must:

• verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status;
• provide, upon request, proof of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined on the CDC website ;
• present a valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document, such as a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program Card, or Enhanced Tribal Card;
• be prepared to present any other relevant documents requested by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer during a border inspection; and

COVID-19 testing is not required for entry via a land or ferry port of entry.

Click here to see answers to frequently asked questions

In March 2020, to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the U.S. government issued restrictions on travel into the United States. DHS implemented temporary restrictions, limiting entry at the U.S. northern and southern land borders to persons engaged in essential travel, including lawful trade, emergency response, and public health purposes. The White House also suspended entry to foreign nationals who had recently been in certain countries.

In October 2021, the White House  announced  that, starting November 8, 2021, the U.S. government would move away from the country-by-country restrictions previously applied during the COVID-19 pandemic and adopt travel policies that rely primarily on vaccination to advance the safe resumption of travel. Since January 22, 2022, DHS has imposed a vaccination requirement on non-U.S. individuals seeking to cross into the United States at land ports of entry or ferry terminals.

CDC Resources

• International Travel Landing Page
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• Non-U.S. Citizen Non-U.S. Immigrants: Air Travel to the United States

Additional Information

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Rules for travelling to the USA from the UK explained: tests, vaccines and more

The US eased travel restrictions for visitors from the UK in November 2021, with rules around testing eased in June 2022. Find out what all this means for your trip.

Can I travel to the USA?

Yes. Since November 2021, international travellers from the UK have been able to visit the USA. Between November 2021 and May 2023, this was on the condition that travellers were fully vaccinated. We were on the first flight out in early November 2021, so have first-hand experience of the process.

What Covid tests do I need to travel to the USA?

As of June 2022, the requirement for air travellers to show proof of a negative test to enter the USA has been dropped.

"We are able to take this step because of the tremendous progress we've made in our fight against the virus. We have made lifesaving vaccines and treatments widely available and these tools are working to prevent serious illness and death, and are effective against the prevalent variants circulating in the US and around the world," a senior official said in a statement.

Do I need to be vaccinated to go to the USA?

At the time of writing (2 May 2023), yes – most international air travellers need to show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the USA. Any vaccine approved for use by the World Health Organisation or by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be accepted, including AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and others. The final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days before travelling.

From 11 May 2023, the US will end the vaccination requirements for interntational travellers. This is when the coronavirus public health emergency ends.

Can unvaccinated people travel to the USA?

Until 11 May, to enter the USA unvaccinated you must have been granted an exception or be a US Citizen, US National, or US Lawful Permanent Resident. You can find out if you qualify as an exception to the rules by reading the list outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

After 11 May, you don't need to be vaccinated to travel to the USA.

Do I need to wear a face mask in the USA?

Rules on wearing masks differ in each state and in different settings, so it's important to check before you travel, however there are currently no states requiring people to wear masks in public spaces. You may be required to wear a mask in certain settings, such as healthcare facilities.

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Travel driving shift to digital payments, says Visa's Dr Saeeda Jaffar

As travel reaches pre-Covid levels in the region, consumers prefer digital payments

Latest figures from UN Tourism’s World Tourism Barometer show that international tourism reached 96 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024. But according to the barometer, the Middle East is already exceeding 2019 levels due to strong demand.

“If I look at our part of the world, the GCC and especially the UAE, what we see is that travel, both inbound as well as outbound, have gone up a lot more,” explains Dr Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the GCC at Visa. “In fact, it’s double of what they were pre-Covid.”

It’s not just the volume of travel that’s shifting rapidly, it’s where people are going too. “Historically, the US and Europe have been the largest corridors of travel,” she says. “While those are still large, the fastest-growing corridors tend to be a bit more in the East.

“So, places like Japan, China, they’re starting to see an incredible surge, some up to 250 per cent growth in travel. There is absolutely a shift.”

The duration of travel has also gone up, says Dr Jaffar citing Travel Pulse UAE, a quarterly report by Visa. “About 77 per cent of the travellers will spend between five and nine days outside of the country. That’s a lot of days and much more than what we used to see before.”

She also explains that whereas travellers used to go shopping more and buy things, now there is a shift towards experiences.

“It is much more focused around authentic experiences, new experiences, as opposed to perhaps what is on the beaten path,” adds Dr Jaffar. “People are dining more. People are going to see new places, new things, new experiences.”

Shift in spending

This focus on new experiences is also responsible for a shift in what we are spending our money on while we are travelling, and that expenditure has almost doubled in the past couple of years, according to Dr Jaffar.

In terms of travel spending, the how has also changed significantly, in the post-pandemic rebound. Where cash used to be the largest instrument used in pre-Covid days, the use of cash has dropped markedly.

“More than 50 per cent of the payments used to be cash. Today, that number is far less,” says Dr Jaffar.

She says cash has dropped to between 25 and 30 per cent across the board, and even less in certain segments where it’s down to about 20 per cent cash. For example, in the UAE, the spend is becoming more and more digital with incoming tourists but there is significant differentiation by provenance.

“Roughly speaking, over 50 per cent of the spend of American tourists into the country is digital. However, the same metric for Saudi tourists is well above 80 per cent,” she explains. “In fact, 98 per cent of all face-to-face transactions in the region today are actually contactless, which is even a level above pure digital transactions.”

Personalised offers

As travel spend becomes digitised, Visa is involved in many steps along the way, right from the moment consumers start thinking about where to visit.

“We work with our partner banks and issuers to create tailored programmes and offers, whether it’s for visiting familiar places or exploring new destinations,” she says. “We’ve formed strategic partnerships with leading airlines to offer cardholders enhanced rewards. For instance, our partnership with Emirates Skywards allows for better personalisation, data-driven decisions, and improved digitisation. It also increases opportunities for tailored rewards and innovative co-branded card products. You’ll often find exclusive Visa offers at various destinations, enriching your journey in ways non-cardholders wouldn’t experience.”

Visa’s role extends beyond transactions, adds Dr Jaffar. “We provide the security and safety needed throughout the journey. For example, when you purchase your ticket with a Visa card, there are built-in protections. If your travel is disrupted for any reason, you are covered as a cardholder. Additionally, many Visa cards offer protections that people might not be aware of — such as compensation if your luggage is lost or delayed by a few hours, depending on the terms.

As we live in an increasingly interconnected world with online and offline spaces, consumers expect seamless experiences across the board.

“While I feel comfortable going to the convenience store near where I work or live, I feel just as comfortable ordering products from a small merchant halfway across the world. As a cardholder, I expect all these experiences to be seamless,” she explains.

“First, as a consumer, I need my preferred payment method to be accepted by all these merchants. This is crucial because research shows that if my preferred payment method isn’t accepted, I may not complete the transaction.

“Second, I want to ensure that my payment is secure. If I use my card or credentials, I want to know they won’t be misused or stolen.

“Third, when I make a transaction, I want to be sure that I will receive what I paid for—whether it’s a delivery or service. It’s about fulfilment.”

The challenge for businesses is to be able to respond to these consumer needs.

“What we do at Visa is help make this a reality,” says Dr Jaffar. “Today, we operate in more than 200 countries and territories, partnering with nearly 15,000 banks and about 130 million merchants globally. We ensure payment acceptance and transaction security.”

Over the past five years, Visa has invested more than $10 billion in technology advancements, with $500 million dedicated specifically to AI — which are integral to its fraud detection and prevention efforts — and data infrastructure.

“As a leader in cross-border payments, we employ advanced technology and state-of-the-art fraud detection systems to monitor and protect every transaction globally, ensuring consumer safety 24/7, 365 days a year,” she explains.

“Every single transaction that happens on your Visa credential is checked for safety and security — every time we tap, we swipe, we click, that transaction has 500 unique parameters extracted from it and assessed to say, is this actually you making this transaction? And we process about 250 billion transactions annually.”

Seamless experiences

Visa has also been rolling out innovations to offer convenient and seamless consumer experiences such as the Visa Payment Passkey Service. It binds the account credential with the consumer’s device, enabling them to use the biometrics they use to unlock their device for payment authentication. “So, instead of relying on OTPs or other traditional methods, you can use facial recognition or other biometric options to securely complete transactions,” she says.

Another solution that will be announced soon is Click-to-Pay. “At any site that accepts Visa, you can speed through checkout in just a few clicks. No more passwords and no need to enter payment or shipping details to make a purchase.”

One innovation that will be extremely useful for frequent travellers who don’t want to forget a card at home or make a decision at point-of-sale is Flex Credentials.

“Many consumers, especially in the UAE, have multiple cards for different purposes,” Dr Jaffar says.

“The average UAE consumer has about three to five cards, and when they travel, they often carry multiple cards. With Flex Credentials, you can load all your cards into one system and set preferences.

“For example, when you’re travelling, you can choose to use one specific card. When you shop at certain merchants, you can select another card. And when you’re back home, you can use a different one. This way, as a consumer, you don’t have to decide at each point of sale — it’s already set based on your preferences. It’s all pre-programmed for convenience.”

More From GN Focus

Partnerships, data key to enhancing travel experiences

Majority of UAE travellers choose digital payments

Tourism to continue to drive UAE’s economic growth

Digital payments transform travel experiences

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