Daily Mail Escape covers everything about travel to America and the best ways to treat its impatient border guards.
You have the right certificate to fly fit!
Are we finally able to go to America?
Daily Mail Escape team offers tips for keeping America’s impatient border guards happy.
Not immediately — but from Monday we can, as President Joe Biden has lifted the long-running blanket ban on UK tourists. However, there’s one caveat.
What’s that?
Travel requires you to be completely vaccinated
Can you go if you’re not vaccinated?
Diplomats, Air Crew and officials of the United Nations are exempted from these restrictions.
Is there anything else that double-jabbed travelers must meet?
Yes. Yes. You should also undergo a Covid and provide proof within three days. You can choose to have an antigen/lateralflow test or a DNA test. The test certificate must be marked with your name as shown on your passport plus at least one other ‘identifier’ such as your date of birth or passport number.
The test certificate can be either digitally or in paper format and is available for use at check-in when you leave the country, as well as to present to immigration officials upon your arrival.
This can I be done with an NHS Test?
Most likely not. The U.S. border controls are not very clear about this. It is important to book and pay privately for an antigen/lateral flow test at a registered laboratory. Prices for antigen/lateral flow tests are cheapest, varying from £25 to £50. You must have the test taken by a laboratory — you cannot complete a test at home without supervision as these are open to fraud.
Are there any tests that can be done by video/Zoom?
This is acceptable.
British tourists can travel to the US starting November 8. However, Brits must have a current vaccination in order to travel to the US.
How do I prove that I am fully vaccinated?
It is enough to have your NHS Travel Covid Pass. You will need to be able to show the ‘QR’ code to your airline and to officials on arrival, either printed or in digital form.
Are the AstraZeneca vaccinations accepted in Canada, as they have not been approved yet?
Yes. America’s health regulator, the Centers for Disease Control, accepts Oxford AstraZeneca jabs as these have been approved by the World Health Organisation.
Consider the kids?
The requirement that children under 18 travel with an adult who is fully vaccinated does not apply to them. However, those between the ages of two and 17 years old must undergo a PCR or lateral flow test three days before departure. A test must be taken within one day for children under the age of 18 who are travelling alone.
Do you have any other questions?
Yes. Each tourist must, as was required pre-pandemic, complete an ESTA form to enter the U.S. ‘ESTA’ stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. These cost £9 and should be completed at least 72 hours prior to travel. Apply via esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
Are you required to use a mask for flying?
Yes — and also at U.S. airports.
When flying through the United States, passengers must wear a mask to protect their faces.
Are you required to use a mask every day?
Every state has their own rules. However, masks must be worn on public transportation. Children may be affected by some rules that are specific to indoor events. New Yorkers over twelve must prove they are at least 12 when visiting restaurants, cafes or shops. See ‘Key to NYC’ at nyc.gov.
For a state-by-state breakdown see ‘List of Coronavirus-Related Restrictions’ at aarp.org.
How about additional information about U.S. travel regulations?
Go to the ‘Entry Requirements’ page for the U.S. at gov.uk. Also see the ‘U.S. Visa and Travel FAQs’ page of uk.usembassy.gov.
Are flight prices cheap?
It is very. If you book in advance and are flexible on dates, a return to the west coast is from around £400, while New York is from about £340 return. Skyscanner.net or Google Flights.