Families who were planning to visit America in the fall and winter were dealt a blow yesterday when it was revealed that children who have not been vaccinated will need to take three Covid test.
It means testing bills could add at least £70 per child to the cost of a transatlantic trip when the US reopens to British tourists next Monday.
The changes in border rules have prompted a surge of demand and increased costs for flights.
Washington has updated the travel guidance and stated that anyone under 18 who is not in a turban will need to take a post-arrival exam between days 3 and 5.
Yesterday was a bad day for families planning to travel to America in the fall and winter. It was revealed that children who have not been vaccinated will need to take three Covid test.
It is understood this can be a rapid antigen test, which can cost only £8 in America but could be as much as £30 if shops are out of stock of cheaper ones.
This is in addition, to the pre-departure tests in the UK, which must all be taken within three days after arriving in America.
This can also be a rapid test but must be supervised by a clinician in person or via an online video call, making it around £40.
The UK rules require that another test be taken on day two of your return from the UK.
This can be an unsupervised rapid lateral flow test typically costing £20 to £25.
It is available to children aged 5-17 years old and adults over 18. Only children 12-17 years old are eligible for vaccines in the UK.
The US allows adults to enter the country only if they have been fully vaccinated.
Despite the rules airlines are gearing up to fly transatlantic flights on their busiest day since March 2020, when America banned British tourists.
It means testing bills could add at least £70 per child to the cost of a transatlantic trip when the US reopens to British tourists next Monday
The demand is driving up flight costs. Those with British Airways from Heathrow to JFK in New York are £350 on November 7 but £1,319 the next day.
Virgin Atlantic flights soar from £584 to £1,215 for the same days.
The good news is that the seven countries that were left on the red list for foreign travel were removed today.
It means that Britons are now able to travel anywhere in the globe without being quarantined for 11 nights.