Last updated: Thurs 2nd Feb 2023
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Need help understanding the travel rules to USA?
I hear you! That’s why I’ve pulled together every test, form and quarantine you need to do abide by all the Covid travel rules and to visit the USA.
⚠︎ Remember, details can change quickly so always check the FCDO site to double check the following information. I recommend signing up for email updates!
USA Travel Rules
Travelling to USA 
Keep up to date with the latest information on the Government website and the CDC website
Vaccinated UK travellers and children
Vaccinated UK travellers can enter the USA without a test, but they still need to fill in an attestation form. Unvaccinated children will still need to test after arrival. Unvaccinated UK travellers cannot enter unless they are exempt.
USA travel rules for vaccinated travellers from UK
Before you travel to USA
• Complete a Passenger Disclosure and Attestation form. Some airlines have a digital version of this, like Virgin, Delta, JetBlue and IAG (British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia & Level).
• Show proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arriving – USA accepts the NHS Covid Pass
To be recognised as fully vaccinated: If you have received a full course of an accepted vaccine then you are considered fully vaccinated. There is no expiry date on these and you do not need a booster to enter the USA.
This is not a COVID-19 requirement but please don’t forget to apply for your ESTA (e-Visa) to enter the USA. The sooner, the better!
On arrival in USA
Upon arrival, fully vaccinated travellers:
- do not have to quarantine
- are recommended to take a viral test within 3 to 5 days of arrival in the US.
If you have recovered from a documented COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days (regardless of vaccination status):
- you do not need to get a test 3 to 5 days after travel
Whilst in USA
• If you are travelling domestically within the USA, individual states and territories may have their own quarantine requirements. A full list of local quarantine requirements is available on the CDC website.
• Please check for more information on the rules around coronavirus whilst in the USA here.
Children 17 and under are exempt from the vaccination requirement.
For travel, the US definition of a fully vaccinated child is the same as the definition of a fully vaccinated adult. This is different to the UK. Further details are on the US Embassy website.
After arrival in the US, children 17 and under that are not fully vaccinated may be required to attest that they will take a test 3 to 5 days and will self-isolate should any symptoms develop or if they test positive. A parent or other authorized person should attest on behalf of a passenger 17 and under. More details are on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If a child (17 and under) is travelling with only one parent or someone who isn’t a parent or legal guardian, you may be asked to provide certain documents at the border. For further information, see the US Customs and Border Protection website.
Only those with an exception or US Citizens, US Nationals, and US Lawful Permanent Residents will be able to enter the US unvaccinated. More details are on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Embassy websites, which includes a list of exceptions from the vaccination requirements for certain categories of non-citizens and non-immigrants.
If you’re not fully vaccinated but have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last year you still cannot enter the USA unless you meet one of the exceptions detailed on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Embassy websites.
The latest information we have on this is that TSA have extended the vaccine mandate for non US citizens until 8th January 2023. On the 3rd Jan 2023, they published an extension that is due to expire on 10th April 2023. It is possible that it could change before that date, but we have no signs pointing to this at this stage.
Do you have Travel Insurance?
Are you covered for travelling in a pandemic? Here’s what information you should be looking out for when buying your next travel insurance policy.
Read up on the full details for USA on the CDC and FCDO website
Travelling back to the UK
At present, all of the nations have aligned on these travel rules but please keep across the information for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
USA is on the “Rest of World” list
All travellers entering the UK from a non-red list country no longer need to test, quarantine or fill in a passenger locator form. This includes children and unvaccinated travellers.
Before you travel to England
• You no longer need to fill in a passenger locator form
Read up on the full details for travelling back to England on the Government website
Have you got everything?
Make sure you have tests and insurance before you travel.
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Make sure your policy covers cancellation or if you test positive
Make sure you have everything by using my packing checklist
Looking for a different country?
Portugal
Spain
Greece
USA
Italy
France
Did that help? 👍
I really hope so – I know how confusing all the rules can be at the moment!
