U.S (Washington Insider Magazine) -As of late September, the Biden administration is requiring any non-U.S. citizens entering the United States to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter the country. According to Jedd Zients, a leader in the U.S. Covid-19 response for the White House, travel restrictions will begin to ease for international visitors who are vaccinated against Covid-19 in November.
The Biden administration has been receiving pressure from major airlines and travel and tourism groups across the country to lift said restrictions. The travel restrictions currently in place were first issued by the Trump administration and are relevant for more than 30 countries worldwide.
What remains the same for anyone, even U.S. citizens and those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, is that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring all air passengers to provide a negative Covid-19 test taken within three days or 72 hours of departing any country outside of the U.S., or proof of recovery from the virus within 3 months of departure.
If U.S. citizens have any reason to travel while the country is still adjusting policies and protocols as it relates to traveling during the Covid-19 pandemic, the information and guidance listed below will be helpful for pre-travel considerations and more:
COVID-19 Risk Levels
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is an excellent resource to refer to when making travel plans in general. Every region of the world has been impacted in different ways by Covid-19, which means that risk levels for contracting Covid-19 will vary depending on where U.S. citizens are traveling. Travelers should also remember that the risk of contracting Covid-19 can depend on the mode of transportation to/from the destination, vaccination status, accommodations, and any excursions or activities planned in the destination.
Passports & Visas
Since the United States entered and exited stay-at-home shutdowns nationwide last year, the U.S. Department of State has been experiencing immense delays in processing applications for passports and visa documentation. Currently, it can take 10-14 weeks to receive a passport with expedited services applied. It is encouraged that U.S. citizens check the expiration date on their passport; many countries worldwide require that your passport expire at least 6 months beyond your scheduled departure date from said countries. Those in need of a passport renewal or a new passport should reference the U.S. Department of State’s website for processing times and more information surrounding visa appointments and documentation.
Pre-Travel Testing & Documentation
Depending on where U.S. citizens are traveling to, some countries will require proof of a negative Covid-19 test to enter, even if travelers are fully vaccinated against the virus. Typically, countries will require a negative Covid-19 test result within 48 to 72 hours of departure. The U.S. Department of State’s Travel website allows visitors to search country-specific information such as entry and exit requirements and it is encouraged that U.S. citizens reference the website to learn more about what is expected of them upon entry to another country.
