Europeans have been unable to fly to the U.S. for more than a year and a half due to the Corona pandemic. On Monday, however, the country reopened its borders to vaccinated guests.
Below is an overview of the new rules.
Who is allowed to enter the USA?
Adults who want to fly to the U.S. must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus and provide proof of this before departure. A negative corona test no more than three days old must also be shown at the airport. Airline passengers must also leave their contact information.
Who is considered fully vaccinated and what vaccines are licensed?
Someone is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their second dose of vaccine or, in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, two weeks after receiving their first and only dose. The U.S. accepts all vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
This includes vaccines from Biontech/Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Astrazeneca that are used in Germany. The Chinese vaccines Sinopharm and Sinovac are also recognized, but not the Russian vaccine Sputnik V. Combination vaccinations with two different vaccines are also permitted. Booster vaccinations are not required.
Proof of vaccination can be provided, among other things, with the vaccination card or digitally. Further information is available on the websites of the airlines and the US health authority CDC.
Wo are exempted from the vaccination requirement?
Children and adolescents are exempt from mandatory vaccination. Proof is not required until they reach the age of 18. There are also exemptions for people who cannot get vaccinated because of allergies. U.S. citizens or people with permanent U.S. residency – a so-called green card – generally do not need proof of vaccination, but do need a negative corona test no more than one day old if they have not been vaccinated.
What should be considered for Corona tests?
PCR tests are permitted, but also rapid antigen tests with a written confirmation. They may be up to three days old. So if you want to fly on a Friday, you can take the test on Tuesday at the earliest. The time of day does not matter. Travelers who can prove that they have contracted Covid-19 in the last three months and have recovered do not have to show a negative test.
What is the testing requirement for children and adolescents?
Mandatory testing applies from the age of two years. Unvaccinated minors – like unvaccinated U.S. citizens – need a Corona test no more than one day old. If children and adolescents are flying with their fully vaccinated parents or other fully vaccinated companions, they too may have a test up to three days old.
In September, the White House finally announced that vaccinated travelers would be allowed to re-enter the U.S. from “early November.” Then, in mid-October, a specific date of November 8 was mentioned.
- sources: APA/vienna.at/nau.ch
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