Sep 15, 2021, 1:47 pm
Last edit by: NewbieRunner
New thread for discussing 1-day test requirements for travellers arriving in the US by air
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/coronavirus-travel/2060730-us-require-air-travelers-provide-negative-test-within-1-day-departure.html
Entry ban from eight southern African countries starting on November 29, 2021
Most non-U.S. citizens who have been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique or Malaw within the prior 14 days will not be allowed into the United States.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/11/26/a-proclamation-on-suspension-of-entry-as-immigrants-and-nonimmigrants-of-certain-additional-persons-who-pose-a-risk-of-transmitting-coronavirus-disease-2019/
Entry ban by air to be lifted on November 8, 2021 - All travelers should refer to CDC for travel requirements.
3 day pre-flight testing requirement will continue (US citizens/LPR not vaccinated will have to test no earlier than 1 day prior) Children under 2 years old do not need to test.
Children under 18 are exempt from vaccination requirement
Accepted vaccines will include:
There is a face mask mandate when flying to/from the USA, with effectively no exemptions, and including children two and above years old
Airlines need to provide some sort of contact tracing information for potential follow-up cases
Update on U.S. travel policy requiring COVID-19 vaccination
Last Updated: October 25, 2021
As announced by the White House today, the new travel policy requiring foreign nationals traveling to the United States to demonstrate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will take effect November 8. The CDC’s website explains that, for purposes of entry into the United States, the accepted vaccines will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines.
COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Exceptions - U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Last updated: October 25, 2021
The presidential proclamations described on this page will no longer be in effect on November 8, 2021. For additional information, please see Safely Resuming Travel by Vaccine Requirement and Rescission of Travel Restrictions on Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area, South Africa, and the United Kingdom (travel.state.gov).
To protect the public health, there are four presidential proclamations that suspend entry into the United States of all noncitizens who were physically present in any of 33 countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. They are Presidential Proclamation 9984 (China); Presidential Proclamation 9992 (Iran); Presidential Proclamation 10143 (Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa); and Presidential Proclamation 10199 (India).
What we know so far is
- Confirmed to start on 8 November
- Children under 18 are exempt from the vaccine restrictions, so the varying international standards on jab ages won't be an issue here.
- Vaccines that are OK will include Pfizer, Moderna, AZ, J&J and the two Chinese vaccines.
- Some exemptions from vaccinations are potentially allowed, notably for US citizens, though my guess is airlines will be expecting to see vaccine certificates
- 3 day pre-flight testing requirement will continue, so this needs to be a documented antigen/Lateral Flow test or PCR.
- 3 days is potentially more than 72 hours, departure on a Friday afternoon means a test on Tuesday morning or thereafter.
- NHS Lateral Flows and PCRs can't be used.
- Children over 2 years old travelling with vaccinated travellers have to be tested on the same basis (3 days).
- 1 day testing for unvaccinated USA legal residents (testing on or the day before departure), including their children.
- All passengers need to sign an attestment to confirm their negative test result and also a statement to confirm full vaccination status.
- Children who are not vaccinated do not need to get vaccinated but do need to get a "viral test" 3 to 5 days after arrival in the USA
- As a result there is a separate attestion question for unvaccinated children to confirm that the viral test is arranged.
- Vaccination certificates must come from an official source. The NHS COVID Pass app and EU DCC are specifically mentioned as acceptable.
- Vaccination is counted as two weeks from dose2, or 2 weeks after the sole dose in the case of J&J.
- Antibody certification is not a replacement for the need for vaccination, at least for non USA residents.
- 14 clear days need to elapse before travel. So if jabbed on 1 October then 15 October is when you are good to go.
- Booster vaccinations are not a factor here, they don't count towards or against the primary dose process.
- There is a face mask mandate when flying to/from the USA, with effectively no exemptions, and including children two and above years old.
- Airlines need to provide some sort of contact tracing information for potential follow-up cases.
- These restrictions do not apply at the land border.
Note that a lot of interpretation onus falls on airlines. For example there is no language requirement for vaccine certificates as far as the CDC is concerned, however you can imagine Air France may be hesitant in accepting a vaccine certificate issued in the Welsh language, to take one example.
CDC link
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2...el-System.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/coronavirus-travel/2060730-us-require-air-travelers-provide-negative-test-within-1-day-departure.html
Entry ban from eight southern African countries starting on November 29, 2021
Most non-U.S. citizens who have been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique or Malaw within the prior 14 days will not be allowed into the United States.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/11/26/a-proclamation-on-suspension-of-entry-as-immigrants-and-nonimmigrants-of-certain-additional-persons-who-pose-a-risk-of-transmitting-coronavirus-disease-2019/
Entry ban by air to be lifted on November 8, 2021 - All travelers should refer to CDC for travel requirements.
3 day pre-flight testing requirement will continue (US citizens/LPR not vaccinated will have to test no earlier than 1 day prior) Children under 2 years old do not need to test.
Children under 18 are exempt from vaccination requirement
Accepted vaccines will include:
- AstraZeneca
- BIBP/Sinopharm
- Covishield
- Janssen/J&J
- Moderna
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Sinovac
There is a face mask mandate when flying to/from the USA, with effectively no exemptions, and including children two and above years old
Airlines need to provide some sort of contact tracing information for potential follow-up cases
Update on U.S. travel policy requiring COVID-19 vaccination
Last Updated: October 25, 2021
As announced by the White House today, the new travel policy requiring foreign nationals traveling to the United States to demonstrate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will take effect November 8. The CDC’s website explains that, for purposes of entry into the United States, the accepted vaccines will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines.
COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Exceptions - U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Last updated: October 25, 2021
The presidential proclamations described on this page will no longer be in effect on November 8, 2021. For additional information, please see Safely Resuming Travel by Vaccine Requirement and Rescission of Travel Restrictions on Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area, South Africa, and the United Kingdom (travel.state.gov).
To protect the public health, there are four presidential proclamations that suspend entry into the United States of all noncitizens who were physically present in any of 33 countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. They are Presidential Proclamation 9984 (China); Presidential Proclamation 9992 (Iran); Presidential Proclamation 10143 (Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa); and Presidential Proclamation 10199 (India).
What we know so far is
- Confirmed to start on 8 November
- Children under 18 are exempt from the vaccine restrictions, so the varying international standards on jab ages won't be an issue here.
- Vaccines that are OK will include Pfizer, Moderna, AZ, J&J and the two Chinese vaccines.
- Some exemptions from vaccinations are potentially allowed, notably for US citizens, though my guess is airlines will be expecting to see vaccine certificates
- 3 day pre-flight testing requirement will continue, so this needs to be a documented antigen/Lateral Flow test or PCR.
- 3 days is potentially more than 72 hours, departure on a Friday afternoon means a test on Tuesday morning or thereafter.
- NHS Lateral Flows and PCRs can't be used.
- Children over 2 years old travelling with vaccinated travellers have to be tested on the same basis (3 days).
- 1 day testing for unvaccinated USA legal residents (testing on or the day before departure), including their children.
- All passengers need to sign an attestment to confirm their negative test result and also a statement to confirm full vaccination status.
- Children who are not vaccinated do not need to get vaccinated but do need to get a "viral test" 3 to 5 days after arrival in the USA
- As a result there is a separate attestion question for unvaccinated children to confirm that the viral test is arranged.
- Vaccination certificates must come from an official source. The NHS COVID Pass app and EU DCC are specifically mentioned as acceptable.
- Vaccination is counted as two weeks from dose2, or 2 weeks after the sole dose in the case of J&J.
- Antibody certification is not a replacement for the need for vaccination, at least for non USA residents.
- 14 clear days need to elapse before travel. So if jabbed on 1 October then 15 October is when you are good to go.
- Booster vaccinations are not a factor here, they don't count towards or against the primary dose process.
- There is a face mask mandate when flying to/from the USA, with effectively no exemptions, and including children two and above years old.
- Airlines need to provide some sort of contact tracing information for potential follow-up cases.
- These restrictions do not apply at the land border.
Note that a lot of interpretation onus falls on airlines. For example there is no language requirement for vaccine certificates as far as the CDC is concerned, however you can imagine Air France may be hesitant in accepting a vaccine certificate issued in the Welsh language, to take one example.
CDC link
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2...el-System.html
US reopened on 8 November 2021 (& subsequent entry restrictions for non-citizens)
Aug 4, 2021, 9:20 pm
#2026
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,721
it is infuriating but nobody is going to March on Washington to demand change.
Aug 4, 2021, 9:28 pm
#2027
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
Posts: 6,900
Aug 4, 2021, 10:24 pm
#2028
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: BA, Avis, Amex
Posts: 414
More news on this now on BBC News: "US plans to require Covid vaccine for foreign travellers"
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58095549
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58095549
Aug 4, 2021, 10:38 pm
#2029
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AS, US, Hilton, BA, DL, SPG, AA, VS
Posts: 1,628
Agreed. Unfortunately, that kind of pressure is the only thing that would kick the administration in the rear enough to show some real urgency in this.
Aug 4, 2021, 10:41 pm
#2030
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AS, US, Hilton, BA, DL, SPG, AA, VS
Posts: 1,628
Furthermore, as the number of people vaccinated increases, it follows that the number of vaccinated people who get covid will increase as well, since no vaccine is 100% effective. If you get the flu shot, there's a chance you'll still get the flu. The vaccine isn't supposed to stop you from getting covid as much as it's supposed to stop you from getting seriously ill and dying from covid. The public messaging, however, has been abysmal on this point, and now too many people think that if you get the vaccine it means you don't get covid.
Aug 5, 2021, 4:04 am
#2031
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 49
The pandemic has very clearly taught me which countries want my money and which ones don't. If, as expected, my luxury September trip to New York doesn't take place, that will release a decent sum to spend in a host of other countries with fantastic cities, great architecture, awesome weather, fascinating history, expansive ski slopes, azure water, epic sailing and, crucially, a big welcome. I will not be in a hurry to visit Biden's hostile, unscientific and illogical land of petty bureaucrats and tedious political machinations.
I have choices. Like the Americans, I just don't care. Don't know why people can't grasp that.
Aug 5, 2021, 4:17 am
#2032
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 722
That's fine. I accept that I have no right to demand entry to the USA. But that cuts both ways: the USA also has no right to demand a share of my travel cash when this is all over.
The pandemic has very clearly taught me which countries want my money and which ones don't. If, as expected, my luxury September trip to New York doesn't take place, that will release a decent sum to spend in a host of other countries with fantastic cities, great architecture, awesome weather, fascinating history, expansive ski slopes, azure water, epic sailing and, crucially, a big welcome. I will not be in a hurry to visit Biden's hostile, unscientific and illogical land of petty bureaucrats and tedious political machinations.
I have choices. Like the Americans, I just don't care. Don't know why people can't grasp that.
The pandemic has very clearly taught me which countries want my money and which ones don't. If, as expected, my luxury September trip to New York doesn't take place, that will release a decent sum to spend in a host of other countries with fantastic cities, great architecture, awesome weather, fascinating history, expansive ski slopes, azure water, epic sailing and, crucially, a big welcome. I will not be in a hurry to visit Biden's hostile, unscientific and illogical land of petty bureaucrats and tedious political machinations.
I have choices. Like the Americans, I just don't care. Don't know why people can't grasp that.
I must admit to being shocked at the complete abscence of empathy shown towards people who are genuinely put out by this setup.
If I ever do visit America again this will be in the back of my mind and I’ll be having extra cash in case something like this comes up. Although part of me feels we’re not wanted.
Last edited by Owenc; Aug 5, 2021 at 4:28 am
Aug 5, 2021, 5:17 am
#2033
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Malaga Spain, Lake County Florida
Posts: 153
Yes, they have shown that they are indifferent and apathetic towards people who genuinely have to get into the USA, for reasons such as employment or to see relatives.
I must admit to being shocked at the complete abscence of empathy shown towards people who are genuinely put out by this setup.
If I ever do visit America again this will be in the back of my mind and I’ll be having extra cash in case something like this comes up. Although part of me feels we’re not wanted.
I must admit to being shocked at the complete abscence of empathy shown towards people who are genuinely put out by this setup.
If I ever do visit America again this will be in the back of my mind and I’ll be having extra cash in case something like this comes up. Although part of me feels we’re not wanted.
Aug 5, 2021, 5:37 am
#2034
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
That's fine. I accept that I have no right to demand entry to the USA. But that cuts both ways: the USA also has no right to demand a share of my travel cash when this is all over.
The pandemic has very clearly taught me which countries want my money and which ones don't. If, as expected, my luxury September trip to New York doesn't take place, that will release a decent sum to spend in a host of other countries with fantastic cities, great architecture, awesome weather, fascinating history, expansive ski slopes, azure water, epic sailing and, crucially, a big welcome. I will not be in a hurry to visit Biden's hostile, unscientific and illogical land of petty bureaucrats and tedious political machinations.
I have choices. Like the Americans, I just don't care. Don't know why people can't grasp that.
The pandemic has very clearly taught me which countries want my money and which ones don't. If, as expected, my luxury September trip to New York doesn't take place, that will release a decent sum to spend in a host of other countries with fantastic cities, great architecture, awesome weather, fascinating history, expansive ski slopes, azure water, epic sailing and, crucially, a big welcome. I will not be in a hurry to visit Biden's hostile, unscientific and illogical land of petty bureaucrats and tedious political machinations.
I have choices. Like the Americans, I just don't care. Don't know why people can't grasp that.
Aug 5, 2021, 7:19 am
#2035
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 49
Countries like Spain, Greece, Portugal and many Caribbean islands have clearly sought ways to enable travel without endangering their own populations. I feel that they want me to visit, so I am inclined to reciprocate.
Other countries like Australia and New Zealand have, quite reasonably given their geography, closed their borders to the entire world. Some, like many other European countries, have regularly reviewed their travel rules as the disease has spread arond the world. I bear them no grudge, but I am in less of a hurry to visit them.
But the USA has been bizarrely discriminatory. The CDC's current prohibition list (China, Iran, Schengen, UK, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, India) bears very little relationship to the current world map of COVID risk. The list may have made sense when the countries were first added, but the world has since changed. This is politics, not science, and Biden cares very little who he hurts.
I know where I am not wanted. I have been to the USA on many previous occasions, but I sense it will be a long time before I return. The world is a very large place and, as the pandemic recedes, I will have many options.
Aug 5, 2021, 7:28 am
#2036
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: ORF
Posts: 1,740
It's gotten quite dramatic in this thread. I would like to remind people none of this is personal. Every country has reviewed whatever facts and data they have on hand and made what they feel are appropriate decisions. Anyone is free to disagree with the conclusions but all the motives being ascribed are fairly ridiculous.
Aug 5, 2021, 7:39 am
#2037
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
I agree that this is all to personal. As someone who is in the process of moving from one country to another, with children at different schools around the world, I can tell you that the amount of administration and paperwork I have been dealing with recently is staggering. Much of it makes no sense at all, but I accept that it is the way it is.
Aug 5, 2021, 8:01 am
#2038
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 49
Oh, I'm not taking this personally and I'm sorry if you think I'm being dramatic. But some countries clearly want foreign travellers much more than others do. Isn't it reasonable for me to notice that and to factor it into my travel plans?
I remember the first time I visited Calgary airport with my (then) young children in tow. We were met by a cheerful airport volunteer who welcomed us into the country, noticed how tired the children were, and offered them a ride in their electric buggy. The huge sense of welcome that we received coloured my impression of our entire holiday - and I've since returned to Canada more times than I can count. Why should I not feel the same about Spain, for example? My recent trip to Menorca was a fantastic example of a governemnt, airport, country and island doing everything it could to make things easier for travllers at a difficult time. In my heart, I'm drawn back by the welcome I received.
So the USA can do what it likes. I will go to New York if I am allowed; if not, I will take my wallet to a place that is eager for me to empty it.
I remember the first time I visited Calgary airport with my (then) young children in tow. We were met by a cheerful airport volunteer who welcomed us into the country, noticed how tired the children were, and offered them a ride in their electric buggy. The huge sense of welcome that we received coloured my impression of our entire holiday - and I've since returned to Canada more times than I can count. Why should I not feel the same about Spain, for example? My recent trip to Menorca was a fantastic example of a governemnt, airport, country and island doing everything it could to make things easier for travllers at a difficult time. In my heart, I'm drawn back by the welcome I received.
So the USA can do what it likes. I will go to New York if I am allowed; if not, I will take my wallet to a place that is eager for me to empty it.
Aug 5, 2021, 8:53 am
#2039
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 722
It's gotten quite dramatic in this thread. I would like to remind people none of this is personal. Every country has reviewed whatever facts and data they have on hand and made what they feel are appropriate decisions. Anyone is free to disagree with the conclusions but all the motives being ascribed are fairly ridiculous.
Aug 5, 2021, 8:57 am
#2040
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,248
