The United States never fully closed its borders to international travel, instead restricting travel from certain countries and temporarily suspending tourist visa processing. However, tourist visa processing has resumed and currently, the U.S. is open for tourism from all countries besides China, Iran, Brazil, India, and South Africa.
Is the United States Open for Tourists?
All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must have proof of a negative COVID-19 NAAT or antigen test from within 3 days of departure or provide evidence of recovery from COVID-19 from within the last 90 days. They must also complete an attestation form.
The CDC recommends that unvaccinated travelers get tested 3 to 5 days after travel and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel, even with a negative test result, but states may also have their own entry requirements for travelers.
Can I travel to the United States right now?
You can travel to the U.S. from many countries right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit the United States at the moment.
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U.S. COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
The United States has two main general entry requirements for all travelers.
U.S. COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
All travelers over the age of 2 must have proof of a negative COVID-19 NAAT or antigen test from within 3 days of departure or provide evidence of recovery from COVID-19 from within the last 90 days. Acceptable tests include RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, TMA, NEAR, and HDA.
Travelers must also complete an attestation form and submit it to their airline. The CDC recommends that unvaccinated travelers get tested 3 to 5 days after travel and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel, even with a negative test result.
However, states also have their own entry requirements for travelers. The CDC Travel Planner offers information on COVID entry requirements for specific cities, zip codes, and addresses. You can also consult the information below on entry requirements for each state.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the U.S.
At the moment, all travelers, even if they have been fully vaccinated, must present a negative COVID-19 test from within 3 days of departure or proof of recovery from COVID-19 from within the last 90 days.
Vaccinated international travelers do not have to get tested after arrival, but they should get tested 3 to 5 days after travel. State guidelines may vary.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to the United States?
All travelers over the age of 2 must have proof of a negative COVID-19 NAAT or antigen test from within 3 days of departure to enter the United States. Acceptable COVID-19 tests include RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, TMA, NEAR, and HDA.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to the United States?
Alternatively, travelers can provide evidence of recovery from COVID-19 from within the last 90 days. If travelers do not have a valid negative test result or proof of recovery from COVID-19, they will not be allowed to board their flight.
States may also have their own testing entry requirements. The CDC recommends that all international travelers get tested again 3 to 5 days after travel and that unvaccinated travelers self-quarantine for 7 days after travel, even if they obtain a negative result from their second test.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the U.S.?
There is a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in certain U.S. states. Travelers can use the CDC Travel Planner or check the list of states’ entry requirements above to see if they need to quarantine.
The CDC also recommends that all unvaccinated travelers self-quarantine after travel. Unvaccinated travelers should get tested 3 to 5 days after travel and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel, even if they receive a negative result. If unvaccinated travelers don’t get tested, they should self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
Do I need to complete an attestation form?
All travelers must complete an attestation form and submit it to their airline.
The form must be completed before boarding and will be retained by the airline. The form is available in several different languages, including English, Arabic, French, Russian, Chinese, and Spanish.
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit the United States
It is not mandatory to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit the United States, but you really shouldn’t travel to the U.S. without it. American healthcare is incredibly expensive without insurance. Avoid the risk of having to pay for exorbitant medical bills out of your own pocket by purchasing travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage.
One of the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is Heymondo. Their policies offer extensive coverage, particularly for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad, at an affordable price. With Heymondo, no matter what happens on your travels, you’ll be covered.
If you want to get 5% off your Heymondo insurance, you can use the discount link below.
Other travel restrictions for the United States during COVID-19
The U.S. has a few other travel restrictions in place:
- Face masks should be worn in all indoor public areas.
- Social distancing rules must be observed.
- You may need a tourist visa to visit the U.S. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in the United States
Wondering what you’ll be able to do if you visit the U.S. right now? Hotels, restaurants, beaches, and attractions are all open, so there is plenty for visitors to do and see. However, each state has its own regulations and restrictions for businesses and attractions, so what is open may vary from state to state. You can use the CDC Travel Planner to check the regulations for the area(s) you’ll be visiting.
Hotels that are open in the U.S.
If you’re looking for a great place to stay, American hotels are open. Hotels and accommodations will have their own specific regulations, but there are some general health and safety guidelines.
Hotels that are open in the U.S.
Hotels are frequently cleaned and disinfected, particularly high-touch areas. Check-in and check-out are fully contactless. Hand sanitizer will be available in hotel common areas for guests to disinfect their hands. Hotel common areas have been arranged to allow for proper social distancing.
More information on general hotel guidelines is available here.
Beaches that are open in the United States
Beaches across the U.S. are open, but restrictions for them will vary by state. Still, there are some general health and safety guidelines beachgoers should keep in mind.
Beachgoers should wear masks when entering and exiting the beach and should keep a distance of at least six feet away from others who are not in their household. Some beaches may have capacity limits, so be sure to check the restrictions for any beaches you want to visit. You can use the CDC Travel Planner to check beach restrictions in your area.
Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in the U.S.
Attractions, such as museums, monuments, and national parks, are open, and tours are operating. If you have a particular tour or attraction in mind, be sure to check if it’s operating/open, since regulations will vary from state to state.
Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in the U.S.
Attractions and tours will most likely have their own regulations, but generally, visitors should wear masks at all times and keep a distance of 6 feet away from others who are not in their household. Visitors should follow all guidelines at the place they are visiting.
More information on attractions and tours is available here.
Restaurants that are open in the United States
Whether you want a good old-fashioned burger and fries, clam chowder, or tacos, restaurants in the United States are open for indoor dining, delivery, and takeout. Restrictions will vary by state, so be sure to check the regulations for restaurants in your area with the CDC Travel Planner.
Capacity limits will vary by state, so be sure to check ahead of time and consider making a reservation. Restaurant guests should wear masks when entering, moving around, and exiting restaurants. Many restaurants will have social distancing measures in place.
More details on restaurant regulations in each state can be found here.
Airports that are open in the U.S.
American airports are open and commercial flights are operating.
Airports that are open in the U.S.
Travelers must wear face masks at all times and keep a distance of 6 feet away from others.
COVID-19 testing in the United States
Where to get a PCR test in the U.S. – COVID-19 testing in the United States
Your country may require you to take a PCR test to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in the United States, here is a list of testing sites. We have also written a guide on the best places to get a PCR test for travel in the United States.
United States reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to the U.S. reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Sources
We will update this guide on the United States reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to the U.S., you can check these official sources:
- CDC – Travelers Prohibited From Entry to the United States
- CDC – Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test Information and FAQs
- CDC – Travel During COVID-19 Information
- TSA – COVID-19 Information
- Attestation Form
- State and Territorial Health Department Websites
- CDC Travel Planner
- Testing Site Locator