Are there travel restrictions to the United States for fully vaccinated people?

In order to guard against new variants and stubbornly high infection rates, more and more countries are requiring citizens and visitors to have full immunization status for public activities and tourism. Although current travel restrictions in the United States do not prohibit travel to fully vaccinated individuals, several destinations may require proof of vaccination.

Current CDC Guidelines for Fully Immunized People

CDC travel guidelines are more lenient for fully vaccinated travelers. Several of the recommendations include:

• Wearing a mask when traveling for business (this is currently federal law)
• Wear a mask during overcrowded outdoor events and communities with a high number of cases
• Have a negative pre-arrival test before returning to the United States after international travel
• Self-monitoring for symptoms after travel (no quarantine is necessary)
• Compliance with local and national health guidelines

You are currently fully vaccinated if you received your last Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago or recovered from Covid-19 in the past 90 days.

Now that the first booster shots are available, people at high risk can choose to receive a third injection and wait 24 hours before traveling to maintain their full immunization status. Government officials should always provide formal directions on when a recall is required to travel. The CDC did not approve a 3rd Pfizer recall for 20 million recipients until September 24, 2021.

Additionally, travel restrictions in the United States may change as the vaccine becomes available to more children. Currently, most destinations with vaccination warrants only require eligible travelers aged 12 or older to be fully vaccinated. Ineligible minors may need a negative diagnostic test result.

Hawaii requiring proof of vaccination or negative test before arrival

Hawaii has the tightest statewide travel restrictions of the 50 states. You can waive the mandatory 10-day quarantine by showing proof of vaccination or a negative test before arrival.

However, as of October 15, 2021, some Hawaiian hotels and resorts require proof of vaccination, including the Alohilani Resort in Waikiki and seven Highgate hotels. Affected invitees will be notified of the change.

New York City Vaccination Mandate

On the continent, several cities are implementing vaccination warrants to visit tourist attractions and other indoor activities such as meals, concerts, theater and conventions.

Some private companies are also going the extra mile by requiring their customers to be fully immunized. The Equinox Hotel New York is one such company.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is rolling out a phased vaccine mandate that impacts restaurants and indoor tourism. As of October 7, 2021, you must be partially vaccinated to enter indoor restaurants, wineries, bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

The city also has a mandatory indoor mask mandate for all people, regardless of immunization status.

Los Angeles County will also begin requiring proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test for major events with 10,000 or more people, as of October 7, 2021. This policy affects Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain because it is an outdoor event at less 10,000 visitors. Indoor events with at least 1,000 participants must also follow these rules.

Disneyland is not affected by this county mandate, but the park has a similar entry policy.

Vail Hotels

Vail, Colorado ski resorts are requiring guests aged 12 or older this winter to be fully immunized to eat at indoor restaurants or quick-service cafeterias. The ski school also requires participants who are at least 12 years old to be fully immunized.

United States will allow international visitors

Fully vaccinated international visitors will soon be able to visit the United States. The doors reopen in November for several countries currently under travel bans.

However, not all vaccines are eligible and international travelers should make sure they receive the correct dose before coming to America. For example, visitors with the Sputnik V can be considered fully vaccinated in their country of origin but not in the United States

More details are expected in the coming weeks.

Summary

There are currently no new travel restrictions to the United States for fully vaccinated people. However, more and more states, cities and businesses are requiring tourists to have both doses. Many destinations no longer accept a negative test result instead.

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