There is slowly more freedom to travel after more than two years of COVID-19-related restrictions that impacted the daily lives of many people around the globe. What should you expect for your next trip to America?
No longer are you required to provide proof of testing and a certificate of recovery.
The U.S. lifted almost all travel restrictions in November 2021, after nearly two years of bans on international travel. Travelers vaccinated against COVID-19 were permitted to return to the U.S., provided they comply with all travel regulations. In some cases, quarantine requirements may be required and masking conditions.
Protective measures have become increasingly less necessary in daily life due to the decline in COVID-19 rates and improved vaccination status globally. As of June 12, 2022, travelers to the United States are no longer required by airlines to present a negative coronal or 90-days of active recovery status before boarding. The previous proof of a negative CoVID-19 test (not earlier than one day before departure to the U.S.A) is no longer required.
TIP: It is still a good idea to consult your airline regarding the current state of affairs before you travel. Also, check what quarantine orders or precautions you must follow depending on where you are staying.
Current protective measures
Despite decreasing cases of corona disease worldwide, there are still some safety precautions in many areas. Like in Germany, every state, and some instances, the major cities of the United States, have taken different safety measures.
Before you travel to the USA, ensure you are familiar with all the relevant protective measures.
Vaccination is still required.
Although there has been some relaxation in terms of testing for flights to the U.S.A, international travelers still need to show proof of Corona vaccination using a vaccine approved in the U.S.
Before you can depart, proof of vaccination must be presented to the airline. Many airlines offer this service via apps and even on dedicated websites to avoid document chaos at the airport.
The digital version of the vaccination certificate should be in English. It should include the full name, date of birth, dates of administered vaccines, and the vaccine name.
Convalescent status is not an option for a negative coronal screening, unlike in other European countries. Convalescent status cannot be used as a substitute for vaccination if you plan to travel to the U.S.
Travelers must have a valid visa or ESTA approval to enter the United States. They also need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Restrictions on mask requirements
Most states in the United States no longer require that people wear mouth-to-nose coverings on public transport or in public places due to the relaxation of protective measures.
Many airlines have relaxed their policies to no longer require passengers to wear a shield while flying within the United States. The requirements for international flights to and from the U.S. are still in effect.
The CDC recommends that everyone over two years old wear a mask to cover their mouth and nose when traveling by public transport and major hubs like airports, train stations, and buses.
This summer, expect a high level of travel volume.
Worldwide, the travel industry expects to see as many tourists this summer as it did before the pandemic. Notably, the United States, which was closed for international travel for 19 months, will see an increase in tourists this year.
Staff shortages can lead to long wait times.
Many airlines are experiencing severe staff shortages due to the pandemic. This is affecting both personnel on the ground and in the air. Many of the affected workers in the tourism industry were forced to find new jobs due to the reduced air traffic over the past years.
For the next few months, the first airlines have warned that there could be cancellations of flights and long wait times at airports. Airports will be more directly affected by the severe shortage of check-in and security staff and the extended baggage handling delay.
Visa appointments at consulates are not available before 2023
The waiting period begins when you start preparing for your vacation. The reason for this is that there has been a backlog in processing U.S. visas over recent months due to illness, closures, and a staff shortage.
Americans traveling to the USA should expect longer wait times. Currently, B visas can take 6-8 months. Those who are not approved by ESTA and don’t have a visa may not be able to travel to the USA in a hurry this year. The deadline situation can change depending on which US consulate you visit and your visa category.
We cannot advise you to book a flight until your appointment at the US consulate has been made.
Tourism industry price rise
You can also expect higher prices when traveling to the USA. This includes hotel and flight costs and rent cars, fuel, and food.
The USA has been well-known for its affordable rental cars and cheap fuel for many years. This was a massive relief for tourists planning long trips through the free land. The combination of inflation, the Ukraine war, and the Corona pandemic is also evident in the USA.