Entering the USA: these are the current rules

Whether you're longing for the sunny beaches of Florida or the lively city life of New York, the rugged beauty of California's national parks, the East or West Coast: the travel dreams of USA fans are finally possible again. Since recently, after a forced break of one and a half years, entry into the USA is possible again. However, one must adhere to some conditions. As always, measures and regulations can change quickly. Before each trip, it is therefore always important to check the official tourism website of the country for the current regulations. Then nothing stands in the way of an unforgettable holiday. 

This applies when entering the USA

Who via Land or waterway must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination as an international traveler. You must also verbally confirm that you have been vaccinated. There are slightly more rules for entering the USA by air.

Who traveling to the USA by planemust submit the following documents:

• Proof of complete vaccination: Please note that the second vaccination must have been given two weeks ago. Only vaccinations with vaccines that are also approved by the FDA or have received emergency authorization from the WHO are accepted. Children under the age of 18 are exempt from compulsory testing.
• Negative COVID-19 test: A negative test must be available before departure; antigen tests and PCR tests apply. The tests must not be older than three days at the time of departure. 
• Contact tracing: All passengers must provide contact information to the airline before entering the country so that contacts can be traced in the event of infection.
• Visa and ESTA: As before the pandemic, you must apply for a visa before entering the country. 

Entry into the USA for children:

• Children under 18 are exempt from compulsory vaccination
• Children between 2 and 17 years of age, when accompanied by fully vaccinated persons, must present a negative COVID-19 test at least three days prior to departure.
• If the trip is accompanied by parents who have not been fully vaccinated, the test must be carried out one day before departure.
• Children under two do not need to test, but it is recommended.

In airports, airplanes and other enclosed areas of public transportation in the U.S., you must wear a mouth/nose guard. Depending on the state, additional rules may apply regarding masks, distance, vaccination status and more. For the most up-to-date information before you travel look on the website of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and on the Visit the USA tourism site.