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Official: UK tourists can visit the United States from 8th November

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Whilst we haven’t yet seen the final details, it has been confirmed this afternoon that the US will open its borders, land and air, from 8th November.

This has been reported by Reuters here and confirmed via Twitter by a White House official.

The headline requirements are what you would expect:

  • you must be fully vaccinated (Astra now accepted, presumably 14 days before travel) and
  • you must show a negative test result (not clear what type)

This is literally all that is known so far. We do NOT know what the position is with unvaccinated children, and we do not know what form of documentation will be required to prove your status.

There will be no entry into the US for anyone who is unvaccinated, which will actually be a retrograde step for some countries whose citizens have so far been welcome regardless of vaccination.

In a statement, Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss said:

“The US Government’s confirmation that fully vaccinated UK visitors will be able to enter the US from 8 November is welcome news and finally allows consumers and businesses to book travel with confidence.  The US has been our heartland for more than 37 years and we are simply not Virgin without the Atlantic.  We’ve been steadily ramping up flying to destinations such as New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and we can’t wait to fly our customers safely to their favourite US cities, on holiday or to reconnect with friends, loved ones and colleagues.

“As the UK forges its recovery from the pandemic, the reopening of the transatlantic corridor and the lifting of Presidential Order 212F acknowledges the great progress both nations have made in rolling out successful vaccine programmes. The UK will now be able to strengthen ties with our most important economic partner, the US, boosting trade and tourism as well as reuniting friends, families and business colleagues. We are thankful to Prime Minister Johnson and the UK Government, the Biden administration and our industry partners for their support in removing these barriers and allowing free travel between our countries to resume.”

Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways, was briefer:

“Nearly 600 days since the introduction of the US travel ban, this is a pivotal moment for the entire travel industry and finally provides the certainty we have so desperately needed. 

We can’t wait to welcome our customers back on board and reconnect friends and families across the Atlantic, rebuild US-UK business relationships and reclaim Britain’s position as a leader on the global stage.”

A formal announcement will be made later on Friday.

Category

General

Comments (99)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • Paul says:
    15 Oct15 October 16:42

    anyone know when the first entry will be allowed? midnight EST on the monday at entry point? I have to be in Orlando by 4pm on Monday the 8th.

    • Magic Mike says:
      15 Oct15 October 18:03

      I would not want to be trying to fly in on day 1 while they try and figure out how it works…

    • Andrew says:
      15 Oct15 October 18:09

      Fly direct on Virgin and you’ll be there for 15:15.

      If time is of the essence, fly to Toronto on the 7th and then take the 09:XX Air Canada or WestJet service from YYZ-MCO on the 8th and be there for lunch.

    • Gavin says:
      15 Oct15 October 20:03

      And have copies of all the paperwork you need for contingency

  • aviosnewbie says:
    15 Oct15 October 16:46

    I’ve booked tickets to LA over Christmas with our 4y old. I understand there’s no clarity yet about unvaccinated children, but generally what do people think? I hope we don’t have to cancel the trip because they won’t let in my toddler daughter.

    • Anna says:
      15 Oct15 October 17:03

      I think you’ll be ok as no under 12s are being vaccinated anywhere yet. It remains to be seen what will happen with those in the 12 – 18 groups because the U.K. is pretty much alone in only giving one dose currently.

    • TGLoyalty says:
      15 Oct15 October 17:03

      I wouldn’t worry with under 12’s (for now) as usa isn’t vaccinating them yet.

      12-17 will be the real concern.

      • Will in SFO says:
        16 Oct16 October 03:26

        Seconding this. We have a four year old and live in CA. Our pediatrician has said under 5s will likely be vaccinated from some point in the middle of 2022. 5 – 12 year olds are expected later this year/early next.

  • xcalx says:
    15 Oct15 October 16:47

    That’s my 5th Nov flights and 7th Nov cruise gone.

  • Lee says:
    15 Oct15 October 17:12

    Will unvaccinated still be able to go via Mexico or the caribbean?

    • H says:
      15 Oct15 October 18:09

      Or how about keeping everyone safe and just getting the vaccine?

      • TGLoyalty says:
        15 Oct15 October 19:58

        Isn’t it pretty clear they only keep the person vaccinated safe

      • Char Char says:
        15 Oct15 October 20:09

        There is no keeping others safe, it only helps the person taking it.

        • Chrisasaurus says:
          15 Oct15 October 20:17

          From Covid19 yes (well actually even then I’ll have to take your word for it)

          But the non-Covid19 appointments being cancelled in places struggling for capacity because of full Covid19 wards, those are causing harm and in some cases worse.

          • Char Char says:
            15 Oct15 October 21:33

            Yes but you assume that non vaccinated means a full covid ward which it isn’t that simple

      • Ryan says:
        16 Oct16 October 02:18

        Getting a vaccine doesn’t keep anyone safe. If you are actually scared by this thing, get a vaccine yourself and shut up making people feel guilty about not taking one.

        • John says:
          16 Oct16 October 06:40

          You should feel guilty unless you have a genuine reason not to (99% of “medical” reasons aren’t)

    • Chrisasaurus says:
      15 Oct15 October 19:12

      Hopefully there aren’t any such people left by the time we get to November, everyone should have had chance

    • Mike says:
      15 Oct15 October 20:59

      Lee – just get a jab

    • Lee says:
      16 Oct16 October 08:36

      I am fully jabbed.

      A friend of mine isn’t and I am hoping that they can’t access via Mexico now!

      But as far as I can see they can.

      I am not keen on those who do not have the vaccination.

  • RomP says:
    15 Oct15 October 17:13

    I need to be in Chicago on the Morning of the 8th!
    Could I fly into Toronto the night before and then take a flight early morning the next day?

  • Ed says:
    15 Oct15 October 17:25

    What’s Rob going to do with his Virgin points?

    • ChrisC says:
      15 Oct15 October 18:32

      Still getting his daily sausage roll from Greggs.

      • mr_jetlag says:
        15 Oct15 October 19:03

        I’ve gotten on that train too. Nothing beats a free bacon roll and flat white for 385 points.

  • AndyGWP says:
    15 Oct15 October 17:35

    Would failing the PCR test be covered by your typical travel insurer, or would it need specialist cover? (I will phone for clarification, but interested in peoples experience / knowledge on insurance companies here) 🙂 thanks

    • Andrew says:
      15 Oct15 October 18:24

      LV have got you covered…

      Section A: If you need to cancel your trip before you travel

      What’s covered?

      If your trip or holiday has to be cancelled because you or a travelling companion are diagnosed with any coronavirus (including COVID-19) or contagious disease and are unable to travel

      If your trip or holiday has to be cancelled because you or a travelling companion are ordered by a government or public authority to quarantine based on the suspicion that you specifically have been exposed to any coronavirus (including COVID-19) or contagious disease

      (They’ve quoted me £120 for premium worldwide Inc USA for an annual policy)

      • AndyGWP says:
        15 Oct15 October 19:10

        Thanks Andrew. Thinking about it, I’m 99% certain my Nationwide also covers me although there’s a clause that states about insurance being invalid if trip was booked when FCO guidance stated “don’t go”, and we booked our flights back in February 😕😕

  • Chrisasaurus says:
    15 Oct15 October 19:13

    Well, guess I’m runnnng NYCM from here, then 🥺

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