Travel Update: Latest News On US Travel

Hodophile: According to the Urban dictionary, he is one who loves to travel

This time last year US airports witnessed close to two million travelers. This year Covid-19 got over 82% of Americans to push their travel plans out six months. While 50% have cancelled their trips altogether, more than 45% plan on shortening their travel itinerary.

Today, hodophiles around the world are keeping a keen eye on when they can resume traveling. While the US is one of the most popular international destinations, there are several restrictions in place, both international and domestic. Here, we have the latest on US travel as some borders open while Coronavirus continues its deadly spread.

Who Can Enter the US During Coronavirus Pandemic?

While travelers from some countries have been banned from entering the US per an executive travel ban, travelers from the following countries are permitted to enter the US.

  • Canada (Air only)
  • Chile
  • Iceland
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
  • South Korea

Which US Airlines Are Resuming Flights

Travelers from most international airports are being directed to certain US airports only. Travelers have to arrange their itinerary and further destinations within the US keeping these specific airports in mind. 

According to the State Department’s Level 4 Global “Do Not Travel” advisory, all US travelers are advised to restrict international travel to essential travel only. 

May 2020 saw a little over 100,000 travelers and as the demand increases, airlines intend to cover about 20% of their international flight routes after July 8, 2020. The following airlines are cautiously resuming flight schedules outside of the US:

  • Southwest Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • United Airlines

What To Expect On Arriving Into the US?

  • On arrival into the US, travelers should expect some more restrictions.
  • Mandatory mask and/or shield covering at all times;
  • Social distancing, both within the airline and in the airport;
  • Frequent temperature checks;
  • Certain flights might require an “immunity passport” for those who have already got and recovered from Covid-19 virus;Quarantine measures – 14-day self

Travel restrictions in US Cities

Travel restrictions on essential travel within the US varies and is subject to each state’s regulation.

The following cities within the US have strict movement restrictions, both for domestic as well as international travelers:

  • New York
  • Miami
  • Hawaii

Travel During Coronavirus

5 Things You Need To Know

What Can You Visit In The US During Coronavirus Pandemic?

While most states are very cautious about re-opening tourist attractions, the following are now accessible with some restrictions. 

All travelers are advised to contact each location individually before confirming travel plans.

US Travel Bans

Travel Update: Latest News On US Travel
US President Signs Executive Order Banning Entry Into The US

While most international borders continue to remain closed, there is a complete travel ban into the US from the following countries, per a executive order passed on March 31, 2020:

BrazilIranChinaBelgiumCzech Republic
AustriaDenmarkEstoniaFinlandGermany
HungaryGreeceItalyLatviaLiechtenstein
LithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsNorway
PolandPortugalSlovakiaSpainSweden
SwitzerlandMonacoSan MarinoVatican CityUnited Kingdom

While this travel ban is applicable to most travelers coming into the US, American citizens and green card holders may return to the US on specifically unchartered flights that have been specially arranged for this purpose. All US citizens should contact the closest US embassy to register themselves in order to board these flights back into the US.

Land Travel:

US shares its border with Canada and Mexico. While all international borders remain closed and non-essential land travel is still restricted:

  • Air travel is still permitted from Canada to US;
  • Travel from US to Canada is not allowed;
  • The Mexico border is expected to reopen on June 22, 2020
  • The Canadian border is expected to reopen on June 21, 2020

Where Can US Travelers Fly out of the US

During Covid-19 US Travelers are permitted to go to –

  • Antigua, 
  • St. Lucia, 
  • U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean
  • Iceland in Europe

Stay tuned to this space for the latest updates on travel into the US.

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