The USA has lifted its travel ban
You can now travel to the USA for a holiday or business trip with an ESTA starting 8 November. The government has lifted the travel ban issued by the coronavirus in 2020 and no longer recommends travel to the USA. This means that it is safe to travel to the USA again.
You should be aware of coronavirus rules. In most cases, adults who are not fully vaccinated against coronavirus will not be allowed to travel to the USA. Only then vaccinated are not required to undergo a quarantine or take a test upon their arrival in the USA. This applies to all citizens of the European Union.
Step 1 – Apply to your ESTA
You should apply for an ESTA (or visa) before you travel to the United States with the digital travel authorization for tourists or business travelers called an ESTA can be used online. Your ESTA will remain valid for two years after it is granted unless your passport expires sooner. You can travel to the USA unlimited times during this time. You may not stay more than 90 days in the USA during your visit. Your ESTA can be applied for even before your trip is booked.
Step 2 – Arrange your vaccination certificate.
You must have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks before you can travel to the USA on a business trip, holiday, or transfer. Children under 18 years old do not have to be vaccinated. Only if you have had two doses of a coronavirus vaccine (Modera, Pfizer / BioNTech / AstraZeneca / Sinopharm / Sinovac) or one dose of the Janssen / Johnson coronavirus vaccination are you considered fully vaccinated. You received two different types of vaccines. If there are at least 17 days between the two vaccines, you can travel to the USA. You cannot use proof of recovery to complete full vaccination.
You must show proof of vaccination before you board your flight to the USA. If you do not use the app, you can send a letter or print a paper certificate. You can also find information for other nationalities on how to get a vaccination certificate. A photo or printout of another type of certificate can be presented. You must include the name of the issuing agency, the date of the coronavirus vaccine, your full name, and your date of birth.
There are some exceptions to mandatory vaccination. This applies to travelers who cannot travel for medical reasons or for travelers from countries where COVID-19 vaccines are not available. You must complete and sign a declaration if you want to use the exception rule. In most cases, travelers under this exception must quarantine for five days after arrival in the USA.
After arrival in the USA
It is recommended that you follow local coronavirus rules. They may vary from one state to the next. It is a good idea to have COVID-19 tested by international travelers from the day they arrive. You can do this with any COVID test you prefer and a self-test. Travelers vaccinated within the past 90 days are not eligible for this advice. People over two years old should wear a facemask in public spaces such as airports, train stations, and public transport.
The ban on travel to the USA by COVID-19 was lifted on 8 November.
If you do get COVID-19
If you have been confirmed positive for coronavirus, you cannot travel to the United States. Even if you can provide an ESTA, a vaccine certificate, and test certification, you will not be allowed to travel to the United States if your symptoms include coronavirus /COVID-19. To find out if you will be reimbursed if damages occur, it is a good idea to consult your travel agent and travel insurance company before you travel. If you are unable or unable to travel because of the coronavirus, the ESTA fee cannot be refunded. You can still use your ESTA to plan your next trip.