1st November 2021

As of November 8th 2021, travel to the US for fully vaccinated travellers will be allowed from the UK, Ireland and other countries currently affected by the US Government Travel ban. They will not need to quarantine on arrival.

What does fully vaccinated mean?

You must have completed, at least two weeks before travel, a course of vaccinations with a vaccine authorised for emergency use by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

For travellers from the UK and Ireland, Oxford AstraZeneca, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Moderna, and Pfizer/BioNTech are all accepted and approved on the WHO list. You can see full guidance on the US CDC page for travel to the US here.

How do I prove I'm vaccinated?

You will need to show official proof of vaccination from an official Government agency or Health Service.

• If you are based in England and the Isle of Man (and were vaccinated here), you can get the NHS app here. This is not the NHS Covid tracking app. Once you have registered and completed your details, you will be able to access your digital NHS COVID pass showing your vaccination record - and also download a PDF copy of your vaccination record.
• If you do not have the NHS app, you will be able to request a letter be sent to you in the post showing your coronavirus (COVID-19) status here

• If you are based in Scotland, you can get information and download the NHS Scotland COVID Status app here. If you are living in Scotland but were vaccinated in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland, you can have your COVID Status updated to include this information - information on this is provided on the NHS Scotland Status app page.

• If you are based in Northern Ireland, you can get your vaccination proof on the COVIDCert NI Mobile App here

• If you are based in Wales, you can see information on getting your NHS Covid Pass here.

• If you are based in Ireland or other EU countries, you will need to follow the guidance on the EU Digital COVID Certificate via your government guidelines

Will I need to take a test before flying to the USA?

Yes

All travellers arriving via air will need to take a COVID test no more than 72 hours (3 days) before their planned travel time. For anyone travelling from the UK, please note the free NHS tests (lateral or PCR) will not be accepted for travel. Moneysavingexpert have a good page for checking on UK pre-departure test providers - many of these are based at the departure airport, but please make sure if you choose this option, you allow enough time for the process before checking in for your flight!

You should always make sure you have the most up to date information on pre-departure testing - you will also be able to see information on this on your chosen airline website and your departure airport website

We'll be updating this information regularly as new information and guidance comes in, but please make sure you keep up to date via all channels available!

The IST Plus InfoTeam

Photo by Ross Parmly on Unsplash