Traveling by Air to the United States? Then Here Are the Rules You Need to Know
If you’re flying to the United States, there are some new rules you’ll need to know.
The Department of Homeland Security has released a list of restrictions for foreign travelers, and it may put a damper on your travel plans.
The restrictions include new requirements for certain electronics in carry-on bags, as well as expanded vetting of visa and passport holders from certain countries.
Traveling by Air to the United States? Then Here Are the Rules You Need to Know
We all know the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered our way of life, but it has also changed the rules for traveling to and from the United States. If you are an international traveler planning a trip to the U.S., it is important that you understand what rules have been put in place by the federal government before booking your trip.
To begin with, many foreign nationals will not be able to travel to the U.S. at all as they are currently banned from entering under a presidential proclamation issued in March 2020. The ban applies to foreign nationals who were physically present within 14 days prior to seeking entry into or transiting through the United States in one of the countries in Europe’s Schengen area, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland Portugal and Spain; China; Iran; and Ireland and the United Kingdom. There are exceptions but only a few (e.g., U.S. citizens or permanent residents returning home).
Additionally there are new forms that travelers
If you are traveling to the United States by air, then you need to know these rules. It’s a common misconception that you can enter the US with a passport from any country, but for some countries, there are restrictions.
There are several categories of travelers:
– Visa Waiver Program – This program allows citizens of 38 countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. You must apply online at least 72 hours before traveling. Visit the ESTA website for more information.
– Visa Required – If your country is not listed under the Visa Waiver Program, then you will need to apply for a visa at your local US consulate or embassy. For example: If you’re Canadian, you do not need a visa to travel to the US by air.
– Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) – Since 2009, all travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries entering the US by air have been required to complete an electronic authorization prior to boarding a plane destined for the United States. This process is called ESTA and includes a fee of $14 USD per person (as of March 2016).
If you’re traveling to the United States from a foreign country, then you need to know how to enter the U.S. and what restrictions may apply. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are responsible for regulating international travel into and within the United States.
The DHS also has a role in regulating international travelers after they enter the United States. Here is a brief summary of the rules that you need to know when entering the United States by air.
If you’re traveling by air to the United States, or from one foreign country to another with a connecting flight in the United States, you must have a valid passport.
If You’re a Foreign Visitor
Foreign visitors who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents must follow these rules:
You must have a valid passport and a visa (if required).
You may be denied entry if your passport is damaged or you have certain criminal convictions.
You may be asked questions about your intentions in the United States, how long you plan to stay and whether you have enough money for your trip.
You may be questioned about your immigration status at any time while in the United States. Lying about your status could lead to deportation.
You may be required to register with U.S. officials and show them your registration card when leaving the country. Check with a local U.S. consulate or embassy before traveling outside of the United States if you are not sure which countries require this registration of their citizens.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have put tight restrictions on travel. But the United States is starting to reopen and welcome back international travelers. However, that does not mean border crossing is a free for all. The US is still enforcing restrictions for those who want to enter its borders.
Here’s what you need to know about traveling to the United States as an international traveler during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you do not meet the requirements, you will be denied boarding and sent home. This includes US citizens who may not be permitted back into their own country (such as those with a positive COVID-19 test result).