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Rules for travelling to the USA from the UK explained: tests, vaccines and more
By Sarah James
The US eased travel restrictions for visitors from the UK in November 2021, with rules around testing eased in June 2022. Find out what all this means for your trip.
Can I travel to the USA?
Yes. Since November 2021, international travellers from the UK have been able to visit the USA. Between November 2021 and May 2023, this was on the condition that travellers were fully vaccinated. We were on the first flight out in early November 2021, so have first-hand experience of the process.
What Covid tests do I need to travel to the USA?
As of June 2022, the requirement for air travellers to show proof of a negative test to enter the USA has been dropped.
"We are able to take this step because of the tremendous progress we've made in our fight against the virus. We have made lifesaving vaccines and treatments widely available and these tools are working to prevent serious illness and death, and are effective against the prevalent variants circulating in the US and around the world," a senior official said in a statement.
Do I need to be vaccinated to go to the USA?
At the time of writing (2 May 2023), yes – most international air travellers need to show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the USA. Any vaccine approved for use by the World Health Organisation or by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be accepted, including AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and others. The final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days before travelling.
From 11 May 2023, the US will end the vaccination requirements for interntational travellers. This is when the coronavirus public health emergency ends.
Can unvaccinated people travel to the USA?
Until 11 May, to enter the USA unvaccinated you must have been granted an exception or be a US Citizen, US National, or US Lawful Permanent Resident. You can find out if you qualify as an exception to the rules by reading the list outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .
After 11 May, you don't need to be vaccinated to travel to the USA.
Do I need to wear a face mask in the USA?
Rules on wearing masks differ in each state and in different settings, so it's important to check before you travel, however there are currently no states requiring people to wear masks in public spaces. You may be required to wear a mask in certain settings, such as healthcare facilities.
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- Passports, travel and living abroad
- Travel abroad
- Foreign travel advice
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for the US (or the US Virgin Islands , Puerto Rico and American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands )
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in the US (or the US Virgin Islands , Puerto Rico and American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands ), including:
- West Nile virus
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of the US. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
You cannot take some prescription drugs into the US. The US Food and Drug Administration provides information on bringing medicines into the US .
UK prescriptions are not valid in the US. To get pharmacy drugs, you need a prescription from a US provider (available from an urgent care facility, emergency room or a doctor).
TravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines .
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .
Healthcare in the US
Medical treatment is expensive and there are no special arrangements for British visitors.
Some hospitals ask non-US residents to pay a deposit when admitted. Send any requests for funds to your travel insurance provider first; only pay the hospital if you’re advised to do so by your travel insurance company. Your medical care will not be affected while your claim is processed.
Medical facilities in American Samoa are basic and you may need medical evacuation by air ambulance to Hawaii, New Zealand or Australia.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro .
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VIDEO
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Entry requirements. This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most...
FCDO travel advice for USA. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.
The rules for travelling to the USA from the UK now, including which Covid tests and vaccines you need, and whether you'll need to wear a mask during your trip.
FCDO travel advice for USA. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.
SECTION 1: Traveling to the United States. As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. See more information.
The USA reopened to fully vaccinated UK travellers in November 2021. Despite being fully vaccinated, holiday makers must take a Covid test within one day of departure. Unvaccinated children can also travel to the USA and must also take a test if aged two or older.