U.S. Tourist Visa and COVID-19 Travel Guidelines

1. Are U.S. tourist visas still being issued during the COVID-19 pandemic?


Yes, U.S. tourist visas are still being issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the process may vary depending on the country of origin and there may be additional restrictions in place.

2. What is the process for applying for a U.S. tourist visa during the COVID-19 pandemic?


The process for applying for a U.S. tourist visa during the COVID-19 pandemic is as follows:

1. Check if you are eligible for the visa by meeting the criteria established by the U.S. Department of State.

2. Check with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country or region for specific instructions on how to apply for a tourist visa during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Complete the online application form DS-160 and pay the application fee at the State Department website.

4. Schedule an appointment for the biometrics collection and interview at the Embassy or Consulate in your country or region. Note that due to COVID-19, some embassies and consulates are only offering select services at this time, such as visa interviews and biometrics collection.

5. Submit all required documents to support your case, including passport, photographs, evidence of financial ability and other supporting materials as requested by the Embassy or Consulate.

6. Attend the biometrics collection and interview at the Embassy or Consulate when requested and provide necessary documents and information to support your application. Please check with your local Embassy or Consulate to see what documents and information are needed for your interview.

7. Wait for a decision on your visa application, which could take up to two weeks from the date of your interview if there is no administrative processing involved. In some cases, administrative processing may be required which can take up to several months before a decision is made on your visa application.

3. Are tourists from certain countries prohibited from entering the U.S.?


Yes, citizens of certain countries are currently prohibited from entering the United States. As of April 2021, the list includes individuals who have been in Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen Area (the 26 European countries that have abolished passport and border control) in the past 14 days.

4. Are travelers with a valid U.S. tourist visa eligible to enter the U.S during the pandemic?


Yes, travelers with a valid U.S. tourist visa are eligible to enter the U.S. during the pandemic. However, they must meet certain criteria and must be able to demonstrate that their travel is for legitimate purposes. Additionally, they may be subject to additional screening or health measures upon arrival.

5. What documents are required to enter the U.S. as a tourist during COVID-19?


To enter the U.S. as a tourist during COVID-19, visitors must present a valid passport, visa, and proof of recent negative COVID-19 test results (taken within 72 hours of travel). Depending on the country of origin, a valid visa may also be required. Additionally, some countries may require travelers to provide proof of travel insurance or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

6. What are the restrictions on international air travel to the U.S.?


As of April 2021, the United States has implemented the following restrictions for international air travel to the country:

1. All air passengers traveling to the U.S., including U.S. citizens, must have a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within 3 days of travel OR provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.

2. All travelers must also complete the Department of Homeland Security Declaration Form confirming they have not been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.

3. All travelers must also complete the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s ArriveCAN app and attest to their health status prior to their arrival in the U.S.

4. Anyone travelling from a CDC Level 3 country is required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the U.S.

5. Any traveler who has been in a European Schengen Area country or the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Iran, or Brazil within 14 days before they arrive must take a COVID-19 viral test no more than 3 days before their flight to the US and show proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 before they board their flight to the US.

6. The CDC has also issued travel advisories for countries with high levels of COVID-19, recommending that all travelers avoid nonessential travel to those countries.

7. Are there any quarantine requirements for travelers entering the U.S.?


Yes, travelers entering the U.S. must quarantine for 14 days. This is a requirement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Quarantine is mandatory for all travelers entering the U.S. regardless of vaccine status or testing.

8. Are there any specific restrictions on foreign nationals entering the U.S.?


Yes. U.S. immigration law requires that all foreign nationals seeking to enter the U.S. must have a valid visa or other appropriate documentation. The restrictions vary depending on the type of visa and the country of citizenship. Additionally, certain foreign nationals may be subject to additional restrictions based on factors such as their country of origin, legal status in the U.S., or criminal history.

9. Are there any specific guidelines for travelers returning to the U.S.?


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all travelers returning to the United States get tested for COVID-19 within 3-5 days of their arrival and self-quarantine for 7 days upon return. People should monitor their symptoms and limit contact with other people during this time period. If you develop any symptoms, you should immediately self-isolate for at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms and follow the guidelines set forth by your local health department. Additionally, the CDC recommends that all travelers wear a face covering while in public, practice social distancing, wash hands often, and avoid contact with people who are sick.

10. Are there any restrictions on travelers who have recently visited certain countries?


Yes, there are some restrictions on travelers who have recently visited certain countries. Depending on the country, travelers may be required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering the destination country, undergo medical screenings, or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before entering.

11. Is it necessary to get tested for COVID-19 prior to entering the U.S.?


No, it is not necessary to get tested for COVID-19 prior to entering the U.S. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends it, especially if you are coming from an area with high transmission rates. Additionally, the CDC recommends that travelers get tested 3-5 days after travel and again after 7 days.

12. Are there any additional health requirements for travelers entering the U.S.?


Yes, there are additional health requirements for travelers entering the U.S., such as proving that they have had certain vaccinations, and undergoing specific medical screenings. Additionally, travelers from certain countries may be required to get a visa before traveling.

13. Are there any guidelines for wearing face coverings while traveling?


Yes, there are guidelines for wearing face coverings while traveling. Face coverings must be worn by all passengers over the age of 2, including those with disabilities. Face coverings must also be worn while waiting and in any public transport or airport areas. Face coverings must also be worn while boarding and disembarking transport, and should only be removed while eating or drinking.

14. Are there any temperature screening requirements at airports?


At many airports, passengers are asked to pass through a temperature screening before entering the terminal. This is to ensure that passengers are not carrying any contagious diseases. This is especially important at airports that serve international flights. Each country and airport will have its own specific requirements, so passengers should check ahead of time to determine what is necessary.

15. Are there any restrictions on activities such as visiting public places or attending events while in the U.S.?


Yes. U.S. immigration laws may restrict what activities visitors are allowed to participate in while in the U.S. Generally, visitors are not permitted to work, attend school, or receive any type of public benefits while in the U.S. Visitors should avoid participating in any activities that could be construed as employment or a form of business activity. Visitors may be able to attend certain public events or visit public places as long as they maintain their nonimmigrant status and follow all other applicable restrictions.

16. Are there any restrictions on international cruise lines operating in and out of the U.S.?


Yes, international cruise lines operating in and out of the U.S. must comply with a number of U.S. laws and regulations, including the Passenger Vessel Services Act, the Jones Act, and other applicable U.S. laws and regulations. In addition, the cruise line must meet the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) convention for the safety of life at sea (SOLAS) and any other applicable international conventions.

17. What measures are necessary to obtain travel insurance while traveling to the U.S.?


In order to obtain travel insurance while traveling to the U.S., travelers should first research and comparison shop for the best travel insurance policy which meets their specific needs. Travelers should also be aware of the coverage provided by their existing health insurance policies and any limitations. They should also read the fine print of any policy they select and be aware of any exclusions, such as pre-existing medical conditions or certain activities. Finally, travelers should keep a copy of their policy in a safe place in case of an unexpected event.

18. Are there any restrictions on lodging and accommodations during travel to the U.S.?


Yes. Generally, travelers to the U.S. are required to provide contact information for their accommodation provider or host, such as an address and telephone number, for their stay in the U.S. upon arrival. This information is used by US Customs and Border Protection to confirm a traveler’s place of accommodation while in the US. Some travelers may also be subject to additional restrictions regarding where they can stay based on the terms of their visa or other restrictions imposed by their government or other authorities.

19. What measures are necessary to ensure safe and secure travel in and out of the U.S.?


The measures necessary to ensure safe and secure travel in and out of the U.S. include:

• Enhanced screening and security measures for travelers, including advanced passenger information systems, biometric authentication technologies, and facial recognition systems.

• Strengthened security measures for international airports, including additional personnel, increased security measures, and improved coordination between airports and airlines.

• Implementation of improved vetting procedures for visa applicants, including additional background checks and interviews.

• Increased resources dedicated to border security, including the deployment of additional border patrol personnel and technology such as drones and motion sensors.

• Strengthening of private sector partnerships to ensure enhanced security in the aviation industry, including increased collaboration between air carriers and airports.

• Adoption of new protocols for the transfer of cargo shipments, including pre-screening of packages and improved tracking capabilities.

20. What are the procedures to enter and depart the country during this time?


Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the procedures to enter and depart the country have been changed. All travelers must complete a health declaration form at the point of entry and undergo a medical screening. In some cases, travelers may also be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before their arrival. Depending on the destination, travelers may also have to quarantine upon arrival. When departing, travelers must submit a health declaration form. In some cases, they may be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before their flight.