Travel to New York City during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go
If you’re planning to travel to New York City, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The latest
The Biden administration is expected to announce Friday, June 10, that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will lift its requirement for travelers to test negative for Covid-19 before entering the United States, according to a senior administration official and a CDC official.
The move will go into effect for US-bound air travelers at midnight on Sunday.
The basics
The city’s Key to NYC requirements lifted on March 7.
Proof of vaccination is no longer required for patrons of the city’s indoor dining, fitness and entertainment venues.
While the CDC still recommends everyone 2 and older wear a well-fitting mask on public transportation, masks are currently not required on airplanes, trains and other means of public transit.
What’s on offer
This is the ultimate city break. New York has the greatest city skyline in the world; culture from the Guggenheim to MoMA; spectacular food from Chinese delicacies in Flushing to Italian delights in the Bronx; and the green sweep of Central Park to the busy Lower East Side.
Who can go
Fully vaccinated travelers from abroad (people who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents) are allowed entry into the United States, including New York City.
US citizens or lawful permanent residents do not need vaccines to return to the United States.
Unvaccinated travelers from abroad are no longer allowed to enter the United States, with limited exceptions. Among those exceptions are unvaccinated children younger than 18.
New York doesn’t have any restrictions on domestic travelers.
What are the restrictions?
Until midnight Sunday, June 12, every air traveler entering the United States still needs a negative Covid-19 test result. Passengers are required to get a viral test within one day before their flight to the United States departs and to provide documentation of their lab results or documentation of having recovered from Covid-19.
The state of New York’s travel advisory expired in June 2021, and travelers no longer have to submit traveler health forms. The state still encourages all travelers to follow CDC guidance.
What’s the Covid situation?
As of June 10, New York City remained at “high” Covid alert. The NYC Health Commissioner advises all people in New York City to wear a mask in any public indoor setting, but it is not required.
As of June 10, more than 40,500 total confirmed and probable deaths and roughly 2.52 million total confirmed or probable cases were registered. There’s been a test positivity rate of almost 11% in the past 28 days.
What can visitors expect?
Broadway is extending its mask mandate through the end of June, according to the Broadway League. The organization said audience masking protocols for July and beyond will be announced in June.
Click here to find out more details about Broadway’s safety measures, including links to get information of requirements by specific theaters.
Restaurants, movie theaters and other venues are open. The Key to NYC policy — allowing indoor access only to vaccinated patrons — expired in March.
Among the many locations you can get rapid Covid-19 testing are these spots frequented by tourists:
• LaGuardia Airport, in the Terminal B parking lot
• John F. Kennedy International Airport — check link for various sites within airport.
• Staten Island Ferry, St. George Terminal on Staten Island (next to the North Shore Esplanade exit)
Useful links
New York State Covid-19 microsite
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