Planning to travel from Australia to the USA? Here’s everything you need to know!
Who’s ready to jet-set around the world—or across the 50 states of America? We know we are! After the pandemic put travel on pause, it’s time to pack up the suitcase once again because 2022 is the year of travel!
As borders ease up, you can now fly out, quarantine-free, to your favourite American cities—whether it’s flashy New York or sunny LA. And we’ll tell you how.
Have a notepad in hand? Jot down these handy travel tips and what to prepare for your next USA trip!
Note: All stated requirements on travel from Australia to USA are updated as of March 3, 2022.
First things first, who can travel to the USA?
Travellers who are fully vaccinated can enter the US. As long as you’ve received your second dose of vaccine 14 days before the flight, you’re free to roam America’s most jaw-dropping and iconic landmarks across states.
But I’m unvaccinated. Can I still enter?
We hate to burst your bubble, but you’ll have to be fully vaxxed to enter. For non-US citizens, vaccination is required to travel from Australia to the USA. The only exception to the rule are children aged 17 and below.
What are the approved COVID-19 vaccines for entry?
To be considered “fully vaccinated”, you must complete a single dose of Janssen, or two doses of any of the following WHO and FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines:
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Moderna
- AstraZeneca
- Covaxin
- Covishield
- BIBP/Sinopharm
- Sinovac
- Novavax/Covovax
After 14 days of your second dose OR a single shot of Janssen, you’re now fully vaccinated and ready to fly!
How about boosters?
Although boosters add to your protection, they’re not a requirement to travel from Australia to the USA as of March 1, 2022.
Do I need to show proof of vaccination?
Yes, all fully-vaccinated travellers (save for the kids aged 17 and younger) must present their certificate in ANY of the following forms:
- Vaccination certificate with QR Code (i.e. International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, etc.)
- Printout of COVID-19 vaccination record
- Digital photos of vaccination card or record
Valid vaccination certificates should include your complete name, date of birth, vaccine brand and manufacturer, date of vaccination, country of vaccination, and name of the official source issuing the record.
What should I bring?
Can’t wait to head out? Not without these travel documents! To help you prepare for your flight, here are the paperwork you’ll need to bring with you before you go:
- Proof of vaccination
- Proof of negative pre-departure viral results taken one day before the flight
- Travel attestation form (provided by the airline)
- Valid VISA (if you’re visiting for less than 90 days, you can apply under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization for a fast pass)
What about viral tests?
Besides being fully vaccinated, passengers, including children aged 2-17 years old, travelling from Australia to the US must take a viral test one day BEFORE departure.
The following viral tests are accepted: RT-PCR, Antigen Test, NEAR, TMA, LAMP, HDA, CRISPR, and SDA.
I recently recovered from COVID-19. Can I fly?
It’s a yes! All you have to do is bring proof of recovery within the last 90 days and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating that you’re cleared to travel.
Is quarantine still mandatory?
Great news: it’s not!
Fully vaccinated Aussies no longer need to be quarantined upon arrival; instead, go straight to your itinerary after self-monitoring for seven days! Make sure to keep an eye out for any COVID-19 symptoms during your trip.
Though, to be on the safer side, the CDC advises travellers to get a viral test 3-5 days after arrival and isolate for 7 days—with or without symptoms.
What happens if I contract COVID-19 during the trip?
Regardless if you’re showing symptoms or have come out with positive viral test results, you may stay at home or in any kind of accommodation to complete your 5-day isolation period. Once the 5 days are up and you’re fever-free, you may end self-isolation and enjoy your stay at the Land of the Free.
Things to remember while travelling
While travel restrictions in the USA are laxer than before, there are still simple but important to-dos that should be followed as you cross from city to city:
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth in indoor areas.
- Practice social distancing in public spaces. When around others, stay at least 6-feet away from people.
- Wash your hands often or use a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
- Set up your STEP to stay updated on the latest travel news.
- Always bring your vaccination card or a digital copy with a QR code wherever you go.
- Check state, tribal, local, and territorial governments for additional travel requirements.
Where to go and what to do
Now that we’ve covered all the nitty-gritty deets, it’s time for some fun! And lucky for you, all 50 states of America are brimming with exciting places to visit. Brace yourself for a holiday vacay filled with iconic landmarks and unique experiences.
Hit up 1, 2, 3, or all of the 4 of these can’t-miss cities in the USA!
1. New York
Home of Blair Waldorf, Broadway, and Wall Street, New York welcomes the brave and bold as you discover the world’s most famous sights. From the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park to the MET and ginormous skyscrapers that’ll make you crane your neck, this city’s got something for everyone. Drop by the Statue of Liberty or shop ‘til you drop at the Fifth Avenue while you’re there!
2. Los Angeles
Trade the Aussie countryside with Los Angeles’ lively city scene. Where the rich and famous live, L.A.’s got plenty of star-studded and glamorous experiences, you can’t miss out on! Start with a visit to the legendary H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D sign on top of Mount Lee, then go for a celeb hunt at the Walk of Fame and chill by Santa Monica Pier. For parks and fun, Disneyland Park and Universal Studios Hollywood are your go-to's!
Can’t get enough of L.A.? Here’s the pass to set the scene for your trip! The Klook Los Angeles Travel Pass lets you go around the city with access to over 35 attractions and hangout spots!
3. Las Vegas
What’s a trip to the US without visiting Sin City? Las Vegas is best known for its trendy nightlife, luxury shopping, and world-class gambling. Prepare to bet it all at the MGM Grand, Bellagio Hotel & Casino—or, if luck’s not in your favour, enjoy a relaxing gondola ride on the Las Vegas Strip instead!
4. Orlando
For young thrill-seekers or families who love wild rides and adventures, head to Orlando, Florida—aka America’s theme park central. Get your adrenaline pumping as you explore the magical world of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and run into some terrifying dinosaurs when you ride the Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Studios Orlando. You can find over 12 theme parks in O-Town, from Disney’s Magic Kingdom to Legoland!
Don’t know which theme park to visit in the USA? Check out Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orland Resort and find out which one’s for you!
____________________________________________________________________________________