The United States of America is one of the strongest and attractive nations in the world. The tourism rate might be lesser for this country but the dream of visiting the USA still lives among millions of people around the world. The USA has recently eased the travel conditions and restrictions for tourists around the world. Dive in to know the details about the whole travel process.

Is the USA open for travel for Indians?

Not all Indians are allowed to travel to the United States of America except for a few. Here is the list of who can travel to the USA during the pandemic.

Not all from India can travel to the USA.
Only those who have approval from National Interest Exception (NIE) from the US Consulate.
After the visa is stamped, travellers should send a mail to NewDelhiNIE@state.gov or ChennaiNIE@state.gov for approval.

Who is restricted to travel to the US?

The US has restricted travel for some countries in the world. People who have physically been in those countries in the past 14 days are not allowed to travel to the US. If you want to travel just in case, you will have to avail valid visa and permission very early and confirm your travel.

What are the eligibilities to travel from India to the USA?

US citizens, legal permanent residents or foreign nationals having valid US visas can travel to the USA.
Indians travelling to the USA can hold any type of visa can travel but the airlines that you are travelling should approve your travel because some airlines restrict Indians from travelling with a visa under any category.

USA Student visa

It is now possible to get a student visa to the USA for studies. Do visit the official website to know more and book appointments – https://t.co/ge5EeIRsKI

What are the restrictions and guidelines for travelling from India to the USA?

Individuals who are above 18 are required to be fully vaccinated if possible.
If you are vaccinated, the series of vaccinations ie. two doses of vaccines must be taken at least 14 days prior to the travel date.
Children under the age of 18 are not required to be vaccinated.
Children between the age of 2 and 17 will be required to take up an RT PCR test before departure.
All travellers must produce a valid pre-documented report that states COVID negative. The test must be taken only three days before the travel date to the US.
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), such as a PCR test and antigen tests must be qualified before the travel and proof should be produced at the departure airports.

RT PCR test and vaccination

The RT PCR test must be taken 72 hours before the travel date. And the negative test report should be produced at the departure airport.

The PCR test report should have a QR code so that it can be easily scanned and now the details about the passenger.

What are the other passengers’ obligations?

People who have travelled through or had a transit in any one of the countries will not be allowed to enter the USA. The countries are China, Brazil, the UK, European Schengen countries, Iran and Ireland.

All passengers will be requested to fill out the Health Declaration Form and a Passenger Disclosure & Attestation Form and submit the forms at immigration for contact tracing. The form will be provided by the airlines on the flight.

People entering California, New York and Massachusetts will be asked to fill additional forms for health and security reasons.

What are quarantine protocols for Indians?

Mandatory quarantine is required for Indians on arrival in the USA.
7 days quarantine with an on arrival covid test.
10 days quarantine without an on arrival covid test.

What are the airlines operating from India to the USA?

Air India
Vistara
IndiGo
Spice Jet
GoAir
United Airlines
Emirates
Lufthansa
Qatar Airways
British Airways

Mandatory quarantine and testing protocols

Pre-departure- All passengers above the age of 2 should take up the RT PCR test and produce the negative test report at the airport. The test should be taken only within 72 hours before the travel.
Post-arrival test- All travellers should take up the second test on arrival in the USA within 3-5 days of arrival. And should be quarantined for 7 days even if the person tests negative post-arrival.
If you have recovered from COVID, proof should be produced saying that you have recovered.
You should have recovered from COVID at least 90 days prior to the travel date.

What are some general rules during travel?

Wear masks all the time during travel and crowded areas.
Always carry sanitisers with you and sanitise your hands every now and then.
Strictly follow social distancing and avoid crowded areas.
Avoid eating at unhygienic places

These are the very important and critical guidelines to be followed. There is no need to be in tension if you have all the proper documents and meet the pre-requisites. All you have to do is follow all the rules and safety precautions and travel safely. Check out our USA Tour packages