Visiting New York during COVID-19: Things to Know Before You Travel
'12.10.2021'
Nurgul Sultanova-Chetin
Nearly all travel restrictions related to the pandemic in New York State (including New York City) were lifted in June, when 70% of New Yorkers aged 18 and over received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, reports CNN... However, the state and city have certain rules that visitors need to know.
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Strict vaccination requirements Key to NYC entered into force on 17 August in response to a sharp increase in the number of Delta strain cases. Proof of vaccination is required for visitors and employees of indoor restaurants, fitness centers and entertainment venues in the city.
Some of the places of interest for travelers are also part of this requirement. Among them are restaurants, nightclubs, concert halls, museums. Also, theaters, cinemas, bowling clubs, casinos, cabarets, fitness centers, swimming pools and cafes require vaccination.
Mayor Bill de Blasio endorsed CDC guidelines recommending indoor masks. The rule applies to everyone, regardless of vaccination status. However, it is a recommendation, not a requirement, which gives a certain freedom in its implementation.
Who can come to New York
The State of New York (and therefore the city) continues to be subject to US government regulations. That is, visits by tourists from Brazil, China, the European Schengen area, India, Iran, Ireland, South Africa and the UK are currently not allowed.
Exceptions to current travel bans are available to US citizens, family members, or permanent residents. Travel from all other countries is allowed.
On the subject: Natural immunity vs vaccination: is it possible for those who have recovered not to be vaccinated against COVID-19
However, the new vaccination requirements for tourists mean that fully vaccinated (the US does not recognize the Russian Sputnik vaccine) visitors from ALL countries of the world will receive permission to enter the US in early November.
What are the new restrictions on visiting the city
Travelers who do not have respiratory symptoms and enter New York from another country, state, or territory of the United States are not required to be tested or quarantined.
New York City authorities still recommend quarantine for all travelers who have not received a full vaccination or have not had Covid-19 in the previous three months, but this is just a recommendation that does not oblige the traveler to follow it and does not provide for penalties for refusing to quarantine. In addition, these travelers also recommended take a coronavirus test three to five days after arriving in New York.
Every air traveler arriving in the United States necessary have a negative test result for COVID-19. Passengers must pass the virus test within three days of arriving in the United States. They should also provide documentation of their laboratory results or documentation of recovery from COVID-19.
What works in the city
Restaurants, cinemas and other establishments are open, but their interior spaces are only accessible to fully vaccinated visitors. Visitors under 12 years of age are allowed inside without vaccination, but must wear a mask. The exception is when they eat and drink.
Broadway is reopened but must be vaccinated to attend musicals. You can see the list of shows at broadway.com.
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The Observatory on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building is open. The Metropolitan Museum, like all museums in New York, requires visitors 12 years of age or older to be vaccinated. Children from 2 to 11 years old must wear masks.
The metro operates around the clock.
New York State Launches Program Excelsior Pass... The program allows people who test negative or vaccinated in New York State to provide proof of their status. A digital pass is not a requirement for visiting places or events that require a test or vaccination. Therefore, an out-of-state traveler can use their vaccination card or lab test result to enter.
Useful Links for New York City and State Visitors:
