New guidelines for Travel to USA on or after NOV 8: Entry Rules, Vaccines, Testing, Exemptions, FAQs

After four months of deliberation on easing entry restrictions for foreign nationals in a calibrated manner, the White House has finally issued new entry rules and travel guidelines for international travelers boarding flights into USA on or after November 8, 2021. President Biden signed a new proclamation for safe resumption of air travel to the US, replacing all the previous proclamations that imposed country-by-country travel restrictions during the pandemic, with a vaccination-based air travel policy as the premise of entry into the US. The new proclamation exempts children under 18 from the vaccine-based entry policy and comes with limited exceptions for certain foreign individuals (noncitizen nonimmigrants).

The new proclamation will take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST (9:31 p.m. IST) on November 8. The proclamation does not apply to the US-bound passengers of a flight that is scheduled to depart from a foreign country prior to 12:01 a.m. EST on NOV 8. Travel Beats, the exclusive US-India travel news portal owned by Indian Eagle, a most trusted travel partner of the Indian-origin community in the US, decoded the new guidelines for travel to USA.

USA travel news, USA entry restrictions, USA to welcome vaccinated foreign visitors

Picture Credit: Citizen.org

For 18 months, Various Presidential Proclamations restricted entry into the US for certain US visa holders who have been in India and Europe during 14 days prior to their planned travel to the US. However, from November 2021, fully-vaccinated foreign nationals will be able to enter the US without NIE approval and on condition of giving their consent to undergo testing and contact tracing on arrival.

USA’s guidelines for full-vaccinated international arrivals

As per the United States’ new entry rules, fully-vaccinated international travelers, irrespective of their citizenship, immigration status and visa,  must carry proof of vaccination and a negative report (with a QR code if travel originates in India) of the COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to their scheduled departure for the US. Fully vaccinated international arrivals may not be needed to undergo quarantine in the US. Those who took the second jab of a two-dose vaccine or the jab of one-dose Janssen approved or listed by WHO, at least 14 days before their scheduled travel to the US, are considered fully vaccinated.

The proof of vaccination must be a paper or digital certificate issued by an official source in the country where the vaccine was administered. It should have the vaccine name, the date(s) of receiving the vaccine dose(s), and the traveler’s name as well as date of birth. Airlines are directed to verify the US-bound passengers’ proof of vaccination prior to onboarding them.

USA’s new entry rules for children under 18

The United States’ vaccine-based entry requirement does not apply to unvaccinated children under 18, starting on November 8, until further notice. This exemption will be reviewed when vaccines will be rolled out and available for children under 18 in different parts of the world.

The pre-departure testing window (72 hours) remains unaltered for unvaccinated children (between the ages of 2 and 17) if they are accompanied by fully-vaccinated adults. If an unvaccinated child travels to USA alone or with an unvaccinated adult (in limited cases), the child needs to take a COVID-19 viral test within 24 hours prior to scheduled departure from the country of travel origin.

The US’ pre-arrival or pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement does not apply to children under 2 years of age.

International airlines will be required to collect contact information of their USA-bound passengers traveling from or via the countries which have been subject to the Presidential Proclamations till date. It will help with contact-tracing of international arrivals in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a federal public health agency. In October, a directive on this will be issued to the airlines operating flights to USA from India, the UK and EU countries.

USA’s new entry rules accept these vaccines for international arrivals

You must be wondering which vaccines will be accepted for international travelers’ entry into the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the COVID-19 vaccines that WHO has approved or listed for emergency use will be accepted as part of the criteria for restrictions-free travel to the United States. The WHO-approved COVID vaccines are Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Janssen, Oxford/AstraZeneca, Covishield (India), Sinopharm (Beijing), and Sinovac. On November 3, WHO approved Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for emergency use. “Earlier this week, we informed airlines of the vaccines that would be accepted for arrival of international travelers from foreign countries,” the CDC added.

As the CDC approved the WHO-listed COVID vaccines, the Covishield or Covaxin-vaccinated Indians on B1/B2 and other US visas will be able to travel to the US without NIE approval or a 14-day stopover in a third country. After a lot of dillydallying, WHO approved and listed Covaxin for emergency use. Hence, Covaxin-inoculated Indians will not be subjected to the United States’ entry and travel restrictions. Recently, Australia, Oman, Iran, Philippines, Greece, Mauritius, Mexico and Estonia have reopened to Covaxin-vaccinated Indians.

New guidelines for unvaccinated US citizens and LPRs’ travel to USA

President Biden’s new proclamation on safe resumption of air travel to the US is equally stringent for unvaccinated US citizens and legal permanent residents returning to the country on or after November 8. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Americans and Green card holders will be able to enter the US, but they will have to take a COVID-19 viral test within 24 hours prior to undertaking the scheduled travel from a foreign country and a test on arrival in the US.

The same pre-departure testing window (24 hours) applies to fully-vaccinated US citizens and LPRs in case they are unable to show their proof of vaccination.

Also Check: India starts issuing tourist visa to foreign nationals

Who are exempted from USA’s vaccination requirement for entry?   

The United States’ new travel guidelines for international arrivals suspend the entry of unvaccinated noncitizen nonimmigrants (mostly foreign nationals), starting on November 8. However, the new proclamation comes with limited exceptions that allow the arrival of unvaccinated noncitizen nonimmigrants in certain cases.

  1. Children under 18 years of age
  2. Foreign nationals traveling to USA for emergency or humanitarian reasons, as determined by the Director of CDC
  3. Foreign nationals traveling to USA for the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security
  4. Sea crew members and crew members of an airline or other aircraft operator
  5. Participants of certain clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccination, as determined by the Director of CDC
  6. Members of the US Armed Forces and their immediate family members
  7. Foreign government officials and their immediate family members
  8. Those traveling on non-tourist visas from countries with the limited vaccine availability
  9. Those whose travel purpose is within the scope of the Section 11 of the UN Headquarters Agreement or the US legal obligation (they should have a letter of invitation from the United Nations or other document issued by a US legal body)
  10. Those who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 due to rare medial contraindications, as determined by the Director of CDC

Book the best flights to USA before fares skyrocket 

Since May 4, 2021, the White House imposed entry restrictions on certain visa holders from India and a few other countries through the Presidential Proclamation 10199. Since then, Indians, including B2 visa holders, have been either seeking National Interest Exception or bypassing the US entry restrictions via a third country. The United States’ new entry guidelines for fully-vaccinated foreign visitors will relieve Indians of the hassles of applying for NIE approval or taking a 15-day stopover in Doha or Dubai.

FAQs on new rules for travel to USA on and after November 8 

What proof of vaccination should I provide to the airline as per America’s new rules for the arrival of Covishield-vaccinated Indians?

Your proof of vaccination must be an International Travel Certificate that you can download from the government of India’s CoWin portal. The certificate is compliant with WHO’s digital format for vaccination proof. The vaccine certificate/international travel certificate should specify the vaccine name, vaccine type, vaccine manufacturer, number and dates of the doses administered, other than your date of birth and passport number. Log in to the CoWin portal with your registered phone number, navigate to the ‘International Travel Certificate’ section and click on it. Enter your date of birth (as per the given format) and passport number. Then click on ‘Submit’. The certificate is ready to be downloaded. You can take a printout or carry a soft copy on your mobile device.

My name on the vaccine certificate does not match my name on the passport. Will it affect my travel to USA from India?

Your name on the vaccine proof/certificate must be the same as that on the passport. You can correct or update your name on the CoWin portal only once. Login to the CoWin portal and click the ‘Raise an Issue’ button. A dropdown menu appears. Select ‘Add Passport Details’ in the dropdown menu and click on this. Enter your passport details including the full name and hit ‘Submit’. Once you receive the confirmation message to the registered phone number, you can download the certificate. The process may take up to a few hours in some cases.

I was granted a National Interest Exception in August and the approval is valid through July 2022. Will I be able to use the NIE approval for travel on or after November 8?

If you are Covishield-vaccinated and have the proof of vaccination, you won’t need the NIE approval to travel to the US from India after the new proclamation takes effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on NOV 8. The national interest exception may help you travel to the US if you are still unvaccinated or inoculated with Covaxin (which WHO has not yet approved). However, President Biden’s new proclamation does not clarify this. Hence, be advised to check with the US Embassy or consulate that granted the NIE approval to you.

I am an unvaccinated US citizen. I am traveling to India for a week due to an emergency. Will I be able to travel back after November 8, given my non-vaccination status?

Being a US citizen, you will be able to travel back, regardless of your vaccination status. As per the new rules for travel and entry into the US, you will have to take a COVID-19 viral test within 24 hours prior to your scheduled return flight from India. Most labs in India deliver COVID-19 test results within 48-72 hours of the sample collection. That’s why CDC recommends that you carry a US-authorized proctored self-test kit to be used prior to your return travel from India. The self-test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test with Emergency Use Authorization from FDA. The testing procedure must include a tele-health service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. Please be advised to check with the India-bound airline and the Indian Embassy whether you can bring a US-authorized self-test kit to India.

I have a valid US visitor visa and proof of vaccination (Covishield). Can I travel to USA via Europe once the travel restrictions are revoked with effect from NOV 8? 

After November 8, 2021, you can travel to the US via Europe. However, major European airlines such as British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic may continue to restrict onboarding of Indian passport holders whose final destination is beyond Europe. Maybe, these airlines lift the restriction on or after NOV 8.

92 thoughts on “New guidelines for Travel to USA on or after NOV 8: Entry Rules, Vaccines, Testing, Exemptions, FAQs

  1. Koustav Sinha

    Is it safer to wait for further announcement on exact dates of the new rules to implemented before booking tickets?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Koustav! We hope the exact date will be announced in the first week of November.

      Reply
  2. Mahender

    Hi – Any idea when we will know the exact date in November, I am planning to have my parents travel on November 4th

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Mahender! There is still no further update on this. We are keeping a watch. As soon as there is further development on this, we will share through the article.

      Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Dhruv! If you are a US citizen, you require an OCI card or an entry visa or a tourist visa.

      Reply
  3. hema patel

    Hello,
    US citizen with visitor visa which were suspended due to Covid- can I now travel with those visa?
    Hema

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Hema! The existing tourist visas are currently not valid for entry to India. You need to apply for a fresh tourist visa for travel on or after November 15.

      Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Priya! If you are fully vaccinated with any of the WHO-approved vaccines, you are good to travel from India on Nov 9, which is Nov 8 in the US.

      Reply
  4. Sumit

    Hello,
    I am travelling with my family from Delhi to Newark from Air India flight on Nov 9. We are family of 4. Me, my wife and my elder kid(13 year_ are having H1 and H4 visa and my younger kid (4 years) is US citizen. Except my younger kid we all 3 are fully vaccinated in USA (Pfizer).
    I understand we have to get covid negative RT-PCR report before 72 hours of departure for all of us. Is there anything else we need to do? I heard some airports are asking to take rapid test on the airport before boarding?
    Please advise

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Sumit! Taking a rapid PCR test at the airport is not for travel to the US. It is for those traveling to the UAE from India. You don’t need to worry about this.

      Reply
  5. redtar

    Can you still enter USA from mexico with 14 day quarantine without vaccine ?
    Is vaccine now required for all non US citizens ?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Archana! As per the information available, the US will allow the entry of unvaccinated children accompanied by vaccinated adults. In the coming days, the White House is expected to release more specifics about unvaccinated children from foreign countries, including India.

      Reply
  6. Pramod Jha

    Is there a restriction on which airlines are allowed to fly indian nationals with visitor visa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Pramod! The visitor visa holders from India have not been able to travel on British Airways, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, and a few other European airlines till date. These airlines may fly Indian nationals with US visitor visas starting on November 8. We will keep you posted.

      Reply
  7. Akarsh

    Hello,

    My In Laws are planning to travel on Nov 8th. Recent update from US government the rules start for passengers on flights which are departing after 12:01 AM EST. If the flight is from lets say emirates or qatar where we will have 2 legs of flight (Delhi -> Doha -> Chicago), do we need to consider the departure time from the 1st leg from Delhi? or the departure time of the 2nd flight from Doha?
    Please help regarding this information.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Akarsh! You should consider the departure time from the first leg of your itinerary.

      Reply
  8. Sharan

    Are booking tickets on Emirates or qatar better bet than British or Lufthansa? Since there is no clarity on transit

    Reply
      • Sharan

        This is regarding transit to US, flying from India so as per bubble, can we fly on British/AA through London on 19 Nov with B1/B2?

        Reply
        • indianeagle Post author

          Hi Sharan! Starting on NOV 8, B1/B2 visa holders can transit via London. But we are not sure about B1/B2 visa holders’ travel on BA-AA flights. Hope we can give an update on this the next week.

          Reply
          • SD

            Hi there, As you mentioned, do you have any updates on this? Im planning to book for my parents from India to USA for the first week of Dec (BA-AA/MAA-LHR-NYC) and this frustrating bubble agreement without any clarity is causing hiccups. Appreciate your help!

          • indianeagle Post author

            Hi Santosh! If British Airways’ air bubble agreement with the government of India remains unaltered through December, Indian citizens won’t be able to travel on BA flights or BA-AA codeshare flights.

          • Sharan

            Any update on B1/B2 being allowed to go to US on BA with transit through London?

          • indianeagle Post author

            Hi Sharan! There is still no update. As of today, British Airways’ restrictions remain unaltered for the US-bound Indian citizens (unless they are spouses of US citizens).

  9. RK

    Hello,
    I am a US citizen traveling to Bengaluru from San Francisco via Paris and reaching on 1st Nov. Besides the RT PCR test needed to be taken again at the airport in Bengaluru, are there any other local requirements to be met?

    Thanks

    Reply
  10. Sree

    What happens to people who had taken covaxin ( which is not certified by WHO ) ? are they considered in vaccinated ? What rules apply to them

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Sree! Covaxin is still not approved by WHO and the US government. WHO is likely to give its verdict on the emergency use listing of Covaxin in the first week of November.

      Reply
  11. Sid

    Hi Indian Eagle,
    Can you please advise on this question –
    As you have mentioned US is opening to most vaccinated passengers from 8th Nov – so can fully vaxxed Indian citizens (with Covishield) holding US tourist visa(B1/B2) travel on air bubble approved direct flights from India to US? Like on on direct routes operated by Air India, United, Delta after 8th November as DGCA extended ban on scheduled flights upto 30th November.

    Reply
  12. Sid

    Hi Indian Eagle,
    Can you please advise on this question –
    As you have mentioned US is opening to most vaccinated passengers from 8th Nov – so can fully vaxxed Indian citizens (with Covishield) holding US tourist visa(B1/B2) travel on air bubble approved direct flights from India to US? Like on on direct routes operated by Air India, United, Delta after 8th November as DGCA extended ban on scheduled flights upto 30th November.
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Sid! Starting on NOV 8, fully-vaccinated (Covishield) Indians can travel to USA on direct flights and one-stop flights. Currently air bubble flights are being operated – which has nothing to do with the continued suspension of regular/normal scheduled international flights.

      Reply
  13. Jay

    Hi, My In Laws are traveling from Mumbai to New York via Emirates with lay over at Dubai for 5 hours on 14th Nov. They are fully vaccinated with Covishield. My question is , is there any restriction from Emirates or Dubai airport that they need to comply by like taking test at Dubai airport due to 5 hours layover?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Jay! There is not such requirement or restriction during transit in Dubai. The only test they need to take is within 72 hours prior to their scheduled departure from Mumbai.

      Reply
  14. Raj

    Hi – Can Indian citizens fly to US either via Dubai/Doha/London after Nov 8 or does the stupid air bubble require direct flights from India to US?
    This air bubble only benefits the coffers of Air India and the government.
    All hard working people need to pay three to four time more for an air ticket. Ridiculous

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Raj! Fully-vaccinated (Covishield) Indians can travel to USA via the Middle East or Europe. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways onboard Indian citizens from India, while major European airlines including British Airways, Lufthansa and Air France don’t onboard Indians (mostly on B1/B2 visa) from India if their final destination is beyond Europe. This restriction may be relaxed on or after NOV 8.

      Reply
  15. RK

    Hello indianeagle,

    My aunt is an Indian passport holder and a US LPR. She is fully vaccinated (Moderna), and has her proof of vaccination. She is currently in India and plans to fly to the US next month (December 2021). She understands the RT-PCR pre-travel testing requirement.

    Will she be able to fly from India to the US (with a 3-hour layover in London) on British Airways? To be clear, she plans to stay inside the transit area of Heathrow airport during her layover.

    Would appreciate your insights, especially in light of the Nov 8 proclamation.

    Thank you for your time.

    RK

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi RK! As of today, Indian passport holders (unless they are spouses of US citizens) cannot travel on BA flights from India if their final destination is beyond the UK. If this restriction is relaxed or lifted in the near future, we will definitely share the update.

      Reply
  16. CP

    Can you please update the information about travel from Washington DC to New Delhi via Abu Dhabi on Etihad and return in November 2021 for fully vaccinated traveler with Indian passport.

    Reply
  17. K

    Hi, I am currently on an F1 student visa in the USA (fully vaccinated), I am visiting India in December and will be back in January 2022. I have booked a British Airways flight with transit in London, will I be allowed to board the flight from India to the USA (BOM-LHR-EWR)?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Sanghvi(K)! If British Airways’ air bubble agreement with the government of India remains unaltered by the time you will travel back, you won’t be able to travel on BA for the destination beyond the UK.

      Reply
  18. A Patel

    Hi,

    I am travelling to Ahmedabad from Houston via Doha by Qatar Airways in Dec.2021. I am fully vaccinated with booster dose so on arrival at Ahmedabad is it mandatory to get tested for COVID?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Patel! If you are asymptomatic and meet all the pre-departure guidelines, you don’t need to take additional test on arrival.

      Reply
  19. Ray

    Hi,

    I am planning to fly my parents (covishield vaccinated) from Hyderabad to Seattle sometime in the end of November. Is there any confirmation from British airways reg. if they will allow Indian passengers to transit via LHR ?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Ray! As of today, British Airways’ restrictions remain unaltered for the US-bound Indian citizens. We mean that British Airways does still not onboard US-bound Indian citizens.

      Reply
  20. Revanth

    Hi IndiaEagle,

    I booked tickets to travel from DEL to LAX via DXB in Emirates on 11/30/2021. I am fully vaccinated and I plan to take RT-PCR test 72 hrs prior to my departure.

    I got to know that passengers traveling to MiddleEast need to take an RT-PCR test at airport prior to departure. Do I need to take that even if I am transiting at Dubai ?

    Thanks in advance for your reply.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Revanth! Does your itinerary have layover of more than 10 hours at Dubai Airport? If yes, then you need to take a rapid PCR test at the departure airport within 6 hours of scheduled boarding.

      Reply
      • Revanth

        No, I only have 3hr 10 min layover in DXB. I guess I dont need to take rapid PCR at airport. Thank you.

        Reply
  21. Ravi M

    Hello,

    My parents are scheduled to travel from Bengaluru to US via Frankfurt on Nov 15th. They have B1/B2 US visa and vaccinated, are there any restrictions in Boarding USA bound Lufthansa flights from Indian aiports since the Nov 8 travel ban been lifted by US? Thanks

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Ravi! In our knowledge, Lufthansa is not onboarding Indian passport holders from India if their final destination is beyond Germany. Please be advised to check with the airline.

      Reply
      • Ravi M

        Hello, This is not accurate information. My parents were able to fly from Bengaluru to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Houston without any issues. The travel ban has been removed for foreigners with valid US visa to travel to US since Nov 8. British Airways maybe the only airilne that is probably restricting travellers from boarding in India for passengers bound to US.
        Ravi

        Reply
        • indianeagle Post author

          Hi Ravi! Good to know this. Thank you for sharing this with us. We will recheck with our sources.

          Reply
  22. Venkata Dara

    Hi, I am currently on an F1 student visa in the USA (fully vaccinated), I am visiting India in December and will be back in January 2022. I am planning to book via japan air lines [ HYD-DEL-HND-DFW ] . can I travel via japan airlines back to the USA. should I need to take an NIE to travel back to the USA ??

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Venkata! Fully-vaccinated travelers from India do not need NIE approval for travel to the US.

      Reply
  23. Vishal Gaur

    Hi, My family holds b1/b2 visa and are planning to travel to US from Delhi. Can they transit through Paris or Amsterdam on Air France or KLM flight? Both airlines have a code share with Delta as well.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Vishal! They can if the flights are ticketed and operated by Delta Airlines.

      Reply
  24. Lata

    Hi,
    I am planning to travel to India from United States next week and back in 2 weeks. Do I need to be getting my covid test 48 hours prior or 72 hours prior?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Lata! You need to take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours prior to traveling from the US.

      Reply
  25. RK

    HI Indian eagle team,

    Is there any travel restriction to travel India to USA connecting through Landon ?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi RK! There is no restriction on transit in London when you travel from India to USA, but in our knowledge, British Airways is not onboarding Indian passport holders (unless their spouse is a US citizen) from India if their destination is beyond the UK.

      Reply
  26. Neha

    Hi I have my parent flying from Delhi to Newark on 23rd Dec by Airindia Ai105…is this a bubble flight authorized by both India n US government?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Neha! All international flights which are currently being operated are air bubble flights.

      Reply
  27. Ravi Jog

    Planning to travel BOM-DOH-SFO on Qatar Airways on 5th Feb 2022. We are Green Card Holders, Fully Vaccinated (including Covishield pre-cautionary dose). Apart from Negative RT-PCR Test 24 Hours ; is any other travel requirements to be fulfilled?
    Will appreciate your guidence. Thanks and Best Regards

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Ravi! You must be fully vaccinated and fill in an attestation form for travel to USA.

      Reply
  28. Nate D

    Planning to have my brother and sister-in-law with B1/B2 travel visa to travel from BOM-DOH-JFK by Qatar Airways in the 3rd week of March. They are fully vaccinated with 2 doses of Covishield and Covaccine , wanted to check if they will be able to travel. If yes, then what all documents are needed at the immigration as I’m currently on H1-B visa and apart from Negative RT-PCR Test 24 Hours is there any other travel requirements to be fulfilled?

    Thanks in advance for your reply

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Nate! Being fully-vaccinated, they can travel. Apart from the negative COVID-19 viral test report, they need to fill out the US government’s attestation form and Qatar Airways’ consent form.

      Reply
  29. AK

    Hello,

    Is there any travel restriction to travel from India to USA via London? Particularly, British Airlines? I’m planning to have my fully vaccinated parents to travel from India -london- USA. They are on visitor visa. Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi AK! Your parents can travel this route if the BA flight is ticketed or operated by American Airlines, a codeshare partner of British Airways. They can travel if the itinerary is a combination of BA (from India to London) and AA (from London to USA).

      Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Sarah! Anyone traveling to India from USA, be he/she is an OCI cardholder, must either be fully-vaccinated or take an RT-PCR test and upload the negative report on Air Suvidha within 72 hours before taking the journey.

      Reply
  30. Pritam

    I am planning to travel from Tampa –> New York –> Doha –> Mumbai, operated by JetBlue Airways & Etihad Airways. Do I need transit visa in Doha? Layover time is 2hrs 55 min in Doha.
    I am an Indian citizen & my H1B visa is expired.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Pritam! No transit visa is required for the Middle East even though your US visa has expired. However, be advised to check the same with the airline.

      Reply
  31. RT

    I am planning to have my parents fly on April 2022 to USA (PHL). They both are fully vaccinated with Covaxin. Do they need to take a negative COVID 19 Test 24 hrs or 48 hrs or 72 hrs in advance of their travel date? Pls clarify.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Arthi! If the United States’ COVID-19 testing requirement remains unchanged through April, your parents will have to take an antigen or RT-PCR test the day before their international flight from India.

      Reply
  32. Ramki

    Hi, Has anyone booked tickets on British airways for parents coming from India with US Visa, I tried to call BA but their call center is closed currently, but my friend had to cancel BA tickets for his parents recently and book thru Qatar airways because of this restriction transiting thru London for US Visa holders. I am planning to book a ticket for my Mom with these dates, May 23 – Nov 14.

    Regards.

    Reply
    • Rakesh

      Hi Ramki, did you get any further information regarding your question? I have booked flights for my parents this month with BA. I am hearing that the Indian passport holders are still not eligible to travel to US with BA. Please let me know if you have any updates?

      Regards,
      Rakesh

      Reply
  33. RCK

    Hi,
    Flying from USA to India 1 stop via London Heathrow on a AA + British Airways ticket. Does it require a UK transit visa? Any travel restrictions for H1B visa holders? My status is H1B visa on passport has expired but have H1B approval notice (so basically going to India for stamping).

    Thanks

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Rahul! Currently, there are no travel restrictions. In case of visa expiration on your passport, you may need a transit visa to travel via Europe. Be advised to check the same with your nearest Indian consulate.

      Reply
  34. KV

    HI Indian eagle team,

    Are there any restriction for travel from India to USA connecting through London by British Airways for B2 Visa holders?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Karthik! There are no restrictions on transit through London for B2 visa holders from India.

      Reply
  35. Naresh

    Was a transit visa required at LHR for a India to USA round trip ? This is for a Indian passport holder with valid B1/B2 US tourist visa.
    Please share your experiences.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Naresh! Indian passport holders having a valid US visa don’t need a transit visa for London Heathrow.

      Reply

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