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What is COVID-19?

Who can get covid-19, can i travel if i recently had covid-19, what can travelers do to prevent covid-19, more information.

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance has been updated. The content of this page will be updated soon.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets and small particles produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus spreads easily in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings.

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms   – ranging from no or mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. Possible symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste and smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Anyone can get COVID-19. However, some people are more likely than others to get very sick if they get COVID-19. These include people who are older, are  immunocompromised , or have certain  disabilities , or have  underlying health conditions .  Vaccination, past infection, and timely access to testing and treatment can help protect you from getting very sick from COVID-19.

Yes, you can travel once you have ended isolation . Check CDC guidance for additional precautions, including testing and wearing a mask around others. If you recently had COVID-19 and are recommended to wear a mask, do not travel on public transportation such as airplanes, buses, and trains if you are unable to wear a mask whenever around others.

Get  up to date  with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel and take steps to protect yourself and others . Consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs. Take additional precautions if you were recently exposed to a person with COVID-19. Don’t travel while sick.

If you have a  weakened immune system  or  are at increased risk for severe disease talk to a healthcare professional before you decide to travel.  If you travel, take multiple prevention steps to provide additional layers of protection from COVID-19, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. These include improving ventilation and spending more time outdoors, avoiding sick people, getting tested for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms, staying home if you have or think you have COVID-19, and seeking treatment if you have COVID-19.

Consider getting travel insurance in case you need medical care abroad .

Consider getting a COVID-19 test if you:

• Develop COVID-19 symptoms before, during, or after travel.
• Will be traveling to visit someone who is at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Were in a situation with a greater risk of exposure during travel (e.g., in an indoor, crowded space like an airport terminal while not wearing a mask).

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare professional, and tell them about your recent travel.

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When Can I Travel After Testing Positive for COVID-19?

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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With preflight COVID-19 tests required to visit many destinations (and to return to the United States), there’s a chance you could get a positive result before your next flight. If that happens, the first question on your mind will be, “When can I travel after testing positive for COVID?”

The answer will depend on three things: the country you’re currently in, your destination country, and the airline you’re flying.

When Can You Fly Back to the United States After Testing Positive for COVID?

If you’re flying back to the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells people who have tested positive for COVID, “Do not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms.”

Although the CDC changed the recommended isolation period from 10 days to five days, the agency still advises people not to travel for 10 days after testing positive/symptoms starting.

Jasmine Reed, a spokesperson for the CDC, explains “The travel guidance considers the higher risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 associated with travel. Travel is a door-to-door experience that results in close contact with others, often for prolonged periods in crowded confined spaces.”

Fortunately, after you’ve tested positive you will not need a negative COVID test to reenter the U.S. You can instead travel with a letter of recovery from your doctor, along with proof of a positive test taken within 90 days. 

According to the CDC, you can use a letter of recovery only if “you have met the criteria to travel” which includes completing a 10-day quarantine. 

The First At-Home Molecular COVID Test: Cue COVID-19 Test Review

Check With Your Airline

The most important COVID requirement to check before you fly is with your airline. Airlines have different rules regarding how soon passengers will be allowed to fly after testing positive for COVID. Certain international airlines insist on a longer delay of up to 14 days, whereas others allow for a shorter quarantine. Look for a written policy on your airline’s website, or call to clarify before rebooking your ticket.

When Can You Fly Internationally After Testing Positive for COVID?

This depends on your destination. Some countries accept a proof of recovery and a positive COVID test (similar to the United States), whereas others will only accept a negative test. Check with the State Department’s website for the country you’re visiting for the most up-to-date information. 

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• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

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U.S. travel resources

• Check CDC recommendations for travel within the U.S.
• Review testing requirements for travel to the U.S.
• Look up restrictions at your destination .
• Review airport security measures .

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• Coronavirus FAQ

Flying Overseas? There's A LOT You Need To Know. Here's A Guide

David Schaper

Each week, we answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question you'd like us to consider for a future post, email us at [email protected] with the subject line: "Weekly Coronavirus Questions." See an archive of our FAQs here .

I live in the U.S. and am considering a trip to another country. What do I need to know about international air travel at this stage of pandemic?

First of all, you have plenty of company. International air travel is expected to surge this summer. Americans are thinking of European vacations again. "We've had people asking a lot about Europe," says Chicago-area travel adviser Kendra Thornton of Royal Travel & Tours. "Not necessarily booking but wanting to keep tabs on it."

In addition, residents of the U.S. with family members in other countries are eager for a reunion after pandemic-enforced separations. People may be traveling abroad for work as well.

They'll run into quite a range of travel restrictions and entry requirements.

NPR correspondent Jason Beaubien was surprised to see his face on a giant screen in an airport in Sierra Leone, where thermal scanners take the temperature of everyone in the crowd simultaneously. Airport personnel takes aside anyone who registers a fever for evaluation.

Travelers headed to Peru should pack a face shield. You have to wear it in crowded spaces such as an airport.

What's more, the protocols may change as new variants, such as the highly contagious Delta variant , spread and take hold in different countries.

So if you're itching to travel abroad or have already booked a trip, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some guidelines that might help you deal with the new rules of international flight:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says to get vaccinated before you go. Air travelers should be fully vaccinated regardless of the risk level in the country you're visiting, according to the health agency. There's still a lot of virus circulating.

Keep track of the ever-changing guidelines and restrictions for your destination. You can check specific travel requirements through the U.S. State Department website or your destination's Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health.

In addition, the CDC provides guidance on travel to other countries, which are ranked from "very high" risk of COVID-19 transmission to "low" (among them China, Iceland and Rwanda).

Avoid countries in the "very high" category unless it is essential travel. There are 60 countries on this list, ranging from Argentina to Yemen.

Some countries are closed to visitors but make exceptions. Belgium, Canada, the United Kingdom and Uruguay are a few examples. But some of these "no visitor" countries may make exceptions for the death or serious illness of a family member. If those are your circumstances, you may be able to visit. But the authorities might not/will not take your word for it. Expect to have to show proof of the reason for the visit, such as a death certificate or a doctor's note about a family member's illness. You can inquire about rules in your destination by contacting the American Embassy or Consulate there, or the country's embassy in the United States.

And changes occur almost daily in this matter, so it's good to keep an eye on the State Department's or the country's official website for updates.

Bring your vaccination card. Some countries want to see your vaccination card, so make sure your official CDC vaccination card is filled out with the date of your dose or doses (if you received a two-dose vaccine). It's a good idea to make a copy of the card or have a photo on your phone as backup, suggests Thornton, the travel adviser.

Lost your card? Reach out to your vaccination provider or contact your state health department's immunization information system .

You can also present the World Health Organization international certificate of vaccination, also known as a yellow card . You can ask your vaccine provider to add your COVID-19 vaccination info if you already have a card. Or if you need one, you can purchase it through the U.S. Government Bookstore , which tells NPR it has seen a 55% increase in sales in the last six months. Cards are on back order but should be available by the end of June. Or you can purchase one from the WHO, which means waiting at least a week for shipment from Switzerland.

What about vaccine apps? Vaccine apps that show your record could be accepted as well, but there's no guarantee that border control will accept these as proof, so bringing a paper record is a good idea.

Citizens of the European Union will soon have a Digital COVID Certificate system that provides a scannable QR code to verify vaccination status and coronavirus test results. This should smooth travel between member states but won't help a vaccinated tourist from outside the EU.

Airlines are trying to help their customers meet the vaccination and testing requirements of various countries by developing their own apps. The International Air Transport Association has rolled out its own IATA Travel Pass , which many major airlines around the world will use.

But officials say calling it a vaccine passport, as many people are, is a bit of a misnomer.

"It's more of a digital credential associated with your vaccination or testing profile," the IATA's Nick Careen says. "So the consumer can use that to help them through their passenger journey."

British Airways, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates are among the global airlines running trials of IATA's travel pass app, which is expected to go live soon.

Other airlines, including American, will be using an app called VeriFly.

American's Preston Peterson told NPR that "because the requirements for entry differ by almost every single country and, in some cases, by the region within a country," the app will give the customer "the peace of mind to know that they comply with those different regulations."

"A customer can submit their documentation, have it verified and then they receive a green check mark, or effectively, an OK to travel status, that we as the airline trust, the customer can trust and then they know they're ready to go," Peterson says, adding that the app will update in real time as entry requirements for various destinations change.

But even proof of vaccination may not be sufficient to ease your entry. Some countries don't care if you have a vaccine card, as they can be easily faked or forged, or a digital vaccine pass on an app. They'll still insist on a PCR test to determine if you're infected several days before flying into and out of their airports. Most countries are asking airline personnel to verify the test. A positive result means the trip is off. That's the case in Egypt, some European countries and Israel. And you can't leave Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, after arrival in the country without taking a coronavirus test; airport personnel usher everyone to the clinic tent right after baggage claim.

Even if you're vaccinated and tested negative for the coronavirus, you may have to quarantine. Samoa, for example, requires a minimum 21-day quarantine for all incoming passengers.

Keep up on testing requirements before your departure. They definitely change. Because of the high rate of cases, Namibia on June 1 changed its visitor entry rules from a simple self-test for the coronavirus to a typically more expensive laboratory test conducted before leaving your home country and not older than seven days before your arrival.

The State Department site dates its updates so you can see when a change was made, and it also provides links to specific country guidelines provided by U.S. consulates and embassies.

Check the latest requirements three days before your flight just to make sure. Some airports, such as Chicago's O'Hare International and Los Angeles International , offer on-site coronavirus tests, but these can be pricier options than you might find elsewhere. And airport testing sites might have limited hours, so check before you head to the airport.

Get alerted. It's a good idea to sign up for notices on international travel from the State Department, says Zane Kerby, president of the American Society of Travel Advisors. In Portugal, for example, increased cases of the COVID-19 variant known as Delta, identified as likely more transmissible and causing more severe disease, has put the country at a higher risk level.

Bring proof of health insurance. Even if you're a veteran traveler who knows that your insurance carrier covers you overseas, be sure to check on COVID-19 coverage before you leave. Some countries, such as Argentina, require that you have a notice from your health insurer that specifically mentions COVID-19 coverage as proof that you are covered for the virus. Cambodia requires all foreigners to purchase insurance from the government on arrival: $90 for 20 days of coverage. Also check to see if your policy covers medical evacuation insurance, or consider buying a separate policy if not. Travel specialists say it's a wise investment during a pandemic.

The CDC offers great background information on health insurance and foreign travel on its site . If you buy a supplemental plan, the State Department site recommends looking for one that will pay for care directly rather than reimburse you so out-of-pocket expenses are limited.

Brush up on testing requirements. All air passengers coming to the United States — residents who have traveled abroad and visitors as well — are required to have a negative coronavirus viral test no more than three days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past three months before they will be allowed to board a flight to the United States.

That test can be either a so-called molecular test done at a laboratory that can detect specific genetic material from the virus and is the most precise test, or an antigen test — which can be done as a self-test — which detects proteins on the surface of the virus if you were infected.

Embassy and consular notes on the State Department's travel website offer detailed information on locations for a molecular test in each country if available. In some countries. the test is free. Or it could cost up to $200. Check the State Department travel site, which offers frequently updated, detailed testing requirements and resources for many countries.

Self-tests are a limited option. Right now, only two airlines are making self-tests easily available United and American – and you need to be able to perform the self-test while conducting a telehealth visit with a designated clinic. For more information, contact United or American if you will be returning home on either carrier or eMed.com , a telehealth company handling the testing to see if you qualify for the self-test, even if you're on another carrier.

Coronavirus FAQ: Should I Get My Antibodies Checked After I Get Vaccinated?

If you're not vaccinated, though, you may want to choose a lab test rather than the self-test for re-entry, "especially if you're returning from a country experiencing high rates of COVID-19," says Matthew Binnicker , vice chair of practice in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the Mayo Clinic. That's because the lab test can be more accurate than the self-test, according to guidelines published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America .

Coronavirus FAQ: I Had COVID. Should I Get The Vaccine?

Don't forget your mask. While some jurisdictions around the world are beginning to loosen COVID-19 restrictions, the Transportation Security Administration in late April extended its mask requirement to Sept. 13 (and could extend it further) for U.S. airports and on board U.S. airlines. Many foreign carriers have the same rule.

Fran Kritz is a health policy reporter based in Washington, D.C., who has contributed to The Washington Post and Kaiser Health News. Find her on Twitter: @fkritz

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Ask a Travel Nerd: Can I Travel Without a COVID Vaccine?

Elina Geller is a former NerdWallet travel writer specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs and travel insurance. In 2019, Elina founded TheMissMiles, a travel rewards coaching business. Her work has been featured by AwardWallet. She is a certified public accountant with degrees from the London School of Economics and Fordham University.

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Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

Domestic travel for unvaccinated travelers

International travel for unvaccinated travelers, final thoughts on traveling without a covid vaccine.

Between constantly changing entry requirements, mandated quarantines, testing rules and vaccine provisions, traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t easy. If you’re not vaccinated, it's even harder. Some countries flat-out don’t admit unvaccinated travelers, while others require a mandatory quarantine and extra tests.

If you plan on traveling and aren't vaccinated, here’s what you need to know.

As recently as Jan. 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend delaying travel until you’re fully vaccinated.

Requirements are up to each city and state. For example, while Illinois doesn’t have statewide restrictions, its recommendations differ based on the daily COVID-19 case rates of the state the traveler is arriving from. Unvaccinated travelers arriving from states with higher case rates are encouraged to secure a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel to Illinois. At the city level, unvaccinated travelers going to Chicago are asked to get tested for COVID-19 before and after arrival and to quarantine upon arrival.

Meanwhile, all travelers 16 and older who enter California via Los Angeles International Airport, Van Nuys Airport or Los Angeles Union Station are required to fill out a City of Los Angeles Traveler Form, agreeing to follow CDC travel guidance — or face up to a $500 fine.

Other states may be more flexible and have no recommendations or requirements related to vaccination, quarantine, forms or testing for visitors.

Tips for traveling domestically without a vaccine

If the required time frame for getting a COVID-19 test ahead of travel is less than 24 hours, check if an urgent care center near you offers a rapid results option. In addition, check if a PCR and/or antigen test will be accepted. Generally, results from an antigen test can be provided faster. If you have insurance, the test may be covered.

Before heading to your intended destination, check the city and state requirements and recommendations, because they may differ (like Chicago and Illinois). Find out if your destination has any special requirements based on the state you’re arriving from.

Some businesses require proof of vaccination for entry. Be prepared to be turned away from restaurants, bars, stores and other establishments if this is the case.

Check if there are any ongoing testing requirements. For example, unvaccinated travelers staying in Puerto Rico longer than a week must submit weekly COVID-19 test results.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel this year, according to recent NerdWallet study

Traveling internationally may present a greater number of obstacles, especially due to different systems and a potential language barrier. Some countries don't allow unvaccinated travelers to enter, period . For example, travel to the majority of European countries is possible only to those who are vaccinated. If you’re not vaccinated, make sure the country you want to visit will allow you entry.

In addition, before returning to the U.S., you’re required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of the flight's departure. While abroad, you’ll need to go to a COVID-19 testing center. Unlike getting tested in the U.S., COVID-19 tests abroad aren't covered by insurance, so you'll need to budget for the out-of-pocket cost .

Furthermore, you should book your accommodations wisely. Does the hotel you want to stay at allow unvaccinated guests? Will you be able to dine at the hotel restaurant? Can you use the spa or gym facilities? These are important questions you’ll need to consider before booking an international hotel stay.

Scrutinize your access to activities and other places you’d like to visit during your trip, too, like restaurants and museums. On my recent trip to Germany, I had to show my proof of vaccination and identification in every bar, restaurant, shop and hotel I entered.

If you’re unvaccinated, you may be refused entry to all these places, which can ruin your trip.

Tips for traveling internationally without a vaccine

Get travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason coverage since entry requirements are changing constantly. What happens if you book a nonrefundable flight and hotel, and a week before your departure, your destination stops allowing in unvaccinated travelers? If you have travel insurance with CFAR, you’ll be able to cancel your trip and get your nonrefundable deposits back so long as changes aren’t made at the last minute. For example, with CFAR coverage from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, "you may only be eligible if you purchase CFAR at the time of your base policy purchase, insure your full trip cost, and cancel more than 48 hours prior to departure," according to the company's website.

Confirm entry eligibility for your must-have experiences, like restaurants, museums, shopping malls or bars and clubs. Double-check that your hotel will allow you entry as well.

Research COVID-19 testing sites in the area before departure. Will you need to travel far to get your test? Consider travel time when making a test appointment.

Check if there's an app that your destination country uses that will accept your pre-departure negative COVID-19 test result. This step could make it easier to visit any bars, hotels, shops, restaurants and museums you’d like to check out.

Traveling domestically and internationally may pose a new set of challenges for those who are unvaccinated. Be sure to keep up to date with the latest requirements to make sure that your trip goes smoothly. International travel may result in many more difficulties, so if you’re not prepared to deal with all the uncertainties of being abroad, consider travel to a location within the U.S.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Where can I travel?

Afghanistan

No major restrictions in place

Åland Islands

Test required

American Samoa

Quarantine required

Antigua and Barbuda

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Italy Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Italy

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Italy entry details and exceptions

Ready to travel, find flights to italy, find stays in italy, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Italy from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Italy.

Can I travel to Italy if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Italy without restrictions.

Can I travel to Italy without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Italy without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Italy?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Italy.

Can I travel to Italy without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Italy?

Mask usage in Italy is not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Italy?

Restaurants in Italy are open. Bars in Italy are .

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Entry requirements by country or territory

You need to give your biometrics.

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics .

What you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with.

On this page

Canadian citizens, canadian permanent residents, u.s. citizens, lawful permanent residents of the u.s., eta exemptions, visa-required travellers, workers and students.

• Visiting your children and grandchildren in Canada

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport . American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.

Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document .

U.S. citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

• a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document ) and
• a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

• valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
• foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
• foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [Green Card])
• valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
• Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

Visa-exempt (eTA eligible) travellers

The following travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada. However, these travellers do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea – for instance driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship.

• British citizen
• British National (Overseas)
• British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom)
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
• Pitcairn Island
• Saint Helena
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom
• Brunei Darussalam
• Czech Republic
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR.
• Israel, must have a national Israeli passport
• Republic of Korea
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Romania ( electronic passport holders only )
• Solomon Islands
• Switzerland
• Taiwan, must have an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number
• United Arab Emirates
• Vatican City State, must have a passport or travel document issued by the Vatican.

Electronic passport holders only

Look on the front cover of your passport for the symbol of a rectangle with a circle in the middle. If you see this symbol, you have an electronic passport.

Foreign nationals with official Canadian documents

• Travellers with a valid Canadian visa.
• Travellers with valid status in Canada (e.g. visitor, student or worker) who re-enters Canada after only visiting the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Foreign nationals in the following situations

• French citizens who live in Saint Pierre and Miquelon and are flying directly to Canada from St. Pierre and Miquelon.
• Foreign nationals who are passengers destined to, or coming from, the United States on a flight that stops in Canada solely to refuel and
• have proper documents to enter the United States, or
• were lawfully admitted to the United States.
• Foreign nationals who are passengers on a flight that makes an unscheduled stop in Canada.
• Foreign nationals who transit through a Canadian airport under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program .

Travel and official representatives

• Flight crew, civil aviation inspectors, accident investigators who are or will be working while in Canada.
• Members of Armed Forces (not including the civilian component of an armed forces) of a country designated under the Visiting Forces Act coming to Canada to carry out official duties.
• Diplomats accredited by the Government of Canada.

The following travellers need a visa to come to Canada by any method of travel—plane, car, bus, train or cruise ship.

Note: Holders of a foreign national passport and stateless individuals need a visa to visit or transit through Canada.

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda (Some citizens of Antigua and Barbuda may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Argentina (Some citizens of Argentina may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Brazil (Some citizens of Brazil may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon, Republic of
• Central African Republic
• China, People's Republic of
• Congo, Democratic Republic of
• Congo, Republic of
• Costa Rica, Republic of (Some citizens of Costa Rica may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Israel, must have a valid Israeli “Travel Document in lieu of National Passport”
• Ivory Coast
• Korea, North
• Macao Special Administrative Region
• Maldives Islands
• Marshall Islands
• Mexico (Some citizens of Mexico may be eligible for an eTA if they  meet certain requirements .)
• Micronesia, Fed. States
• Morocco (Some citizens of Morocco may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• North Macedonia
• Palestinian Authority
• Panama (Some citizens of Panama may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Philippines (Some citizens of the Philippines may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Romania (holder of a non-electronic passport, such as a temporary passport)
• Sao Tomé e Principe
• Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
• Seychelles (Some citizens of the Seychelles may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis (Some citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• St. Lucia (Some citizens of St. Lucia may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines (St. Vincent) (Some citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Taiwan, must have a passport other than an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes their personal identification number
• Thailand (Some citizens of Thailand may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago (Some citizens of Trinidad and Tobago may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Turkmenistan
• Uruguay (Some citizens of Uruguay may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)

If you’re a worker or student, you must also meet Canada’s entry requirements. A work permit or study permit is not a visa. In most cases, you’ll also need a valid visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada.

If you’re applying for your first study or work permit

We’ll automatically issue you a visa or eTA if you need one and we approve your application. When you travel to Canada make sure you have:

• your letter of introduction
• if you’re visa-required, it must contain the visa sticker that we put in it
• if you need an eTA and you’re flying to a Canadian airport, it must be the passport that’s electronically link to your eTA.

If you already have a work or study permit

If you’re visa-required, make sure that your visitor visa is still valid if you choose to leave Canada and re-enter.

If you need an eTA and you’re flying to a Canadian airport, make sure you travel with the passport that’s electronically linked to your eTA.

You must travel with your valid study or work permit, a valid passport and travel document.

If you’re eligible to work or study without a permit

If you’re eligible to work or study without a permit, you’re considered a visitor to Canada. You must meet the entry requirements for travellers from your country of citizenship.

Visiting your child or grandchild in Canada

If you’re the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a  super visa . A super visa lets you visit your child or grandchild in Canada for 5 years at a time. Additionally, this visa allows for multiple entries to Canada and is valid for up to 10 years.

Popular Questions

Visit your children or grandchildren

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents have a new option for visiting Canada

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Uspassporthelpguide.com is a privately owned website. Privacy

Where Can I Travel With Just A Passport Card?

In 2017, the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs reported there were 21,378,994 passports in circulation. Of those, 2,511,778. And these numbers are on the rise.

In 2008 when the Passport Card was first introduced, there were only 189,560 issued. That is an average increase of 122% over the course of 10 years.

If these passport cards are so amazing, why doesn’t everyone have one? Should you have one? What are the differences between a Passport Card and a Passport Book?

Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is a U.S. Passport Card?

A passport card is a wallet-sized, limited-scope U.S. Passport. Just like a standard Passport book, passport cards prove you are a U.S. citizen and confirm your Identity.

When traveling to “border” countries from the U.S., a passport card speeds up the security check process by using a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chip. The RFID chip contains a unique number generated by the U.S. government when the card is issued.

The card is scanned, and the Customs & Border Protection Agency (CBP) use the number to look up your information before you arrive at the security station. To protect your identity, there is no personally identifying information on the chip itself.

Related Read: Do You Need a Passport to Travel Domestically

Passport Card vs. Passport Book

Be it a card or a book, a Passport is still a Passport. That is not to say these two pieces of identification are equal. They are not.

Related Read: Passport Books vs Passport Card

How are They Different?

Size:  Passport Cards are wallet-sized. This makes them very convenient. Passport Books are a bit bulkier. When closed, they are 5″ x 3.5. By no means are they huge, but they aren’t going to fit snuggly in your billfold either.

Travel Visas:  Passport books are required for Travel Visas . Passport Cards do not support Travel Visas because they do not have blank pages for them to go on.

Where you can go:  You can only go to and reenter the U.S. from border countries with the Passport Card. Border countries are Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

How you can get there:  You can travel internationally via air, sea or land with the use of a Passport Book. With the card, you can only travel by sea or land. International air travel is not allowed with the card even if you go to a border country.

Cost:  Depending on your circumstances,  additional fees  may apply, but the basic pricing information is as follows:

• Applicants 16 or older can get a passport book for $145 or a card for $65.
• Applicants under 16 can get a passport book for $115 or a card for $50.
• Renewal Applicants can get a new passport book by mail for $110 or a card for $30.

Related Read: How Much Does a Passport Cost 2023

How are They the Same?

Who issues them:  As previously mentioned, both the Passport book and the Passport card are Passports. As such, the Passport Services of the U.S. Department of State -Bureau of Consular Affairs issues them both.

Real ID Compliant:  The passport book and the passport card are Real ID compliant. This means you can access federal buildings and fly domestically with either. You can no longer do so with a standard-issue state driver’s license.

Validity:  How long is a passport card good for? For the same amount of time as the Passport Book. If you are 16 or older, both are good for ten years. Otherwise, they are valid for up to 5 years.

Do I need a Passport Card?

Since they are comparatively inexpensive, a passport card for a cruise is ideal! As long as you go by sea or air, they are also great for other types of one-time trips to border countries.

Because they speed up the security process, passport cards are also great if you frequent border countries but don’t stay long or travel outside of the U.S. otherwise.

How do I get my Passport Card?

Print and fill out form DS-11 or form DS-82 and head to a local Passport Application Acceptance Facility. Do not sign the application because giving it to an agent at the passport agency or you will have to fill it out again.

If you qualify to apply for your passport with the DS-82 form , you can mail it in instead of going to the agency in person. If you have to go, there are 8,400 facilities in the U.S. You can find one easily, but some locations require an appointment.

Once your application is filed, you can expect your new card in as little time as four weeks or it could take up to 3 months. The exact amount of time will depend on the demand at the time you apply.

Take a look at this article if you need more information about the specific  documentation to apply  for a Passport Card.

Which Form Should I Use?

The form you should use to apply for a Passport Card depends on whether you have had a passport before. How long ago you had a valid passport can also affect it.

If you have had a passport in the past, it does not matter if it was a card or a book, it is still a passport. It is important to keep that in mind when reading the below information.

You need to fill out a  DS-11  form if:

• You have never had a U.S. Passport
• Your last passport was lost, stolen, or severely damaged
• Your last passport was issued when you were 15 years of age or younger
• You are currently under the age of 16
• Your last passport expired more than five years ago.

If you do not fall within the above criteria, you can apply to renew your current password with form  DS – 82 .

Ready for Your New Passport Card?

Considering the amount of time it can take to get your Passport card after applying, you should get one as soon as possible if you plan to travel to a border country. Do not wait until it is too late, or you must pay $60 to expedite the process.

No one wants to shell out extra money.

If you have additional questions about the Passport Card, all you need to do is  ask ! We are always happy to help with your passport needs.

Getting a new passport can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right information and preparation, you can make sure your application process goes smoothly. If you are under 16 years of age or if your last passport expired more than five years ago, then you will need to apply for a new passport rather than attempting to renew your current one.

Remember that if you plan to travel to a country bordering the United States, the Passport Card may be right for you. And don’t forget that we are here to help with any questions or concerns you have about obtaining your passport! Good luck with your application process!

We wish you safe travels.

Related Topics

Top 10 Countries Every First-Time Traveler Must Visit

Travel Photography 101: How To Take Great Travel Photos?

7 Air Travel Tips to Have an Enjoyable Flight

Choose your passport office location, passport services.

•  New Passport
•  Passport Renewal
•  Child Passport
•  Passport Replacement
•  Name Change
•  Lost Passport
•  Passport Correction
•  Second Passport
•  Passport Card

Where to Apply

•  Passport Offices
•  Expedited Services
•  Regional Passport
•  Expedited Visa & Passport Directory
•  Acceptance Agent

Passport Forms

•  Passport Photos
•  Passport Requirements
•  Passport Fees
•  Passport Books
•  Passport Applications
•  International Drivers Permit
•  Travel Visa

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Yes, Americans Can Still Travel to Cuba. Here’s How

Is it legal for u.s. citizens to travel to cuba what types of travel can they take and what are cuba tourist cards here’s what you need to know about visiting cuba..

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Havana, Cuba’s capital city, is known for its vintage cars and historic architecture.

Courtesy of Spencer Everett/Unsplash

Cuba is a beautiful Caribbean island with a complex history and rich culture. But for decades, it’s been just beyond the reach of many Americans. In addition to several difficult years involving devastating hurricanes, pandemic-era travel restrictions, ever-changing U.S. State Department travel advisories, and frequently updated trade and tourism regulations , it’s not surprising that many Americans may be confused about whether and how U.S. travelers can legally visit Cuba .

As of early 2024, the short answer is: Yes, you can travel to Cuba as a U.S. citizen. There are, however, some hoops you’ll need to jump through, because (technically speaking) travel to Cuba for pure vacationing isn’t allowed. For U.S. citizens interested in planning a trip to Cuba, here’s what you need to know before you go.

Can you travel to Cuba?

The relationship between the United States and Cuba has been tumultuous, to say the least. Following the Cuban Revolution during the 1950s and the subsequent rise of Fidel Castro’s regime, diplomatic ties between the two nations deteriorated rapidly. In 1960, the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, effectively severing most economic and political connections.

In the time since, travel between the two countries has been heavily restricted by the U.S. government, which has implemented various policies to discourage or prohibit its citizens from visiting Cuba. Making matters more complex, those policies often changed with each presidential administration. The island nation was more accessible during the Carter, Clinton, and Obama years and more closed off during the G.W. Bush and Trump years.

In 2014, it became significantly easier for Americans to visit Cuba after President Obama announced a series of measures aimed at normalizing diplomatic ties and loosening travel restrictions to allow Americans to visit for certain purposes (more on that later). Additionally, in 2016, commercial flights between the United States and Cuba resumed for the first time in more than half a century.

However, the Trump administration made it significantly harder to visit Cuba. During his time in office, President Trump enacted more than 200 measures against Cuba , which included limiting what Cuban airports flights from the U.S. could fly into, banning cruises from stopping in Cuba, and eliminating the most common visa category under which U.S. citizens planned legal visits to Cuba (known as “people-to-people” travel).

Then in May 2022, President Biden’s administration announced it would undo many of the Cuba-related restrictions enacted under Trump and would work on expanding authorized travel. Under the new order, regular passenger and charter airplanes are again allowed to fly to any Cuban airport (and airlines announced new flight paths ). And officials said that the “people-to-people” category of travel, under which many tours and organized travel companies bring U.S. travelers to Cuba, will ultimately return, though there is no timeline on when that will happen.

Cuba’s music scene is also a big draw.

Photo by Shutterstock

How to travel to Cuba as an American citizen

U.S. law states that those who want to go to Cuba need to qualify for a “general license” based on one of 12 approved categories.

The 12 categories currently authorized by U.S. government, for travel to Cuba are:

• Family visits
• Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
• Journalistic activity
• Professional research and professional meetings
• Educational activities
• Religious activities
• Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
• Support for the Cuban people
• Humanitarian projects
• Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
• Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
• Certain authorized export transactions

Licenses are self-qualifying, meaning that when you purchase your airline ticket, you’ll be asked to state your category in a signed affidavit before checkout.

When former President Obama first eased travel restrictions to Cuba , the move allowed leisure travelers to pursue self-led trips under the “people-to-people” educational activities category. Today, the “support for the Cuban people” category is the most popular because it’s the broadest.

What the “support for the Cuban people” license entails

To adhere to the requirements for independent travel under “support for the Cuban people,” travelers must first declare the category (when prompted) while booking flights and lodging. As part of the license, travelers are also expected to prepare an itinerary outlining how their trip will fulfill the category’s terms and contribute to Cuba’s local economy. (This itinerary could be—but isn’t always—requested on arrival to the country.)

An appropriate “support for the Cuban people” itinerary could including staying in casa particulares (locally run guesthouses), visiting Cuban-owned businesses, going on tours (like classic car rides or architecture walking tours) run by Cubans, visiting independent museums and galleries, partaking in cultural dance and music classes, and eating at locally owned restaurants and markets. (For specific recommendations and local resources, check out AFAR’s Cuba Travel Guide .)

Travelers can visit independently under that category, though it’s important you keep a record of your itinerary and your receipts: The U.S. government can ask for them up to five years after the trip.

Can you still travel to Cuba with organized tour operators?

Even though the Trump administration’s tightened restrictions on travel to Cuba prohibited organized “people-to-people” tours entirely, many tour companies have switched their approach to adhere to the “support for the Cuban people” license, according to Tom Popper, president of U.S.-based tour operator InsightCuba . Other tour providers that offer “people-to-people” trips, such as GeoEx Adventure Travel , Flash Pack , Intrepid Travel, and G Adventures, have similarly transitioned their program itineraries in order to offer legal trips to Cuba that comply with the regulations.

Challenges and considerations for travel to Cuba

Despite the easing of restrictions, traveling to Cuba as an American still presents some challenges. For example, there are limited banking services available to U.S. visitors, and American credit and debit cards are not typically accepted (as noted on the website for the U.S. embassy in Cuba ), so it’s important to bring plenty of cash. Similarly, internet access in Cuba is limited —expect connections to be patchy .

How to get a Cuba Tourist Card

The terms Cuba Tourist Cards and Cuban visas are sometimes used interchangeably.

Courtesy of Easy Tourist Card

Regardless of the license under which you travel to Cuba, you’ll still need to organize a few important documents before you go.

The Cuban government requires that all travelers entering the country provide a valid passport and proof of travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation by air. In addition, all U.S. travelers—adults, children, and infants—must purchase a Cuba Tourist Card , which grants visitors a maximum stay of 30 days on the island. Tourist Cards are valid for 180 days after purchase, which means you will need to travel within six months of obtaining the document. Note that the terms Cuba Tourist Card and Cuban visa are sometimes used interchangeably; they’re the same thing.

There are several ways to buy a Cuba Tourist Card: Many U.S. airlines with direct service to Havana—among them United Airlines , JetBlue , American Airlines , Delta , and Southwest —offer Tourist Cards either online or at the gate; prices and purchase locations vary among carriers, so it’s important to check in advance.

Websites like Easy Tourist Card allow travelers to apply for and purchase Tourist Cards online with two-day international shipping. Those who plan to fly to Havana directly from the United States will need to purchase a pink Tourist Card at a rate of $100, while those departing from non-U.S. airports can purchase a green Tourist Card for $37, even with a U.S. passport.

“U.S. travelers should note that travel to Cuba has been regulated since 1963 and has changed under each presidential administration since that time,” states Popper of InsightCuba. “Cuba travel has always been a hot political topic, and you never know when the rules are going to change. I always tell people to go now—while you can.”

This article was originally published in 2018. It was most recently updated on March 21, 2024, to include current information.

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Which AI trip planning tool is the best? Here's how Expedia's and Booking.com's compared.

• Expedia Group's Romie and Booking.com's AI Trip Planner are AI-powered travel tools that can help travelers plan and manage their trips.
• Both tools can recommend destinations, places to stay, and things to do and even create a full itinerary for your trip.
• However, these AI travel planners are still in their early stages and can't yet be relied on completely.

This new travel adviser can help travelers plan and manage their trip – and then come with them on vacation.

Expedia Group revealed a new artificial intelligence assistant last month that users can access anytime via their phones. Named Romie, the alpha version available now via Expedia’s iOS app in the U.S., can help build itineraries, summarize travel plans discussed in group chats, warn customers of trip disruptions and more.

Jeff Miller, Distinguished Product Manager at Expedia Group, said “travel is a complicated business and part of the complexity is about orchestrating and managing all the parts of your trip.” The company previously introduced a travel planning feature powered by ChatGPT last year, but the new assistant marks an expansion of its AI capabilities.

“Romie’s job is to meet you where you are, not wait for you to come,” he said. The feature uses the same OpenAI models that power ChatGPT, but Expedia is “open to using other tech or models” as well.

Make travel easy: We tested ChatGPT itineraries in 5 US tourist spots

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Romie is the latest AI-powered travel tool , joining other travel platforms utilizing the technology to make a seamless, more customized experience for travelers. In an Oct. 2023 Booking.com survey of more than 27,000 travelers across 33 countries, 56% said they want to use AI to help inform upcoming travels.

Last summer, Booking.com launched its own AI Trip Planner, which also uses ChatGPT to help travelers find accommodations and build out personalized itineraries.

“Imagine having a conversation (with) the AI Trip Planner and being able to render or change what you see (on the Booking.com website) to match the content of your conversation,” Adrienne Enggist, Senior Director of Product at  Booking.com , told USA TODAY. “The hyper-personalization, really, can be supercharged to make your travel planning more productive, much easier.”

USA TODAY’s Nathan Diller and Kathleen Wong tested Romie’s itinerary-building capabilities against Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner to see what it’s like using AI to plan a trip to Rome from Sept. 9-12. Here’s what they found.

What is it like to use Romie?

I started by making a hotel booking on Expedia, which users need to use Romie’s itinerary-building features. iPhone users in the U.S. can opt-in to access the early version of Romie via the EG Labs section of the Expedia app, but the company does not yet have a public launch date.

I reserved a room at Suitedreams – just under $627 for three nights in September – with an “excellent” rating and over 1,000 reviews. Then I phoned a friend (or AI assistant, rather) to help with the rest. 

When I clicked through to my itinerary, Romie suggested restaurants near the hotel unprompted, with distances listed. When I clicked on one, it took me to a chat function where I could see various restaurants’ Yelp ratings, hours of operation and other info. I could peruse certain details from there, but other buttons moved me to the Yelp app.

Romie cannot complete restaurant reservations for users, but I was able to add bookings to my itinerary by telling the chatbot when I’d be eating. Miller emphasized that Romie is not “just automatically charging your credit card on your behalf.”

“We don't think that experience is quite ready yet, let’s put it that way,” he said. “But we do think that we can still guide you to be able to take action for yourselves.”

Romie also recommended “some of the best things to do” in Rome, like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. The chatbot was also able to suggest bookstores when I asked and give me directions to one I selected. When I requested other activities near my hotel, Romie provided several tours I could book through the Expedia app.

I did run into some hiccups when I clicked on the Colosseum option Romie listed on my itinerary page. The AI program pulled up a “B&B in Rome 2 stops from” the landmark, even though I already had a hotel. When I clicked on the listing, it took me to what looked like an external website that suggested I book it on Airbnb – a competitor to Expedia Group’s Vrbo.

When I asked whether I needed tickets for the Vatican Museums, Romie said yes, sharing a website where I could buy them. But the URL was not hyperlinked and I could not click through, nor could I copy and paste it from my phone, meaning I’d have to manually type it into my browser.

Curious to try another method of communication, I added Romie to my phone contacts to use its text message feature. Romie was similarly able to recommend coffee shops near my hotel that way, but this time, I had to tell the bot where I was staying. Unlike in the app, it did not have my booking information.

I also requested help with booking a rental car. Romie acknowledged my parameters – my travel dates and the budget I shared – and sent me an Expedia link. However, when I clicked on it, I was shown hotel listings.

At one point, I asked for a full itinerary for my three-night trip. Romie asked about my interests – I listed food, historical sites and art – and offered a detailed plan with activity and dining suggestions for the morning, afternoon and evening. I tried that separately with the in-app chat function and was given less of a true itinerary than a list of things to do.

“Launching an early version of Romie in EG Labs provides registered participants with the opportunity to test out products and share their feedback in real-time to help Expedia troubleshoot bugs prior to public launch,” Miller said.

Romie’s other features fell outside the purview of my hypothetical trip, but Miller said the tool will get to know users’ preferences over time, with “progressive intelligence” being a key principle.

“An assistant that forgets what you told it isn't very useful, especially in a complex process like travel planning that we all know takes weeks or sometimes months,” he said. “So, that notion that Romie’s learning as it goes and remembering is very important to what we think an assistant needs to do.”

Based on my test run with the current version of Romie, I’d recommend it to travelers as a starting point for generating ideas and tracking itinerary items of interest. However, given the apparent glitches in the user experience, I wouldn’t rely solely on the tool.

– Nathan Diller

How to use AI to plan a vacation: And what you should know first

What’s it like to use Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner?

Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner is only accessible via the Booking.com mobile app in English-speaking markets, including the U.S., U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Once I created an account, a pop-up screen prompted me to “start chatting” with the AI Trip Planner. The AI tool greeted me and asked how it could help my trip planning – it also warned me that it’s “still learning.”

According to Enggist, the AI language model is still in its “early discovery, early planning space.” It acts like a well-traveled friend who can provide guidance based on your answers, interests and tastes. The tool can recommend destinations, places to stay, and things to do and even create a full itinerary for your trip. 

“It’s less about generating search results and more about curating lists of things that are potentially ideal for you,” she said. 

In the future, Booking.com hopes to “extend the helper all the way through the journey,” like updating your ground transportation if your flight is delayed, Enggist said. 

I asked the AI Trip Planner to find me a hotel room in Rome for three nights in September, and it asked for specifics, like a preferred location or type of hotel. I said it would be my first time, and I didn’t know where to start. The tool responded with three hotel options, all of which are based in Rome’s city center, highly rated and cost between $264 and $602 for the stay.

While I could learn more about the hotels and read their reviews on the app, I couldn’t book directly through the AI Trip Planner. For that, I’d have to go to the hotel’s page on the app or website. I also couldn’t book a rental car through the AI Trip Planner.

I then asked the AI Trip Planner to come up with things for me to do during my trip, and it gave me eight “popular attractions and activities,” such as visiting the Colosseum and the Pantheon – typical Rome must-dos. I asked if the tool could help me get tickets to the Colosseum, and it told me that I had to visit the website for the Colosseum or a third-party vendor like Viator to do so. 

“The AI Trip Planner makes recommendations that are more niche or more hidden gems,” Enggist said. However, I found that even when I gave more specifics about what to do – like if I were a foodie – the first results were still the most popular or famous choices, which also means crowds and often overly touristy places.

When I asked for vegan restaurant recommendations, it gave me five. Although there were no links for me to learn more or how to contact the restaurants, I was able to ask for more detailed descriptions, like what I could expect from their menu and the atmosphere. 

I asked the AI Trip Planner to help me get from one of the recommended hotels to one of the suggested vegan restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised at how detailed the results were: I was told the stations and lines if I wanted to use the metro, or take a 20-minute walk “through some of Rome’s most beautiful neighborhoods.” 

Finally, I asked the AI Trip Planner to give me a three-day itinerary in Rome if I love food and am vegan. It broke down each day into the morning, lunch, afternoon and dinner, including what to do and where to eat each meal. The itinerary is a good starting point for travelers, but since it told me to visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum in the afternoon – which is peak visiting time – I’m not sure it accounts for crowds or long lines.

While I wouldn’t depend on the AI Trip Planner for my complete trip itinerary, I would certainly turn to it for help finding accommodations and initial ideas in the beginning stages of my trip planning.

If I were hoping to go on a beach vacation and had a budget in mind but no destination, this is where chatting with the AI Trip Planner would come in handy. I also liked how it helped narrow down my hotel options based on location and price, which is sometimes a challenging yet essential part of planning a vacation. Based on the vagueness of the AI Trip Planner when asked about day-to-day activities, I likely wouldn’t use the tool for restaurant recommendations or things to do since you need to leave the platform to book or get further details anyway. 

These AI travel planners are designed to personalize and simplify the travel planning process. Although they aren't yet at the stage where you can rely on them completely, only time will tell.

– Kathleen Wong

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Customs agent admits to stealing $18,700 during Florida airport screenings

The Customs and Border Protection officer pleaded guilty to stealing from 18 passengers while on duty at Naples Airport

A man who was working as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent in Florida pleaded guilty this week to stealing about $18,700 in cash from arriving fliers during airport screenings.

According to a plea agreement, William Joseph Timothy, 43, stole from 18 passengers between mid-2023 and January of this year while on duty at Naples Airport. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Naples Airport, which calls itself “ The Best Little Airport in the Country ,” does not have commercial airline service but — alongside flight schools and sightseeing tours — hosts wealthier clientele taking private charters. With the Caribbean close by, many flights are international and necessitate border enforcement and customs screenings.

CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility investigated Timothy’s case and uncovered 17 total incidents, including one involving two passengers. In a criminal complaint filed in January, Senior Special Agent Sapphia Small outlined one theft caught on camera.

In May 2023, video surveillance footage showed, Timothy conducted a border and currency inspection for a passenger who had traveled to Naples on a private aircraft from the Bahamas. Footage showed the passenger handing over his cash to Timothy, who, while counting it, set aside about $2,200 worth of $100 bills and covered them up with customs declarations forms.

After the passenger departed, Timothy picked up the forms and the concealed cash and walked away, according to the complaint. The passenger realized afterward their cash was missing.

Timothy went on to steal at least $2,000 from passengers on three more occasions, according to court documents, and at least $1,000 from six others.

Timothy pleaded guilty Tuesday to converting property of another as an officer or employee of the United States. As part of the plea agreement, he also agreed to pay “full restitution” to victims and resign immediately from the CBP, the U.S. attorney’s office for Middle Florida said.

A sentencing date has not yet been set.

“Mr. Timothy is very remorseful, and has accepted responsibility for the actions alleged,” Douglas Molloy, Timothy’s defense attorney, wrote to The Washington Post in a statement. “It is not appropriate for me to comment further until his sentencing.”

CBP did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Naples Airport served more than 200,000 passengers in fiscal year 2023, according to the Naples Airport Authority. Southwest Florida International Airport, the region’s commercial hub, last year served more than 10 million .

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

European Championship

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How England were frustrated by Denmark in 1-1 Euro 2024 draw

The Briefing: Kane scores but struggles, England drop deep, Hjulmand’s wonder goal

It was a familiar story for Gareth Southgate’s England in their second game at Euro 2024, as they took the lead against Denmark before dropping deep and allowing their opponents back into the game.

The result means England are top of Group C going into the final round of matches, when they Slovenia. Denmark are second with two points, and play Serbia.

Our own Jack Pitt-Brooke , Mark Carey , Dan Sheldon and James McNicholas analyse the key talking points from Frankfurt.

England 1 Denmark 1: Kane scores but struggles, England drop deep, Hjulmand wonder goal

Russell backing England, or at least he was

Getty Images

Of course, it’s not just footballers who are English sports stars (obviously). There are also a few elsewhere — like in Formula One .

Our F1 correspondent and all-round good guy Luke Smith spoke to Mercedes driver George Russell in Barcelona today ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, about Euro 2024. This is what Russell said:

💬 “I think England can win it, for sure! Watching the games and what those guys go through is incredible.

“It's pretty tough when you have a championship like the Euros, every single game counts and in that sport, anybody can get a victory on their best day.

“I think we have a really great squad at the moment and Gareth (Southgate) is a great coach. They seem to be headed in a really great direction, so fingers crossed they go out there and do their best.”

The caveat being, these quotes are from before that England performance today. Give Luke a follow and you might find out if Russell has since changed his mind…

Eriksen: 'It was supposed to be us'

Speaking of the Denmark forward, here’s how Christian Eriksen he viewed their draw with England — again, speaking to BBC Sport :

💬 “I do think if a team was to win today, it was supposed to be us. We didn’t get it, but it was better than our last game.

“We know England have exceptional players but we hurt them with our chances and should’ve won.

“I don’t think they dropped deep. It was just the same game before. It was even, they lost the ball a few times and we tried to hurt them on the counter. They did the same against us.

“We still have a game to go. We need a win against Serbia; there’s nothing else for us. This was good progress but we have to take the belief from this into that and get the three points.”

Like a fine wine...

Ah yes, Christian Eriksen . Not only is he 32 years and 127 days old today. He also created four chances against England — as many as he did in the opening game against Slovenia.

Put it all together and you have the oldest player with at least four chances created in consecutive European Championship games, since a 33-year-old Andrea Pirlo in 2012.

Great work from Opta there.

'That was the decision we took'

So what did England boss Gareth Southgate say after the game about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role and Harry Kane’s situation? Here’s what he told BBC Sport just now — starting with the former:

💬 “We wanted to get Conor (Gallagher) on. We needed some energy and to press better. Conor obviously does that very well.

“Trent has had some moments where he’s delivered what we thought he would. We know it is an experiment and we know we don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips, so we're trying some different things and at the moment we're not flowing as we’d like, that’s for sure.”

As for his thoughts on Harry Kane…

💬 “We needed energy. We’ve had two games in a short turnaround and we needed fresh legs to press. At that stage, I think Harry’s only had one 90 minutes in over a month, and that was the decision we took.”

How do you solve a problem like Trent?

What a conundrum the situation is with Trent Alexander-Arnold .

Today felt like further evidence — bar the odd promising moment — that playing the Liverpool star in a midfield role isn’t working.

The fact Gareth Southgate continues to call it an experiment is revealing in itself. Should you be experimenting in your first two group games of a tournament you hope and expect to reach the latter stages?

And on the other side of the coin, today he played more chances for England than anyone else and also played the most line-breaking passes in the final third. All despite being withdrawn after 54 minutes.

The experiment continues. Probably.

'We're not sure how to get the pressure on'

Harry Kane wasn’t asked about his own fitness by BBC Sport immediately after the game, but he did address some of the accusations over England deliberately dropping to protect their lead — rather than continuing to look for goals:

💬 “We're struggling with and without the ball, so we have to go away and look at it back. The pressure in both games hasn't been quite right, and also with the ball we haven't been good enough. Everyone dropping below their level a bit in retaining the ball and playing under pressure.

“We are starting games well. I think in general when teams are dropping a few players deeper, we're not sure how to get the pressure on and who's the one supposed to be going.

“Second half, we tried to change it with me and Jude (Bellingham) playing in front of their two midfielders and then trying to get up, but it was difficult.”

Make it make sense...

The theory of this England team makes no sense.

Three attackers who want to be the No 10, one(ish) runner in behind, a right-back at right-back who can’t attack, a right-back at left-back who needs to cut inside, and a right-back in defensive midfield whose strength is hitting all those wide and long runners you don’t have... 🤦🏻‍♂️

Southgate's Kane logic

One more regarding Harry Kane . Gareth Southgate has learned about trying to protect Kane during a tournament, making sure he doesn't always play 90 minutes in the group games to keep him sharp for the knock-outs.

He actually studied how France protected Griezmann during the 2018 World Cup.

So at the following World Cup, Kane was hooked on 76 minutes against Iran and then 58 minutes versus Wales, both times for Callum Wilson.

Then in Euro 2020, Kane came off against Croatia after 82 minutes (for Jude Bellingham), and 74 minutes versus Scotland (for Marcus Rashford).

Full-time stats zone

Well, the angst runs deep for England supporters after that, while Denmark will feel it’s a missed opportunity. Here are the numbers from the 90 minutes…

FT: Denmark 1-1 England

• Possession: 51% — 49%
• Shots: 16 — 12
• On target: 7 — 4
• XG: 0.82 — 0.85
• Big chances: 1 — 2
• Blocked shots: 5 — 1
• Duels won: 45 — 47
• Dispossessed: 6 — 8

Again, it was pretty tight and even looking at all that. Maybe this time, the numbers are slightly soothing compared to the actual action.

'Sometimes you have to manage the game'

Kyle Walker was the first to speak after that England draw, immediately on the pitch to BBC Sport — and it’s fair to say he was keeping it light:

💬 “It’s tournament football. This is a good Denmark team, we’re top of the group, so let’s a positive from the game. We didn’t lose. We concede a great strike from outside the box and sometimes you have to take your hat off to good goals.

“The manager has expressed he wants us to play free attacking football. Sometimes in tournaments you have to manage the game. It’s why it’s so hard to win them.

“We know we can do better. As individuals, as a team, we know we’ve got another gear. Everyone wants us to steamroll teams but that’s not football these days. We’ve got a point and we’ll move on.”

Honours for Hojbjerg

The official player of the match? That’s been handed to Tottenham and Denmark midfielder, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg .

Great shout, that. Hojbjerg was secure defensively, often keen to step up in attack — and took more shots (5) than anyone else on the pitch.

Great work, Pierre.

The final games

Group C will be resolved on Sunday night (in Europe), with this pair of matches:

• England vs Slovenia (Cologne)
• Denmark vs Serbia (Munich)

The two games will kick-off simultaneously too — and of course, we will have live coverage of it all here on The Athletic .

How that draw leaves Group C

So, England are top of the group with four points from two games. In fact, you look at the table and Denmark should see it as a real missed opportunity.

Game on for the three teams below England for qualification.

Falling well short

The stats suggest Denmark shaded that but it felt much more one-sided in the stadium — and not just because Denmark's fans massively out-sang England's, despite being outnumbered three to one.

The Danes are all still here too, and their team is on the pitch. England's players are chasing England's fans to exits.

A couple of stats do jump out, though. England dribbled the ball 18 times, Denmark six.

And the Danes won twice as many tackles.

One more. Because the last two non-league efforts are still fresh in the memory: England had 17 free-kicks to Denmark's five.

Worst yet from a Southgate side

Agree that the result is survivable but the performance is as bad as we've seen from a Southgate England team in a major tournament.

So many big questions: Kane's role, the defence dropping deep, the lack of control in midfield. Don't think Alexander-Arnold is the answer, not sure Gallagher is either.

Flat and lethargic

There were some boos from the England fans here at full-time.

The result is far from disastrous, but again the performance was troubling from an England perspective. There were things that just didn't look right from a technical/tactical perspective.

But my biggest concern with that performance is how lethargic and flat so many of the players looked. A number of them looked dead on their feet at the final whistle.

Did Denmark deserve more?

On the flipside, that was an excellent performance after a tricky opening 20 minutes from Denmark.

And yet, they couldn’t force the issue enough to win it and now they’re stuck with a couple of draws.

Arguably, this result will get better for England the longer they get to sleep on it (and forget about the actual performance).

Far from alright from England

That England performance was significantly short of their opening win over Serbia — and given the narrative surrounding that effort, England will be in for a bit of criticism after that.

Must admit, I’m struggling to think of one good individual performance in a white shirt.

And that is it. Another draw for Denmark.

The start of another inquest into England.

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Global Entry Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility for global entry, is criminal history a disqualifier for global entry.

Global Entry is a risk-based approach to facilitate the entry of pre-approved travelers. Applicants may not qualify for Global Entry participation if they:

• Provide false or incomplete information on the application;
• Have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges, including outstanding warrants;
• Have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country;
• Are subjects of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state or local law enforcement agency;
• Have been denied for the purchase of a firearm;
• Have received a criminal pardon from any country;
• Are inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration regulation, including applicants with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation; or if they
• Cannot satisfy CBP of their low-risk status or meet other program requirements.

What can I do if I was denied because of a prior firearm purchase denial?

You can visit the FBI website for additional information ( https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/nics/national-instant-criminal-background-check-system-nics-appeals-vaf ).

• To challenge your firearm denial, please visit https://www.edo.cjis.gov/
• To submit a challenge through the mail, please mail your request to:

FBI CJIS Division Attn: Criminal History Analysis Team 1 BTC 3 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, WV 26306

(When submitting a challenge via mail, include your NICS Transaction Number (NTN) or State Transaction Number (STN). Failure to include these numbers will delay processing.)

Can I join Global Entry if I am not a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident?

TTP works with countries around the world to provide foreign nationals with access to the Global Entry Program.  There may be additional requirements you must meet depending on our country of citizenship.  To find current foreign partner agreements and if additional requirements must be met, select an International Arrangement and your country of citizenship. 

Are all U.S. visa classifications eligible for participation in Global Entry?

If your country has a bilateral trusted traveler arrangement with CBP, you may participate in Global Entry provided you are not entering the U.S. under one of the following visa categories:

• C-1 - Alien in Transit
• C-2 - Alien in Transit to United Nations
• C-3 - Foreign Government Official In transit
• H-1C - Registered Nurse
• H-2A - Agricultural worker
• H-2B - Unskilled worker
• H-2R - Returning H-2B
• H-3 - Trainee
• K-1 - Fiancé of U.S. Citizen
• K-2 - Child of K-1
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• K-4 - Child of K-3
• M-1 - Vocational student
• M-2 - Spouse/child of M-1
• N-8 - Parent of SK-3
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• Q-1 - Participant in an International Exchange Program
• Q-2 - Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Principal
• Q-3 - Spouse and Minor Children of Q-2
• S-5 - Witness/Informant
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• S-7 - Family members of S-5, S-6
• T-1 - Trafficking victim
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• U-2 - Spouse of U-1
• U-3 - Child of U-1
• U-4 - Parent of U-1
• U-5 - Sibling of U-1

Using Global Entry

What do i do if the global entry processing technology states "see officer for assistance".

You must report to a CBP officer at the nearest staffed CBP passport control booth. You do not have to get back in line. The CBP officer at the passport control booth will review your documents, determine the reason for the referral and either release you from there or refer you to "secondary" for additional processing.

How is the arrival of the Global Entry Mobile App going to improve travelers' experience at airports?

The Global Entry Mobile App will allow members to validate their arrival into the U.S. on their iOS or Android device prior to entering the Federal Inspection Services area which will expedite their processing time.

Do Global Entry benefits allow head-of-the-line privilege at U.S. airports without Global Entry technology?

Head-of-the-line privilege is only available at U.S. airports that have Global Entry. Head-of-the-line privilege is reserved for program members if the processing technology is unavailable, if a member gets referred to a CBP officer, and at the exit points.

As a U.S. lawful permanent resident, which document do I use with the Global Entry processing technology?

U.S. lawful permanent residents must use their I-551 permanent resident card with the Global Entry processing technology.

Must I declare food items or products when using Global Entry?

Yes. You must declare all agricultural products that you bring into the United States. Failure to declare agricultural products can result in up to $10,000 in fines and penalties.

As a Global Entry member, am I required to use the Global Entry Program when entering the United States?

No. Global Entry members can choose not to use the Global Entry processing technology and can be processed by CBP officers.

My travel companions (children, spouse, or co-travelers) are not Global Entry members; can they come through the Global Entry lane with me?

No, only Global Entry members can use the Global Entry lanes.

What do I do if I have a disability and need assistance during my interview for Global Entry?

After you have submitted your application and scheduled an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, contact the Global Entry Enrollment Center where your interview is scheduled to request a reasonable modification or auxiliary aid or service to complete the Global Entry application process.  Requests for a modification, aid, or service should be made as soon as possible and prior to the date of an interview to allow sufficient time for making the appropriate arrangements at the interview location.

Partner Expedited Travel Programs

I am a u.s. citizen enrolled in global entry, what benefits do i have for expedited entry.

U.S. Citizens enrolled in Global Entry may use the Smartgate system when entering Australia and/or New Zealand without registration. U.S. Citizens may apply for the Dutch Privium program, the Korean SES program, Panama's Global Pass, Taiwan's e-Gate, Germany's EasyPASS, or the Mexican Viajero Confiable program for expedited entry into those countries. Additional fees and enrollment interviews may apply.

Where can I find more information about TSA PreCheck Expedited Screening?

The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) PreCheck allows for expedited airport screening at TSA checkpoints in specific airports. Global Entry members are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.

For more information about TSA PreCheck.

I am a Korean citizen; can I apply for Global Entry?

Yes, Korean citizens may apply for Global Entry. Korean citizens must first enroll in the Smart Entry Service (SES) program operated by the Korean Immigration Service.

As a Korean citizen, what is the process to become a Global Entry member?

Korean citizens submit Global Entry applications through the  Korean Government's website . After submitting the Global Entry application, Korean applicants must then create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. Applicants will log into the account and pay the $100 Global Entry application fee. Once conditionally approval status is granted, applicants will be invited to schedule a Global Entry interview through their TTP account at an enrollment center or via Enrollment on Arrival when arriving to the U.S. on an international flight complete the enrollment process.

Does the Korean SES program have a minimum age requirement?

Yes. To participate in Global Entry, Korean applicants must be at least 17 years of age.

Global Entry Membership Information

Where do i find my trusted traveler membership number.

Find your Trusted Traveler's membership number by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. The membership number is listed toward the top of the page. The membership number, also known as your PASS ID, is also on the back of Trusted Traveler cards.

I am a current Global Entry member. How do I update my passport information?

All Global Entry members can update their passport information through their TTP account. Click on "Update Documents." If the passport update involves a name change, you must visit a Global Entry enrollment center to update your information.

How do I obtain a copy of my FBI Identity History Summary?

If you would like a copy of your Identity History Summary, you may submit a request to the FBI. The FBI offers three options for requesting your summary or proof that a summary doesn't exist.

For more information, please read the How to Challenge and How to Obtain Your FBI Identity History Summary brochure. 

How do I challenge my FBI Identity History Summary?

If you believe your Identity History Summary contains inaccurate or incomplete information, you may request a change or correction by contacting the agency or agencies that originally submitted the information to the FBI. However, most states require that changes of Identity History Summary information be processed through their respective state centralized agency (State Identification Bureau). For the State Identification Bureau listing refer to: www.fbi.gov/checks . 

Renewing Global Entry Membership

How do i renew my global entry membership.

You become eligible to renew your membership one year prior to program expiration. If you submit a renewal application before your membership expires, you will be able to continue to use benefits up to 24 months after your membership expiration date.

Follow these steps to renew Global Entry membership:

Log onto the TTP website ( https://ttp.dhs.gov ).

If you don't have a login.gov account, you will be directed to login.gov to create an account first then you will be prompted to setup your TTP account profile. On the profile page, you will need to associate the account with your PASSID (membership number). See the back of your Trusted Traveler card or your approval letter.

From your Dashboard, select the Renew button on your Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST program membership section. You must declare your citizenship (if you are a US Citizen, you declare "U.S.").

Select the program that you wish to renew. You may select to renew another program for which you are eligible. However, remember that depending on the program you choose, your benefits may change. On the next page, acknowledge the program requirements.

Follow the guidelines provided on the Membership Renewal page.

Confirm and Continue

When you have updated all information in the application, on the Final Review page, click Confirm and Continue in each section. At the bottom of the page, click Save and Continue .

On the Certify page, answer Yes or No to "Do you certify?"

Select Next . The Purchase Summary page will display. 

Fees are for application processing and are non-refundable. Check the box under the total application fee to agree and proceed.

Select Pay Now. The online payment page displays.

After payment, you will be returned to your TTP Dashboard.

Will I need to be interviewed again when I renew my program membership?

An interview for program membership renewal may not be necessary. Once you submit your renewal application and fee, check your TTP account periodically for updates on what actions are necessary to complete the renewal process. You will receive an email when your membership status changes.

Global Entry Cards

Who receives global entry cards.

Only U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, and Mexican nationals are issued Global Entry cards.

How are Global Entry cards used?

CBP accepts Global Entry cards for lawful U.S. entry at land and sea ports of entry. Global Entry cards have radio frequency identification, which enables their use at SENTRI and NEXUS expedited travel lanes entering the U.S. Global Entry cards are not valid for entry into Canada via the NEXUS lanes and kiosks. Global Entry cards are not accepted at Global Entry kiosks, which require passports or U.S. lawful permanent resident cards. Global Entry card holders must follow all program rules for SENTRI and NEXUS when using the card at land and sea ports of entry.

How do I get a Global Entry card for use with SENTRI or NEXUS travel lanes?

CBP began issuing Global Entry radio frequency identification (RFID) cards on July 12, 2011, to new Global Entry members who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals (who do not already have a SENTRI card) at no additional cost.

Must I obtain a Global Entry card?

No, it is not necessary to obtain a Global Entry card to continue using Global Entry an airport. A card is only required for expedited entry at the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes coming into the United States.

When will I receive my Global Entry card?

New members will receive their Global Entry card 2-4 weeks after approval for Global Entry.

How will I receive my Global Entry card?

If you have a U.S. address, the card will be mailed there. If you do not have a U.S. address, it will be sent to your designated U.S. point of contact or to a Global Entry enrollment center that you designate.

How do I activate my Global Entry card prior to use at NEXUS/SENTRI lanes?

Activate your card within 30 days of receipt or you will be unable to use your card at the Trusted Traveler lanes. To activate your card, log into your TTP account.  After you sign in, click on the Activate Membership Card button under the Program Membership(s) section on the Homepage.

How do I replace a lost, stolen or damaged NEXUS, SENTRI or Global Entry card?

You can request a replacement card by logging into your TTP account and selecting Manage Membership. Next select Request for Global Entry Card. A $25 fee is charged for the replacement card. By requesting the replacement card, the original card will be deactivated and no longer functional.

For Global Entry Members at NEXUS/SENTRI Lanes

How do i add nexus to my existing global entry membership.

Log into your  TTP  account. From your Dashboard click on the "Add Trusted Traveler Program." Select the checkbox next to the NEXUS option. You will need to provide additional information and answer questions; (some of these questions are very similar). Once all the application information is entered/ corrected, certify your application and pay the fee. Applicants seeking to use NEXUS to enter Canada must complete an enrollment interview with the Canada Border Services Agency.

How do I register my vehicle before using the Global Entry card in SENTRI lanes?

Global Entry members who wish to drive their vehicle in the SENTRI lanes, must register their vehicle with CBP and schedule an appointment at a SENTRI enrollment center to conduct a 7-point vehicle inspection.

How do I register my vehicle before using the Global Entry card in NEXUS lanes?

There are no additional requirements for a member to use the NEXUS lanes coming into the U.S. However, Global Entry cards are not valid for entry into Canada via the NEXUS lanes and kiosks; travelers must apply separately for NEXUS.

What does it cost a Global Entry member to get the NEXUS or SENTRI benefit?

If you register your vehicle in SENTRI as part of your initial Global Entry application, there is no fee. If you wish to register your vehicle after your initial application, you must pay a $42 registration fee for a CBP vehicle inspection at a SENTRI enrollment center.

For NEXUS and SENTRI Members using Global Entry

As a current nexus or sentri member, how can i use global entry.

All current NEXUS members, U.S. citizens, and U.S. lawful permanent residents who are SENTRI members, are eligible to use Global Entry once they provide fingerprints and document information to CBP. If CBP already has your fingerprints and document information on file, you can use Global Entry without further action and at no additional cost. If you are a Mexican national in SENTRI, you must apply for Global Entry through your TTP account. For additional Global Entry benefit information, log on to your TTP account.

Can I use my Global Entry card with the Global Entry processing technology?

No, when you use the Global Entry processing technology, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card, if required. Global Entry cards do not work when entering the U.S. by air.

Can I use my SENTRI card with airport Global Entry processing technology?

No, when you use the airport Global Entry processing technology, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card, if required. The SENTRI cards do not work when entering the U.S. by air. 

Can I use my NEXUS card with the Global Entry processing technology?

The NEXUS card will be recognized by the Global Entry processing technology at Canadian Preclearance locations only. When using Global Entry at Canadian Preclearance locations you can use your passport, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card, or NEXUS card. You cannot use your NEXUS card with the Global Entry processing technology outside of Canadian Preclearance locations. At all other ports of entry, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card. 

Who is eligible to apply for SENTRI?

Anyone with a travel document is eligible to apply for SENTRI.

How can I cancel an appointment within 24 hours of my appointment?

Contact the information center at 1 (877) 227-5511 to cancel or reschedule within 24 hours.

Children and Travel Companions

Do my global entry benefits extend to my travel companion(s) (children, spouse, or co-traveler) who is/are not part of the global entry program.

Global Entry benefits are member specific and cannot be extended to others.

Are children able to enroll in Global Entry?

Yes. Children may enroll in Global Entry. Minor children 18 years or younger are required to have parental or legal guardianship permission.

Can my child/children enroll in Global Entry if I am not a member?

Minor children that do not have a parent or legal guardian enrolled in Global Entry may enroll. A parent or legal guardian must give permission and must be present at the time of the interview.

Enrollment on Arrival (EoA)

Can i participate in eoa if i haven’t received my conditional approval yet.

No.  Applicants must have already completed the application through Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP)  website. and received a Conditional Approval notification to complete the EoA.

What do I do if I already have an interview scheduled at an Enrollment Center?

You can still participate in EoA upon arriving in the United States at an EoA eligible airport if you already have an interview scheduled. Simply proceed to the EoA CBP booth upon arrival at the CBP Federal Inspection Services area.  

How do I cancel my Enrollment Center appointment if I’m able to complete an EoA interview?

Your scheduled interview will be canceled automatically after you complete the Enrollment on Arrival process. No further action is needed on your part.

Can I participate in Enrollment on Arrival if I have a domestic flight that either departs, arrives, or connects through an EoA airport?

No. Only those who are entering the U.S. Customs and Border Protection area after arriving from an international flight can participate in EoA.

Individuals traveling through domestic airports may verify whether the airport has an Enrollment Center at which they may schedule an interview or can immediately accept conditionally approved persons to complete walk-in enrollments. You may verify the locations and Enrollment Centers’ hours of operation online through the Trusted Traveler Website .

Do I need to indicate my intent to participate in Enrollment on Arrival in my TTP account?

No.  A Global Entry conditionally approved applicant may simply arrive at an EoA booth in the CBP Federal Inspection Services area at a participating airport.

Will CBP reimburse me for adjusting my travel plans to travel through an EoA airport?

No. Traveling to an EoA participating airport is a decision of convenience for the applicant.

What if I’m traveling with a mixed party- some travelers being conditionally approved and others not? How do we proceed through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection area when we arrive in the United States?

This depends on the airport at which you’re arriving. Please check with a CBP Officer at the Enrollment on Arrival Port of Entry to determine if your complete travel party can utilize the EoA lane.

What materials/documents will I need to bring to my EoA interview?

To complete the interview via EoA, you must be in possession of the following documents:

• A valid passport. If you travel using more than one passport, please bring them all to the interview so that the information can be added to your file.
• Documents providing evidence of residency. Examples are: driver's license (if the address is current), mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc. This is not required for minors.
• A permanent resident card (if applicable).

How soon after my EoA interview will I learn of my final decision?

The final decision notification timeline can vary.  Please monitor your email and check your TTP account for updates regarding the status of your Global Entry application.

When will EoA expand to other airports and under what criteria?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is currently planning to expand EoA to additional airports.  Travelers can review the EoA webpage on the CBP website for EoA expansion updates.

Massive, historic 'America's flagship' must leave Philadelphia port. But where can it go?

• The SS United States, often called America's Flagship, was ordered to leave its Philadelphia berth
• The ship has been moored in Philadelphia for 28 years, until an eviction lawsuit in 2022
• The future of America's last ocean liner is now uncertain, with scant few months to find a new home or get scrapped

A federal court has issued a 53,000-ton eviction notice for a Delaware River ship.

The hulking and historic SS United States, a thousand-foot-long ocean liner tied for 28 years to Pier 82 behind a South Philly Ikea, will need to find a new home by Sept. 12, a federal judge ruled this month. The ruling follows a yearslong court dispute over the vessel's berth after landlord Penn Warehousing first told the ship to leave the Port of Philadelphia in 2022.

If the ship can't find a new home, say its stewards, the nonprofit SS United States Conservancy , the historic ship will risk being lost forever.

"The ruling makes clear this iconic American symbol is in peril,” said conservancy President Susan Gibbs, whose grandfather, William Francis Gibbs, designed the ship.

Often called "America's flagship," the SS United States is a marvel of engineering, the longest and largest ocean liner ever built in America and holder of a transatlantic naval speed record that remains unbroken to this day.

But the onetime "speed queen of the seas" can no longer move under her own steam, making any moves costly and difficult to arrange.

The ship will have to move nonetheless, or be sold for scrap or scuttled into a reef, after this month's judgment in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

“The judge’s decision gives us a very limited window to find a new home for the SS United States and raise the resources necessary to move the ship and keep her safe. We must do both to avoid the tragic fate that countless supporters from around the world have worked for over a decade to prevent,” Susan Gibbs said in a statement.

The ship is the United States' last remaining historic ocean liner, according to the conservancy. It hosted four U.S. presidents and celebrities from Marilyn Monroe to Walt Disney. The conservancy has for more than a decade tried unsuccessfully to find a permanent moorage for the SS United States as a floating hotel, museum, entertainment complex, or all of the above.

The Sept. 12 deadline will approach quickly. Here's how we got here and what's next for the SS United States.

From the decks of the SS United States: 'America's flagship' under threat of eviction in Philly. But its owners have big plans

SS United States' landlord raised the rent in 2021, then told the ship to leave

The SS United States has long been an unlikely tenant on the Delaware River: Neither the conservancy nor its landlord expected the boat's berth by the Ikea to be permanent.

But until 2021, the unlikely marriage was much more amicable. That year, the landlord Penn Warehousing hiked the rent by double.

The SS United States Conservancy declined to pay, arguing first in letters and then in court filings that they’re model tenants who’d dutifully paid the same $850 a day they'd agreed upon more than a decade ago — and that their lease with Penn Warehousing had no provisions for sudden and unilateral rent hikes. 

Lawyers for operators  Penn Warehousing & Distribution  argued the historic ship’s owners owed back rent in the full amount, and that the ship caused damage to the pier.

In the background, according to the text of the court ruling, officials from the Port of Philadelphia had leaned on Penn Warehousing to remove the SS United States, saying the ship had damaged the pier.

The eviction notice arrived in the same year that the port, run by an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, announced vast plans for an expansion and total overhaul of PhilaPort.

In their 2022 lawsuit against the ship, Penn Warehousing sought both eviction and hundreds of thousands of dollars in back rent. SS United States sought to stay, and continue to pay the lower rent they'd agreed to in 2011.

Neither got what they wanted.

In a tightly argued ruling, Judge Anita B. Brody said the ship's conservancy did not have to pay a higher rent they never agreed to, and it owed no back rent. But the ship also was not allowed to stay forever, against Penn's and PhilaPort's wishes.

And so, the historic SS United States will now have 90 days to get out.

The SS United States' future is now in jeopardy

On June 20, spokespeople for the SS United States Conservancy issued a call to arms to donors and others who care about the future of the last great American ocean liner.

"Our goal with this campaign is to save this great symbol of American pride and innovation. We have very little time, and we face many challenges, but we draw energy and inspiration from the SS United States' own resilience and enduring ability to bring people together,” Gibbs said in a statement.

For more than a decade, the conservancy has pursued plans to set up the ship as a floating attraction, much like the Queen Mary, a British ocean liner with an equally troubled financial past, which just reopened to the public as a hotel and museum in California in 2023.

Previous owners of the ship tried to turn the vessel into a time-share cruise ship, a Hawaiian passenger liner, a floating hotel, a casino, an offshore entertainment complex or a hospital ship.

All plans for the SS United States so far have fallen through, including those of the conservancy, which has launched fundraiser after fundraiser just to keep the boat moored on the Delaware River.

In 2023, USA TODAY Network reported from the decks of the ship, as Gibbs laid out her belief that her nonprofit could save the ship by turning its more than 500,000 usable square feet into a floating hotel complex, to be moored in whatever major U.S. city could accept it.

“The vision is a hotel, an event space — with really amazing food and beverage opportunities, as the developers like to call it,” Gibbs told USA TODAY Network. “Like a Mad Men-style lounge. As well as, of course, a museum and innovation center.”

Earlier this year, the conservancy released an optimistic vision board showing the possibilities if the ship were to be taken to New York. But those plans take time, Gibbs stressed. And time is what the SS United States no longer has.

“Our search for a new temporary or permanent location has been ongoing and began well before the litigation, but if a dock cannot be found in the coming weeks, we’ll be forced to commit to reefing or scrapping the vessel,” stated Warren Jones, a member of the conservancy’s board who once rode on the ship as a passenger.

Conservancy spokespeople say the ship has faced adversity again and again, and remained above water. The nonprofit has petitioned President Joe Biden and other elected officials to help save the ship — but if the president is interested, he hasn't said so publicly.

Last year, Gibbs outlined the simple case to keep the ship in existence.

“There is no other American ocean liner left,” Gibbs said, while standing atop the ship’s highest deck last year. “She was the greatest ship in her day, and she remains so now. And it's just so important to preserve our history as a nation.”

Matthew Korfhage is business and development reporter in the Delaware region covering all things related to land and money: openings and closings, construction, and the many corporations that call the First State home.   Send tips and insults to  [email protected] .