AIBU to go to the USA?

[SarahOsborne]

I'm fully vaccinated, I've booked my Covid test, I've got my airline tickets and got my visa to go to America next week. However I've just realised that there are restrictions to get into America from the UK. What happens if I turn up at the airport? Do they turn me away at Heathrow or do they turn me away in America? Is there a chance they would let me in?

Oh come on, surely the first thing you would do is actually check the destination country is letting you in! What a load of rubbish.

Erm... did you just think, "I fancy a vacay, lemme try Miami"

?? OP!!!!!!!!! Silly sausage/weiner

I'm struggling to believe that you're that naive OP. However in answer to your question you won't be allowed to board the plane unless you qualify for one of the exceptions.

Still no clarification from the OP as to whether they really meant they had a Visa (if so which? because some non US nationals can enter the States directly from the likes of the UK/EU with the right Visa), or if they actually meant they had an ESTA…which is almost worthless ATM.

Is an esta, sorry my apologies.

What’s the purpose of your travel OP?

Oh OP, why didn't you check before you booked? Can't believe you didn't realise, it's not exactly classified information is it!

Why and where are you going?

If you could just turn up and claim ignorance of the restrictions and be let in everyone would be doing it!

I don’t think you’ll have much luck unless you’re a citizen or have substantial business reasons for being there

@turkeyboots

Why are you going? Tourism is open as of yesterday, if you are fully vaccinated and have your ESTA. Work maybe a different kettle of fish.

Rule changes were announced yesterday. They don't come into effect until November.

My planned holiday at October half term has already been cancelled due to ongoing restrictions.

@Chipsahoy

My dh is American and wants to see his family. He contacted embassy and was advised as he doesn’t reside in the USA, he will be turned away at the border. He is waiting until November and will go then.

That is not correct if he is a US citizen. You can also go as a spouse with a UK passport.

If you have a U.K. passport and an Esta then you have zero chance of travelling to USA.

We managed it earlier in the summer by “laundering” our time in a third country. Esta are being issued and can be used as long as you have not been “physically present” in the U.K. in the previous 14 days.

Unless you can go via Barbados for a fortnight you’re screwed.

However I've just realised that there are restrictions to get into America from the UK

How???

Seriously, where have you been???

ESTAs are being issued, not being cancelled without a reason and you can absolutely use them.

The restrictions are about where you are flying from
You can’t be in the UK, Ireland, the Schengen area and another few countries 14 (full) days prior to arrival. That includes changing flights.

I travelled to the US last week and I’m still here. I had spent 2 weeks in Turkey and flew from Istanbul on an ESTA (that had been issued a few weeks ago) Had no problem at JFK, they just checked my stamp entering Turkey and my pcr test and I was good to go.