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Original poster

Florida - feeling hopeful

27 replies

Seriously79 · 20/09/2021 11:07

After cancelling our Florida holiday this year we are hopeful to get there next year.

Travel agent has come back with a price over 7K more than this year, so we are doing it ourselves.

Villa booked, and got a good price for the flights (there are 10 of us going).

Does the attached just mean the ESTA's? Or is there more paperwork to complete?

OP posts:
Original poster
Seriously79 · 20/09/2021 11:08

Can't add attachment

OP posts:
Original poster
Seriously79 · 20/09/2021 11:18

Still can't add attachment- so, other than passport and ESTA do we need any other paperwork/ documents to fly from uk to Florida.

Also, all adults are double vaccinated.

2 of the 4 kids will be over 12 and will of had their jab.

I've seen a lot of people saying that kids will need 2 jabs to travel internationally. If this is the case and the government are only recommending 1 - how do they get the other?

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Zodlebud · 20/09/2021 12:29

The vaccination thing is the biggest stumbling block to the USA reopening borders at present. They do not recognise the Astra Zeneca vaccine as it hasn’t been approved by their medical regulator. Given that quite a lot of the rest of the world has used AZ, it is causing big problems.

I would imagine the government will give out second jabs for 12-15 year olds in due course purely for travel reasons. It would be bonkers to effectively prevent entire families going abroad by not doing it. I guess they may offer it as a paid service though. So you get your first one free, second one you have to pay for - just like any other holiday jabs.

Original poster
Seriously79 · 20/09/2021 13:02

@Zodlebud

The vaccination thing is the biggest stumbling block to the USA reopening borders at present. They do not recognise the Astra Zeneca vaccine as it hasn’t been approved by their medical regulator. Given that quite a lot of the rest of the world has used AZ, it is causing big problems.

I would imagine the government will give out second jabs for 12-15 year olds in due course purely for travel reasons. It would be bonkers to effectively prevent entire families going abroad by not doing it. I guess they may offer it as a paid service though. So you get your first one free, second one you have to pay for - just like any other holiday jabs.

Thanks for your reply. I'm ignorantly assuming that they will have to accept the Astra jab soon, purely for the world to start turning again, for travel, holidays, hospitality and the economy. It's not as if those of us who have had it can now go and get the phzier jab now.
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HermioneWeasley · 20/09/2021 13:04

Nobody knows when the US border will open up or what the rules will be. I know it’s really hard, but you’ll just have to relax and see what the rules are when it happens.

Horizons83 · 20/09/2021 13:12

To be honest, as the poster above says, at the moment I would not concentrate too much on what the rules say as they will definitely change by 2022 and it’s impossible to predict what and when those changes will be.

As part of my job I have to advise clients of entry rules into the U.K. and other countries and my advice changes about once every month.

Parker231 · 20/09/2021 13:13

No signs yet of the US granting ESTA’s anytime soon to U.K. visitors. I read one article that it wouldn’t be this year.

atracurious · 20/09/2021 13:33

I'd also love to get back out to Florida but I don't know re the AZ vaccines being approved. I think you're a bit mad booking flights and a villa without knowing when they'll approve it. Are you covered by your insurance if they don't approve your vaccine in time? The FDA can dig their heels in when they want to.

I do sympathise as we love US holidays but for now we are staying closer to home until they've reopened everything, it's just so much money too lose

AttilaTheMeerkat · 20/09/2021 14:23

As Hermione has stated nobody knows when UK and European citizens will be allowed to travel to the US. It may well be that what you've already booked up will need to be amended going forward.

GalesThisMorning · 20/09/2021 14:29

I am a US citizen living in the UK. It is incorrect to say that AZ jabs are not recognised - all WHO vaccines are. I entered the USA over the summer and I've only had AZ.

However, only US nationals and close relatives are permitted entry at the moment. Florida is in a really bad way with the virus, I wouldn't plan on going there anytime soon unless you have to and know you can!

Chemenger · 20/09/2021 14:33

AZ is fine in the US. The problem is getting in. My DH is there at the moment, on a national interest exemption. He’s double vaccinated with AZ and it’s giving no issues. I can’t get In because I can’t enter on my type of visa.

Original poster
Seriously79 · 20/09/2021 14:33

Thanks all for your comments.

Only deposits have been paid and we have insurance, rather my parents have they are the ones paying. We aren't going until next July, we are just desperately hoping the world is a safer place by then!

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Original poster
Seriously79 · 20/09/2021 14:34

@Chemenger

AZ is fine in the US. The problem is getting in. My DH is there at the moment, on a national interest exemption. He’s double vaccinated with AZ and it’s giving no issues. I can’t get In because I can’t enter on my type of visa.
Am I right I'm thinking for holidays, it's just an ESTA that's needed?
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Parker231 · 20/09/2021 14:43

Just seen this on Twitter by the BBC

BREAKING: Am hearing announcement coming today on relaxing of US travel ban. Looks like those with double vaccine to be allowed to enter US from November

Original poster
Seriously79 · 20/09/2021 15:01

@Parker231

Just seen this on Twitter by the BBC

BREAKING: Am hearing announcement coming today on relaxing of US travel ban. Looks like those with double vaccine to be allowed to enter US from November

Could you attach a link please?
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Parker231 · 20/09/2021 15:15

www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-58621759

atracurious · 20/09/2021 15:20

Haha perfect timing OP- I take my previous comment back - enjoy your trip!!

lljkk · 20/09/2021 19:41

I believe that Florida isn't imposing any vaccine requirements, and very unlikely to start imposing them.

Do you have direct flights? I cannot find any between London airports & Florida airports; do you have one?

Original poster
Seriously79 · 20/09/2021 20:01

@lljkk

I believe that Florida isn't imposing any vaccine requirements, and very unlikely to start imposing them.

Do you have direct flights? I cannot find any between London airports & Florida airports; do you have one?

Yes, with BA from Heathrow.
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BritWifeInUSA · 20/09/2021 20:02

The border is opening in November. So relieved that my mother can come and visit for Thanksgiving!

BritWifeInUSA · 20/09/2021 20:04

@lljkk

I believe that Florida isn't imposing any vaccine requirements, and very unlikely to start imposing them.

Do you have direct flights? I cannot find any between London airports & Florida airports; do you have one?

Entry requirements into the country are not a state matter. It’s a federal matter so it doesn’t matter which state you’re going to, entry into the country is the same requirement for all.
lljkk · 20/09/2021 20:55

ahhh... reqs are different for me as US citizen

lljkk · 20/09/2021 20:56

bloody hell why can't I find any direct flights... this is so aggravating.
May I ask what arrival airport, @Seriously79 ?

DGFB · 20/09/2021 20:58

Agree that AZ actually is accepted

lljkk · 20/09/2021 21:03

oh well, I've gone insane. 48 hours ago I couldn't find a single direct flight & now there are loads. I'll get fitted up for a strait jacket soon.