TRAVEL TO USA - Am I exempt from the current UK—>USA Travel Ban (Married to a US citizen)

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone can shed any light on this as I am still trying to find official guidance/advice before we book anything.

From my understanding, there is a suspension/blanket ban in place for all travel to the US for British Citizens who have been in the UK in the previous 14 days prior to travel.

My questions.

1. Can my wife (as a US citizen) still travel to the US as normal? I understand that she will still need to quarantine for 14 days on arrival into the US as she will be coming from London (she is totally fine with this)

2. I assume my wife will have to quarantine for 14 days when she arrives back into the UK?

2. Can I (the non-US citizen) travel as a non-immigrant on a visitor visa/ESTA with my wife and Am I exempt from the blanket ban/suspension of British Citizens travelling to the USA because I am the spouse of a US citizen? And if so, I will also have to quarantine with her for 14 days on arrival into the USA correct?

3. If I am indeed on the exemption list, I assume that when I come back into the UK I will also have to quarantine for 14 days correct?

Appreciate your guidance on this :-)

Thanks


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1. Can my wife (as a US citizen) still travel to the US as normal? I understand that she will still need to quarantine for 14 days on arrival into the US as she will be coming from London (she is totally fine with this)

Yes, she can.

2. I assume my wife will have to quarantine for 14 days when she arrives back into the UK?

Yes, she will.

2. Can I (the non-US citizen) travel as a non-immigrant on a visitor visa/ESTA with my wife and Am I exempt from the blanket ban/suspension of British Citizens travelling to the USA because I am the spouse of a US citizen? And if so, I will also have to quarantine with her for 14 days on arrival into the USA correct?

Yes, you can travel to the US, and yes, you are exempt from the travel restrictions.

Whether you will have to quarantine or not will depend on whether the state you are flying to requires travellers from the UK to quarantine - some do and some don't. Either you and your wife will have to quarantine or neither of you will, depending on the state you are travelling to.

3. If I am indeed on the exemption list, I assume that when I come back into the UK I will also have to quarantine for 14 days correct?

Yes.

Everyone who arrives from the US must quarantine, unless they meet one of the exemptions issued by the UK government:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules

Yes, you can travel to the US, and yes, you are exempt from the travel restrictions.

Whether you will have to quarantine or not will depend on whether the state you are flying to requires travellers from the UK to quarantine - some do and some don't. Either you and your wife will have to quarantine or neither of you will, depending on the state you are travelling to.

Can I confirm how to obtain the esta? My husband is a british citizen and we need to get to the US in Nov, but it seems like they're not allowing anyone to get a new esta.

Yes, you can travel to the US, and yes, you are exempt from the travel restrictions.

Whether you will have to quarantine or not will depend on whether the state you are flying to requires travellers from the UK to quarantine - some do and some don't. Either you and your wife will have to quarantine or neither of you will, depending on the state you are travelling to.

Can I confirm how to obtain the esta? My husband is a british citizen and we need to get to the US in Nov, but it seems like they're not allowing anyone to get a new esta.

I have not looked into the ESTA yet as my current one expired, I will probably give the US embassy or consulate in London a quick call this week or an email to get clarification.

I am happy to go down the esta route or multiple entry visit visa route.
Esta would be the preferred route of course as it’s just so much easier to apply online.


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I have not looked into the ESTA yet as my current one expired, I will probably give the US embassy or consulate in London a quick call this week or an email to get clarification.

I am happy to go down the esta route or multiple entry visit visa route.
Esta would be the preferred route of course as it’s just so much easier to apply online.


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I just spoke to the Embassy who advised that spouses of US citizens are indeed exempt for the current travel ban.

She advised NOT to apply for the ESTA online and rather give ESTA a call as there is a slightly different process for current ESTA applications for spouses of US citizens.

The number for ESTA in the US is: +1202 344 37 10

The embassy also confirmed that once the ESTA is approved, I will not be able to check in online and should be checking in in person for my flight to the US.

Embassy also confirmed that the US citizen’s spouse (I.e me) must carry a copy of a Marriage Certificate and also a copy of the Presidential Proclamation to present to the airline in the UK during check in, and also present these to the immigration officers and customs on arrival into the US.
This will then satisfy US immigration for entry clearance.

Hope this helps :-)


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I am happy to go down the esta route or multiple entry visit visa route.
Esta would be the preferred route of course as it’s just so much easier to apply online.

Just for information, you should never apply for a B2 multiple entry visitor visa if you are eligible for ESTA.

The reason being:
- the B2 visitor visa will likely be refused because you are eligible for ESTA
- however, the simple act of being refused the B2 visa means you are now ineligible for ESTA
- therefore you have to apply for ANOTHER B2 visa, which should hopefully now be approved because you are no longer eligible for ESTA
- this also means you will need B2 visas to enter the US for the rest of your life

So, it's like a vicious cycle.

Not to mention, it can potentially take up to a few months to get a B2 visitor visa and it involves an expensive phone call to get a visa interview in London (and you may have to wait several weeks for an appointment), then you have to travel to the US Embassy in London (which may involve an overnight stay if you don't live near London), wait at the Embassy for anywhere from about 2-6 hours for your visa interview, and then wait another 1-2 weeks for the visa to be mailed to you.

I have a B2 visa myself because when I got my F1 student visa in 2007, the US Embassy told me I was ineligible for ESTA forever due to a DUI on my record and would now always need a visa to enter the US. However, the immigration officers at the airports on entry have told me that just a simple DUI does not make me ineligible for ESTA (it's not a CIMT), so I don't need a visa... I do still apply for them though, just in case.

Just for information, you should never apply for a B2 multiple entry visitor visa if you are eligible for ESTA.

The reason being:
- the B2 visitor visa will likely be refused because you are eligible for ESTA
- however, the simple act of being refused the B2 visa means you are now ineligible for ESTA
- therefore you have to apply for ANOTHER B2 visa, which should hopefully now be approved because you are no longer eligible for ESTA
- this also means you will need B2 visas to enter the US for the rest of your life

So, it's like a vicious cycle.

Not to mention, it can potentially take up to a few months to get a B2 visitor visa and it involves an expensive phone call to get a visa interview in London (and you may have to wait several weeks for an appointment), then you have to travel to the US Embassy in London (which may involve an overnight stay if you don't live near London), wait at the Embassy for anywhere from about 2-6 hours for your visa interview, and then wait another 1-2 weeks for the visa to be mailed to you.

I have a B2 visa myself because when I got my F1 student visa in 2007, the US Embassy told me I was ineligible for ESTA forever due to a DUI on my record and would now always need a visa to enter the US. However, the immigration officers at the airports on entry have told me that just a simple DUI does not make me ineligible for ESTA (it's not a CIMT), so I don't need a visa... I do still apply for them though, just in case.

Thanks for the clarification ksand24, (you fountain of wisdom!) I will absolutely not be going down the B2 visitor visa route as all my prior US visits have been via ESTA.

I will be giving ESTA a call today to understand what the process and application is for obtaining ESTA approval for spouses of US citizens. Will update thread accordingly :-) 


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We flew to the US in July.

Hubby (UKC) got his ESTA online.  It was approved in about an hour.

United Airlines at Heathrow performed a check to ensure he could enter the US.  We were put into a screening queue before we were allowed to check in.    We had to give them our marriage certificate and the agent spent about 10 minutes online and on the telephone.

Upon arriving in Newark, Global Entry was closed so we went through the normal line.  We had to go to secondary passport screening to get hubby's passport stamped.  It took about an additional 40 minutes.  We needed our marriage certificate.  The agent said if I wasn't with him in the future he should also have a copy of the information page of my passport. 

NJ made no mention about quarantining from the UK or any other country - just certain states.  The CDC did enhanced screening at Newark airport and they recommended but didn't require quarantining.  The CDC no longer does enhanced screening.

We were required to quarantine for 14 days upon returning to the UK.

Hope this helps.

We flew to the US in July.

Hubby (UKC) got his ESTA online.  It was approved in about an hour.

United Airlines at Heathrow performed a check to ensure he could enter the US.  We were put into a screening queue before we were allowed to check in.    We had to give them our marriage certificate and the agent spent about 10 minutes online and on the telephone.

Upon arriving in Newark, Global Entry was closed so we went through the normal line.  We had to go to secondary passport screening to get hubby's passport stamped.  It took about an additional 40 minutes.  We needed our marriage certificate.  The agent said if I wasn't with him in the future he should also have a copy of the information page of my passport. 

NJ made no mention about quarantining from the UK or any other country - just certain states.  The CDC did enhanced screening at Newark airport and they recommended but didn't require quarantining.  The CDC no longer does enhanced screening.

We were required to quarantine for 14 days upon returning to the UK.

Hope this helps.

Thanks harcm.
Can I just clarify, did your husband apply for an ESTA as normal? Without having to call ESTA or provide any additional evidence such as a marriage certificate.

Should I just go ahead and apply for my ESTA as normal ?


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Thanks harcm.
Can I just clarify, did your husband apply for an ESTA as normal? Without having to call ESTA or provide any additional evidence such as a marriage certificate.

Should I just go ahead and apply for my ESTA as normal ?


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Yes - he just applied normally online.  He didn't call anyone or provide additional evidence.  Maybe if he did it would have prevented the need for going through secondary clearance at Newark, but I don't know. 

Yes - he just applied normally online.  He didn't call anyone or provide additional evidence.  Maybe if he did it would have prevented the need for going through secondary clearance at Newark, but I don't know.

Thanks harcm, a final question if I may.
Could you point me in the right direction on where I can get a confirmation of what the international travel and arrival requirements are with regards to quarantining on arrival into the US (specifically NY) from the UK.

The embassy pointed me to the department of homeland security and CDC websites, but I cannot find specific information on whether one is expected to self isolate on arrival or not. We are hoping to travel to New York in December and just want to be sure we will not be expected to quarantine (unless there is a legislative change of course) some of the guidance I have seen for New York specifically is around inter state travel and quarantine rules (e.g if you are travelling from Indiana to New York, 14 day quarantine is mandatory)

Any help? 


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Thanks harcm, a final question if I may.
Could you point me in the right direction on where I can get a confirmation of what the international travel and arrival requirements are with regards to quarantining on arrival into the US (specifically NY) from the UK.

The embassy pointed me to the department of homeland security and CDC websites, but I cannot find specific information on whether one is expected to self isolate on arrival or not. We are hoping to travel to New York in December and just want to be sure we will not be expected to quarantine (unless there is a legislative change of course) some of the guidance I have seen for New York specifically is around inter state travel and quarantine rules (e.g if you are travelling from Indiana to New York, 14 day quarantine is mandatory)

Any help? 


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I don't know how much help I can provide.

The CDC stopped screening international flights as of September 14 so it's up to the individual states to set policy.  The only thing I found on NY's coronavirus website was this about needing to quarantine if you arrive from China, Japan, Iran, South Korea or Italy.  It seems like this was posted ages ago before South Korea

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/travel-large-gatherings-and-quarantines#quarantines

If it were me, I'd be prepared for the possibility that a quarantine might be implemented by the time you travel. 

We were in NJ.    There didn't appear to be much compliance with quarantine rules.  We were at the shore and there were plenty of cars from states on the quarantine list.  And lots of locals had traveled to other states and didn't quarantine when they returned.

What is your arrival airport in the US?  In the NYC area, we found that BA and AA were only flying to JFK from Heathrow.  UA was flying to Newark.  I'd be cautious about booking a flight on a route that isn't currently operating.  AA was showing they would resume service from Philadelphia in August.  I'm glad I didn't book that flight as they didn't resume service.  Newark and JFK are probably your safest bets as there has consistently been at least one flight daily to each airport from Heathrow. 

Hope this helps.

I don't know how much help I can provide.

The CDC stopped screening international flights as of September 14 so it's up to the individual states to set policy.  The only thing I found on NY's coronavirus website was this about needing to quarantine if you arrive from China, Japan, Iran, South Korea or Italy.  It seems like this was posted ages ago before South Korea

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/travel-large-gatherings-and-quarantines#quarantines

If it were me, I'd be prepared for the possibility that a quarantine might be implemented by the time you travel. 

We were in NJ.    There didn't appear to be much compliance with quarantine rules.  We were at the shore and there were plenty of cars from states on the quarantine list.  And lots of locals had traveled to other states and didn't quarantine when they returned.

What is your arrival airport in the US?  In the NYC area, we found that BA and AA were only flying to JFK from Heathrow.  UA was flying to Newark.  I'd be cautious about booking a flight on a route that isn't currently operating.  AA was showing they would resume service from Philadelphia in August.  I'm glad I didn't book that flight as they didn't resume service.  Newark and JFK are probably your safest bets as there has consistently been at least one flight daily to each airport from Heathrow. 

Hope this helps.

Thanks Harcm, I managed to find some information based on the executive order signed by the governor for international arrivals into NY from either Lever 2 or Level 3 countries.

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/international-travelers-coming-to-ny-must-quarantine-cuomo-orders-except-for-these-countries/2640956/

Our arrival airport would be JFK and we are thinking of taking either BA or Virgin from London Heathrow.

We will either stay in Manhattan or in Long Island (we have family in both boroughs) so I guess we just wait and watch. My wife is fine about quarantining for 2 weeks as her main reason to go is to spend time with her immediate family, me on the other hand I don’t know if I would be able to cope flying all the way to New York and not even being able to take a walk in Central Park or enjoy a stroll across midtown with a coffee.... she may have to travel solo if that’s the case!


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Thanks Harcm, I managed to find some information based on the executive order signed by the governor for international arrivals into NY from either Lever 2 or Level 3 countries.

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/international-travelers-coming-to-ny-must-quarantine-cuomo-orders-except-for-these-countries/2640956/

Our arrival airport would be JFK and we are thinking of taking either BA or Virgin from London Heathrow.

We will either stay in Manhattan or in Long Island (we have family in both boroughs) so I guess we just wait and watch. My wife is fine about quarantining for 2 weeks as her main reason to go is to spend time with her immediate family, me on the other hand I don’t know if I would be able to cope flying all the way to New York and not even being able to take a walk in Central Park or enjoy a stroll across midtown with a coffee.... she may have to travel solo if that’s the case!


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Thanks j2j.  I hadn't seen that but I'm not surprised.  I expect NJ and Connecticut will do the same thing as the 3 states have been aligned in their approach all along.

I have a 2 week trip to NJ in November for Thanksgiving.  Looks like it will be a quiet visit.  At least I got a good fare - less than US$400 roundtrip.

JFK was eerily empty when I flew back to England in August.  It really hit me just how big an impact COVID is having.

Good luck with your decision.  I can certainly understand your wife's desire to see her immediate family.

Thanks j2j.  I hadn't seen that but I'm not surprised.  I expect NJ and Connecticut will do the same thing as the 3 states have been aligned in their approach all along.

I have a 2 week trip to NJ in November for Thanksgiving.  Looks like it will be a quiet visit.  At least I got a good fare - less than US$400 roundtrip.

JFK was eerily empty when I flew back to England in August.  It really hit me just how big an impact COVID is having.

Good luck with your decision.  I can certainly understand your wife's desire to see her immediate family.

Oh that’s a fantastic fare! Well done!
We were hoping to head over to Indianapolis in November for Thanksgiving at my sister in laws, that’s looking unlikely :-(

I just hope the UK magically goes from a Level 4 to a Level 1 (we can only hope!)

I will keep checking NJ/NY state requirements for quarantining as it may be better to fly into Newark and then head over to NY but of course JFK would be our preference.


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