Unlocking the World
Travel to New York City during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go
CNN Staff • Updated 21st June 2022
Editor's Note — Coronavirus cases remain in flux. Health officials advise delaying travel if you're not fully vaccinated and caught up on boosters. This article was last updated on June 21.
(CNN) — If you're planning to travel to New York City, here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The latest
Broadway says it will allow theatergoers to go mask optional in July, according to an announcement from The Broadway League on Tuesday.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lifted its requirement for travelers to test negative for Covid-19 before entering the United States.
The basics
The city's Key to NYC requirements lifted on March 7.
Proof of vaccination is no longer required for patrons of the city's indoor dining, fitness and entertainment venues.
While the CDC still recommends everyone 2 and older wear a well-fitting mask on public transportation, masks are currently not required on airplanes, trains and other means of public transit.
What's on offer
This is the ultimate city break. New York has the greatest city skyline in the world; culture from the Guggenheim to MoMA; spectacular food from Chinese delicacies in Flushing to Italian delights in the Bronx; and the green sweep of Central Park to the busy Lower East Side.
Who can go
Fully vaccinated travelers from abroad (people who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents) are allowed entry into the United States, including New York City.
US citizens or lawful permanent residents do not need vaccines to return to the United States.
New York doesn't have any restrictions on domestic travelers.
What are the restrictions?
Unvaccinated travelers from abroad are no longer allowed to enter the United States, with limited exceptions. Among those exceptions are unvaccinated children younger than 18.
The state of New York's travel advisory expired in June 2021, and travelers no longer have to submit traveler health forms. The state still encourages all travelers to follow CDC guidance.
What's the Covid situation?
As of June 21, New York City remained at "medium" Covid alert (the scale goes from low to very high).
As of June 21, more than 40,600 total confirmed and probable deaths and roughly 2.56 million total confirmed or probable cases were registered. There's been a test positivity rate of about 10.2% in the past 28 days.
What can visitors expect?
Despite the Broadway mask-optional update, owners and operators will still encourage audience members to wear masks in all of its 41 Broadway theaters.
Masking protocols will be decided on a month-to-month basis as the league continues to monitor the science, The Broadway League said.
Restaurants, movie theaters and other venues are open. The Key to NYC policy -- allowing indoor access only to vaccinated patrons -- expired in March.
Among the many locations you can get rapid Covid-19 testing are these spots frequented by tourists:
• LaGuardia Airport, in the Terminal B parking lot
• John F. Kennedy International Airport -- check link for various sites within airport.
• Staten Island Ferry, St. George Terminal on Staten Island (next to the North Shore Esplanade exit)
Useful links
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