Can I go to the US if I have not had a Covid shot? The Holiday Guru addresses travelers’ questions
Can I go to the US if I am not vaccinated against covid? What is the latest news about the strike at the passport office? The Holiday Guru addresses travelers’ questions
The Holiday Guru is there to answer traveller’s questions.
This week he covers questions about the new Covid rules for travel to the US, the passport office strikes, the best books for planning an interrail trip, easyJet’s hand luggage allowance and more…
Q. I have not been vaccinated against Covid, which has prevented me from visiting the United States recently. It’s my favorite country and I love New York City. I hear the rules are changing, can I go now?
Anne Summerville, Glasgow
A. Yes, starting Friday you can visit the United States whether you are vaccinated or not. This coincides with the US declaration that the ‘public health emergency’ related to Covid is over. The Biden administration says, “We are in a different phase of our response to Covid-19 than when we put in place many of these requirements.”
The US reopens borders to unvaccinated travelers
Q. Can you confirm that travel to the Americas using an Electronic Travel Authorization System (ESTA) is possible if you visited Cuba before January 2021? There has been confusion about this.
Jen Smith, by email
A. If your trip to Cuba was before January 12, 2021, you can get an ESTA (which costs about £17). However, if it’s after that, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa, which costs around £130. More information is available on the US travel page at gov.uk.
Q. What is the latest news on the strike at the Passport Office?
Jennifer Bloom, Southampton
A. Fortunately, the strike over pensions and wages ended on Saturday. The Passport Office says it has met its 10-week target for applications despite the union action, but it should now be easier to make face-to-face appointments for expedited passports.
Q. When are the next train strikes?
Mrs Daniels, Manchester
A. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) plans to walk out on Saturday, which will affect those planning to visit Liverpool for the Eurovision Song Contest. The Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) will strike on Friday, then May 31 and June 3, the latest date being the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
Q. I want to travel to Turkey in mid August and a week in September. My children’s passports expire in May 2024. Is there enough time or do I need to renew them?
Emma Pearson, via email
Visitors to Turkey need their passport valid for at least 150 days from the date of entry
A. The rules are that your passport must be valid for 150 days from the day you arrive in Turkey. You must also have at least one blank page for exit and entry stamps. See entry requirements for Turkey at gov.uk.
Q. I’m thinking about going on an Interrail trip. Can you recommend a book for routes?
Daniel Thomson, Warrington
A. Europe By Rail: The Definitive Guide, by Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries, covering 50 great journeys (Hidden Europe Publications). It would also be good to get a copy of Rail Map Europe, which shows rail lines (europeanrailtimetable.eu).
Q. We are flying from Bristol to Alicante with easyJet but we are confused about the hand luggage allowance. EasyJet says the dimensions are 45cm by 36cm by 20cm, but our bag is 47cm by 20cm by 36cm. Is this OK? Can I also bring my handbag?
Sylvia Courtney, by email
A. Your bag would be too big under easyJet rules and you would not be allowed to bring an extra handbag. To see easyjet.com.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
If you need advice, the Holiday Guru is there to answer your questions. Email us at holidayplanner@dailymail.co.uk.