florida travel requirements from uk

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U.S. Entry Requirements

Coming to Orlando from another country? See what documentation you will need to gain access to the Theme Park Capital of the World.

Checklist for Entering the U.S.

Make sure you meet these requirements before traveling to the United States from other countries.

According to the U.S. Department of State, all international visitors traveling to the United States need a passport.

Visitors from countries under the Visa Waiver Program (including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Japan and Germany, among others) do not need a visa. Visitors from countries outside of the waiver program will need a nonimmigrant visa.

For more information on obtaining a visa, visit Travel.State.gov .

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Our friendly, knowledgeable Vacation Planners are available via phone at  +1 (407) 363-5872 ,  email  and  Live Chat  Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET. They can help you stay up to date on everything about your Orlando vacation with resources you can trust, including the latest news, expert trip-planning advice, insider information and more.

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COVID-19 Requirements

Visitors to the U.S. do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19.

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Entry Requirements & Customs in Florida

Virtually every air traveler entering the U.S. is required to show a passport. All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport. Note: U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the western hemisphere must now also present a passport or other documents compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI; visit www.getyouhome.gov for details). Children 15 and under may continue entering with only a U.S. birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship.

Australia -- Australian Passport Information Service (tel. 131-232, or visit www.passports.gov.au).

Canada -- Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca).

Ireland -- Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie).

New Zealand -- Passports Office, Department of Internal Affairs, 47 Boulcott St., Wellington, 6011 (tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100; www.passports.govt.nz).

United Kingdom -- Visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency, or contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), 89 Eccleston Sq., London, SW1V 1PN (tel. 0300/222-0000; www.ips.gov.uk).

United States -- To find your regional passport office, check the U.S. State Department website (http://travel.state.gov/passport) or call the National Passport Information Center (tel. 877/487-2778 ) for automated information.

The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of the following countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. ( Note: This list was accurate at press time; for the most up-to-date list of countries in the VWP, consult http://travel.state.gov/visa.) Even though a visa isn't necessary, in an effort to help U.S. officials check travelers against terror watch lists before they arrive at U.S. borders, visitors from VWP countries must register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a plane or a boat to the U.S. Travelers must complete an electronic application providing basic personal and travel-eligibility information. The Department of Homeland Security recommends filling out the form at least 3 days before traveling. Authorizations will be valid for up to 2 years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first. Currently, there is a US$14 fee for the online application. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration dates. Note: Any passport issued on or after October 26, 2006, by a VWP country must be an e-Passport for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the U.S. without a visa. Citizens of these nations also need to present a round-trip air or cruise ticket upon arrival. E-Passports contain computer chips capable of storing biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. If your passport doesn't have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if the valid passport was issued before October 26, 2005, and includes a machine-readable zone; or if the valid passport was issued between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, and includes a digital photograph. For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa . Canadian citizens may enter the United States without visas, but will need to show passports and proof of residence.

Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the U.S., and (2) a tourist visa.

For information about U.S. visas go to http://travel.state.gov and click on "Visas." Or go to one of the following websites:

Australian citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information from the U.S. Embassy Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (tel. 02/6214-5600 ), or by checking the U.S. Diplomatic Mission's website at http://canberra.usembassy.gov/visas.html .

British subjects can obtain up-to-date visa information by calling the U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (tel. 09042-450-100 from within the U.K. at £1.20 per minute; or tel. 866/382-3589 from within the U.S. at a flat rate of $16; payable by credit card only) or by visiting the "Visas to the U.S." section of the American Embassy London's website at http://london.usembassy.gov/visas.html .

Irish citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information through the U.S. Embassy Dublin, 42 Elgin Rd., Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (tel. 1580-47-VISA [8472] from within the Republic of Ireland at €2.40 per minute; http://dublin.usembassy.gov ).

Citizens of New Zealand can obtain up-to-date visa information by contacting the U.S. Embassy New Zealand, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (tel. 644/462-6000; http://newzealand.usembassy.gov ).

Every visitor 21 years of age or older may bring in, free of duty, the following: (1) 1 U.S. quart of alcohol; (2) 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3) $100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is forbidden to bring into the country almost any meat products (including canned, fresh, and dried meat products such as bouillon, soup mixes, and the like). Generally, condiments including vinegars, oils, pickled goods, spices, coffee, tea, and some cheeses and baked goods are permitted. Avoid rice products, as rice can often harbor insects. Bringing fruits and vegetables is prohibited since they may harbor pests or disease. International visitors may carry in or out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing form CM 4790. For details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or U.S. Customs (www.customs.gov).

Medical Requirements

Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the United States.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Rules for travelling to the USA from the UK explained: tests, vaccines and more

The US eased travel restrictions for visitors from the UK in November 2021, with rules around testing eased in June 2022. Find out what all this means for your trip.

Can I travel to the USA?

Yes. Since November 2021, international travellers from the UK have been able to visit the USA. Between November 2021 and May 2023, this was on the condition that travellers were fully vaccinated. We were on the first flight out in early November 2021, so have first-hand experience of the process.

What Covid tests do I need to travel to the USA?

As of June 2022, the requirement for air travellers to show proof of a negative test to enter the USA has been dropped.

"We are able to take this step because of the tremendous progress we've made in our fight against the virus. We have made lifesaving vaccines and treatments widely available and these tools are working to prevent serious illness and death, and are effective against the prevalent variants circulating in the US and around the world," a senior official said in a statement.

Do I need to be vaccinated to go to the USA?

At the time of writing (2 May 2023), yes – most international air travellers need to show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the USA. Any vaccine approved for use by the World Health Organisation or by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be accepted, including AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and others. The final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days before travelling.

From 11 May 2023, the US will end the vaccination requirements for interntational travellers. This is when the coronavirus public health emergency ends.

Can unvaccinated people travel to the USA?

Until 11 May, to enter the USA unvaccinated you must have been granted an exception or be a US Citizen, US National, or US Lawful Permanent Resident. You can find out if you qualify as an exception to the rules by reading the list outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

After 11 May, you don't need to be vaccinated to travel to the USA.

Do I need to wear a face mask in the USA?

Rules on wearing masks differ in each state and in different settings, so it's important to check before you travel, however there are currently no states requiring people to wear masks in public spaces. You may be required to wear a mask in certain settings, such as healthcare facilities.

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Helpful Information for your Florida Holiday

Passports, ESTA’s and Visas

British tourists can visit Florida (and the rest of the USA) for up to 90 days without the need for a Visa. Though, British visitors must still get approval to visit Florida (and the rest of the USA) from an ESTA (the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) and it will cost a small fee. For more information including where to apply for your ESTA please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements . British travellers must also have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Florida (and the rest of the USA) – for up to date passport information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements .

Tipping Etiquette

In Florida, and throughout the USA, it is customary to tip in restaurants and bars between 18 and 22%. Tipping is expected as part of your dining experience, so be sure to budget a little extra for each meal to include your servers tip. In many establishments your bill will come with a suggested tip on the bottom telling you the value for an 18, 20 and 22 percent tip. We like to always go for the middle ground (20%) but you can always offer more if you feel you have had great service. 

Travel Insurance

It is essential that you have comprehensive Travel Insurance for you and your whole family before going on your Florida holiday (and the rest of the USA). You need to be sure to take out a Travel Insurance policy BEFORE you travel to Florida from the UK— for any advice, speak to one of our Travel Advisors when booking your Florida Holiday.

Best Time to Visit Florida Year-round great temperatures make Florida a favourite travel destination for holidays all year long! The most popular time of the year to visit Florida is often the summer (July-August) as this is when many families love to go on their Orlando Holiday’s to the magical Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Though the summer is Floridas rainy season, this never stops visitors from having a great time on their Florida summer holidays! December – February is another popular time of year for Florida holidays as these are the UKs coldest months, so travellers can escape the winter cold in the UK and trade it for winter sun in Florida! April hosts the Easter holidays, making this another very popular month for Florida holidays. The 2-week school Easter holiday makes for the perfect time for many families to have their Florida holiday as not only do the children have time off school, but April is also a milder and less humid month in Florida. In terms of cost, May/ October and November are often the months that travellers can book the cheapest Florida holidays – and you don’t need to worry about ‘out of season’ weather as Florida remains warm all year long!

Packing For your holiday to Florida, any toys resembling weapons need to be packed in hold luggage (for example, toy guns or lightsabres). Particularly if you are planning a summer holiday to Florida, you may want to pack Bug Spray as there can be some biting insects like mosquitos.  

COVID-19 Information

As of May 11 th  2023 (end of day), the COVID-19 Vaccine will no longer be a requirement for international travellers to the USA

Before you fly to Florida, you may be prompted by one of our airline partners that you are flying with (Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Aer Lingus, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, etc) to fill out and submit a COVID-19 declaration form.

As of Tuesday 19 April 2022, the wearing of Face Masks on a flight to Florida (and the rest of the USA) will now be a personal choice. For the latest travel advice, regarding COVID-19, to Florida please check https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements before flying. For further Florida Travel Information, including the latest Travel Updates, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa . Covid-19 related information is correct as of 30th January 2024.

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Book Walt Disney World Holidays for 2024 / 2025 and benefit from our exclusive Disney Package prices including flights, accommodation and car hire. Book your Magical Disney holiday for 2024 / 2025 with a low deposit today. Plus enjoy Free Disney Dining on select 2025 Disney holidays.  ABTA & ATOL Protected. 

Take your holiday to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort. With three amazing theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay. Plus, coming in 2025: Epic Universe!

Experience an Orlando villa holiday in 2024 or 2025 with a fantastic a choice of 3-9 bedroom villas to rent within minutes of Disney and all Orlando attractions. Book Luxury Orlando Villa holiday with Charter Travel - your trusted Travel Company for over 35 years. 

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Greater Miami & Miami Beach Travel Information

Miami-dade county covid guidelines.

• There is currently no curfew in Miami-Dade County.

Masks/Facial Coverings

There is currently no mask mandate in Miami-Dade County, however we do encourage you to be safe! Face masks and coverings are optional but do practice social distancing when you are exploring our beautiful tropical paradise! Facial masks and coverings are optional for Miami-Dade County public transit, Miami International Airport and PortMiami. Please inquire with other public transportation options such as Brightline, taxis, Uber and Lyft as they may have their own mask rules.

The Greater Miami & Miami Beach Destination Pledge

Greater Miami is taking steps to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and keep visitors and residents healthy. Throughout various tourism touch points in the destination, partners are pledging to adhere to the highest standards for mitigation of communicable diseases to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19. The Greater Miami & Miami Beach Destination Pledge  is implemented at several tourism touch points throughout the community including at Miami International Airport and Port Miami as well as local attractions, museums, hotels, retail and dining establishments.

#FoundinMiami  #TravelResponsibly

Visitors are encouraged to call their hotel directly to learn specific guidelines to follow while on property. Hotels are encouraged to do the following:

• Minimize shared touch surfaces such as kiosks, tablets, pens, credit cards, receipts, and keys.
• Make guest room service, laundry and dry-cleaning services, and amenity deliveries available using contactless pick-up and delivery protocols.
• Remove or limit paper amenities in guest rooms and supplement with digital material or make materials available upon request.
• Valets should be provided with hand sanitizer and should use sanitizer before and after parking vehicles. 

Restaurants

Restaurants are permitted to offer indoor and outdoor dining at up to 100% capacity. Restaurants are encouraged to do the following:

• Offer takeout and delivery services.
• Offer a QR code to view menus digitally and touchless payment options.

Visit MiamiEats for access to delivery and take out menus for hundreds of restaurants across Greater Miami and Miami Beach.

Banquet, Meeting and Convention Spaces

Convention and Meeting Spaces as well as Banquet Facilities are fully open and indoor consumption of food and beverages as well as live performances at these venues is allowed.

Miami Beach and the Miami Beach Convention Center

The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) has developed and deployed health and safety measures to support safe live events and gatherings.

There are COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites throughout the destination which operate seven days a week with no appointment necessary. For information on testing sites, click here .

Entertainment Venues

Movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, arcades, and indoor amusement facilities are open. Indoor consumption of food and beverages as well as live performances at these venues is allowed, with restrictions.

Malls, Stores and Retail Shops

Retail establishments are encouraged to do the following:

• Make hand sanitizing dispensers or sanitizer available at entrances and in common areas.
• Offer use of home delivery, curbside pickup, or “appointment only shopping” for customers.
• Consider special store hours for seniors and vulnerable guests.

Spa's, Gyms & Wellness Facilities

If you would like to visit a wellness facility, please make sure to call direct and learn of any specific guidelines. Gyms, studios, and fitness centers are encouraged to establish the following:

• Designated staff responsible for sanitizing, cleaning, and supervision during each shift.
• Gyms should provide sanitizing wipes near the lockers or in the locker room.

Travel Information for Visitors to Miami

For the most up-to-date information on travel restrictions, please check with the US Department of State and the CDC Guidance for Travel as guidelines and restrictions continue to evolve.

CDC Travel Requirements

• All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. Citizens, are no longer required to take a Covid-19 test within a day before boarding a flight to the United States. See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Cruise Travel

All cruise lines have activated operations, but some sailings continue to be cancelled due to Covid-19. The CDC recommends that cruise ships operating in U.S. choose to participate in the CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships .

For your convenience, following are some of Greater Miami's top cruise lines and their updates.

• Royal Caribbean Travel Update
• Carnival Cruise Lines Update
• MSC Cruise Lines Travel Update
• NCL Cruise Lines Travel Update

Public Transportation

Masks are optional on Miami-Dade County public transportation. Please inquire with other public transportation options such as Brightline, taxis, Uber and Lyft as they may have their own mask rules.

General Information Sites

Although international visitors are required to be fully vaccinated, Miami-Dade County will continue to offer free vaccination and testing sites to everyone living in or visiting our County to ensure a safe season.

On-site Covid-19 testing at Miami International Airport is available to passengers, employees and visitors at two convenient locations. There is no age requirement but patients under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Test costs range from $79 to $179. For more information, click here . 

On-site Covid-19 testing is available at no charge at various Miami-Dade County locations. For more information and locations, click here . 

• Covid Testing Sites in Miami-Dade County
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Hurricane Preparedness and Resources

Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through November 30.

• Find out if you are in a Hurricane Evacuation Zone, and use our 10-step checklist to make sure you are prepared:
• Download the Ready Miami-Dade (Ready MDC) mobile application from the County's Office of Emergency Management, available via Google Play and the App Store store.

Additional Resources:

Miami-Dade County Hurricane Guide

Miami-Dade County Emergency Evacuations

Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP)

Miami Beach Hurricane Evacuation Pick-Up Points

City of Miami Beach Emergency Preparedness

Stay Connected and Informed:

• ​Register today at www.miamidade.gov/fire/eeap.asp
• Text MBAlert to 888777 to receive emergency alerts via text.
• Visit www.mbalerts.com to sign-up for text/email/phone call alerts to receive emergency notifications and automatic weather alerts.
• Hurricane Evacuation Pick-Up Points

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Are there entry restrictions to Florida due to Covid-19?

Florida is open to fully vaccinated travellers only from the UK. Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination required for arrivals from the UK. Check out Florida Department of Health for more information.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from the USA?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from the USA. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the flight time to Florida from the UK?

The flight time to Florida from the UK is typically 9.5 hours .

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The time difference between Florida and the UK is UK time-5 to UK time-6 hours .

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The currency in Florida is the US Dollar ( USD ). Send money to Florida with TransferGo * .

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Florida uses electrical plug type A + B (120 Volts) .

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Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Florida. Check Florida visa requirements for all passport holders with iVisa.com * .

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What documents are needed to travel abroad.

You’re excitedly counting down the days until your sunny Florida vacation. But before you go, it’s important to be in the know about all the  documents needed to travel to America .

Here’s a listing of information about the documentation required by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Visa Waiver Program, ESTA, and all the other basics to make your entry into the country effortless.

Basic Traveler Documents

Think of the first thing you triple-check before you leave for the airport. If you thought passport, you’re thinking like a world traveler.

Your passport is the primary  ID required for air travel  to a foreign country, so keep it close and safe. Make sure to check your passport well in advance to ensure it’s not expired. Although there are many passport expediting services, renewing your passport rush-free will save you the stress and big price tag.

An alternate form of I.D. like a driver’s license and/or birth certificate is also important to bring along, as well as any visa documentation. Depending on your country of origin, you may not need a visa to visit the U.S. thanks to the  Visa Waiver Program .

-  Tookapic via Pixabay

Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of  38 countries  to visit the United States without a visa, facilitating entry to the country. Business or tourism visitors can stay for up to 90 days; visas are required for longer stays.

The Visa Waiver Program works only for electronic passports, or e-Passports, which contain an electronic chip. Most passports are electronic, but if you’re not sure, check for a  chip icon  at the bottom of the front cover of your passport. Travelers  without an e-Passport  are subject to a non-immigrant visa requirement.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)  

If your country falls under the Visa Waiver Program you don’t need to worry about visas. But in order to be admitted into the country, you’re going to need to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or  ESTA . This automated system determines if you’re eligible to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program using biographic info, and answers to VWP eligibility questions. The application process has a $4 processing fee, and a $10 authorization charge. Although in most cases a response is received within seconds of submission, make sure you  apply  as soon as you start planning your trip. Questions on ESTA or the VWP? Check out the U.S. Customs and Border Protection  FAQ’s . 

Visas   

If your country doesn’t fall under the Visa Waiver Program, if you’re an exchange student, or if you have other circumstances that require you to stay longer than 90 days in Florida, you’re going to need a  nonimmigrant visa , or a visa for someone who doesn’t plan to permanently immigrate to the U.S.

These visas are categorized, with the  Tourism and Visitor  visa being one of the most common. It’s a lengthier, more hands-on process, but as long as you tick all the requirement boxes, you’ll be good to go. Once you submit all documents and pay a fee, which ranges from $160-$205 depending on your visa, you’ll be cited for an interview. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s  website  for a detailed list of requirements, as well as the step-by-step process.

Other Considerations   

It’s strongly recommended that you bring a note of consent (notarized, if possible) if you’re travelling with your child, and the other parent or legal guardian isn’t accompanying you.

As far as additional  documents needed to travel abroad , international travelers no longer need to complete Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 or Form I-94W. If you need to verify immigration status, employment authorization, or any other admission information, you can use your I-94 number (access it  here ). Your I-94 number is a required form of ID at customs, so make sure to save it in multiple places (phone, notepad, etc.).

With so many papers and so much fine print, international travel can sometimes feel like a Rubik’s cube. But our handy list will help you navigate the ins and outs of customs, security, visas, and forms so you can focus on jumping in and out of Florida’s gorgeous beaches. 

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Florida Has Reopened to Travelers—but Should You Go?

The florida keys, miami and walt disney world are all welcoming back travelers. but before you throw your weekender bag over your shoulder, read up on florida’s latest coronavirus case numbers..

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The Florida Keys reopened to travelers in June.

Photo by Zhukova Valentyna/Shutterstock

Updated Nov. 4, 2020. Florida currently has no travel restrictions.

In June, the Florida Keys and Miami announced that they were welcoming back visitors. Universal Orlando opened back up to the general public on June 5 (with limited capacity ), and the Walt Disney World Resort reopened on July 11.

But this has not been a typical summer in Florida. After the state reopened following business closures that were put in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, Florida has experienced a spike in coronavirus cases and deaths . Travelers interested in heading to Florida should check with the Florida Department of Health to see what the latest case counts are—the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against traveling to areas where transmission levels are high.

In the Keys, the first phase of reopening requires that lodgings be limited to 50 percent of full capacity. Hotels and tourism establishments must follow disinfecting and social-distancing guidelines issued by the Florida Department of Health, the CDC, and the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and face masks are required for both tourists and hospitality industry workers. Officials did not say how long these measures would last. The majority of the beaches in the Keys are currently open, but beachgoers are being asked to remain in groups of 10 people or fewer.

In Miami, beaches, hotels, restaurants, museums, retail stores, attractions, salons, and city and county parks have been given the green light to reopen. Masks are required in the county inside commercial businesses and outdoors when social distancing of at least six feet is not possible.

All beachgoers in Miami Beach are required to have a face mask on hand to show to local authorities when asked, and they must wear the masks if a distance of six feet cannot be established between groups who are not from the same household. Officials said they will mark areas on the sand to indicate six feet of distance between groups. Hotels have a long list of health and safety guidelines they need to follow in order to reopen.

Florida has 67 counties and each is taking a slightly different approach to reopening. It will be a process. Here is where things stand thus far.

Who is allowed to travel to Florida right now?

As of August 6, those traveling to Florida from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Louisiana are no longer required to self-quarantine for 14 days. The quarantine orders had been put into place at the end of March by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

As for international visitors, as per U.S. government restrictions, foreign nationals who have been in China, Iran, Europe, the United Kingdom, or Ireland in the previous 14 days will be denied entry into Florida.

Are the roads to Florida open?

All of the roads and highways into Florida remain open.

Also of note for road-trippers: To reduce the risk of transmission for toll workers, tolls are being collected electronically on Florida’s Turnpike. When you come to a toll plaza, you don’t need to stop—you will be billed through “toll-by-plate”—a snapshot of your license plate will result in an invoice being sent via mail, according to the Florida Department of Transportation . There are also “exact coin lanes,” where there is no toll operator and you can submit exact payments in coins.

Are there flights available to Florida?

All of Florida’s major airports, including Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, and Orlando International Airport, remain open. While service has been reduced due to a downturn in demand, there are still plenty of flights operating to these hubs from throughout the United States, including on American, United, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue.

Which businesses, hotels, and attractions are open in Florida?

As stated above, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World reopened on June 5 and July 11, respectively. Universal Orlando reopened its CityWalk shopping area with limited hours on May 14, and Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs dining and shopping district partially reopened on May 20.

Hotels in Florida were never required by the state to close, but many were forced to temporarily close due to a demand nosedive or because of city or county restrictions. Now, many that closed are starting to reopen. Check with each individual property to see whether it is open or plans to reopen soon.

As of May 18, individual counties were able to request approval to begin allowing vacation rentals to operate anew (on March 27, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order barring vacation rentals in an effort to deter nonresidents who were fleeing to the state from locations that were experiencing larger coronavirus outbreaks). There are 67 counties in Florida, and as of August 13, 55 counties had been granted approval for vacation rental operations. They include Bay, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gulf, Highlands, Jackson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe (which includes the Keys), Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange (which includes Orlando), Osceola, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, St. Johns, Wakulla, and Walton counties. A comprehensive and regularly updated list of which counties are allowing vacation rentals to operate is available on Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation site .

Florida has also eased the restrictions on numerous businesses. In addition to delivery and take-out services, restaurants and dining establishments throughout the state are allowed to have outdoor seating when there are six feet between parties and parties consist of 10 or fewer people.

Retail stores, museums, libraries, gyms, and fitness centers have been allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Not long after numerous counties in Florida allowed bars to reopen and serve alcohol in June, alcohol consumption at bars was suspended as the state responded to its spike in coronavirus cases.

Are Florida beaches and parks open?

Numerous trails and areas of Everglades National Park reopened this month.

Photo by Anthony Ricci/Shutterstock

Most Florida beaches are open, and Visit Florida has a comprehensive county-by-county list that breaks down the status of the beaches in each county. For counties where the beaches are open, there are different rules and restrictions that are specific to that jurisdiction. Before visiting, read up on the regulations surrounding specific beach destinations so that you’re fully versed in what you will and won’t be able to do on the sand. For instance, some only permit walking, jogging, and riding along the beach, while others allow sunbathing, but with social-distancing measures or time restrictions in place.

Florida State Parks have begun to reopen for day use, albeit with limited hours, capacity, and amenities, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which recommends going to the site of each individual park for the fine print. Some national parks in Florida have also begun to reopen a portion of their recreational areas and trails, including the Everglades National Park , Big Cypress, Biscayne , and Dry Tortugas National Park .

Social distancing and safety in Florida

Just like anywhere in the country, Florida reminds residents and visitors that they should follow the CDC’s latest guidance about COVID-19 and what we can all do to minimize our risk and the risk to others, which includes frequent hand washing and social distancing.

Wearing face masks is not a requirement statewide, and each individual county has different requirements and recommendations regarding face masks, so you should double-check the requirements for wearing masks in the destination you are interested in visiting. The CDC recommends that we all wear face masks in public settings, in places where we cannot establish a distance of six feet between ourselves and others, and especially in areas of the United States with large numbers of coronavirus transmissions .

If you want to know the latest numbers for coronavirus cases and deaths in Florida, the state’s health department maintains updated counts on its website , along with other helpful information about Florida’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

This story originally appeared on May 20, 2020, and has been updated to include current information.

>> Next: Reservations, Temperature Checks, and Extended Passes: The Future of U.S. Theme Parks

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UK Mandates ETA Travel Permit From Next Year; Here's What You Need To Know

The British government recently announced an overhaul in non-visa entry requirements for visitors from 2025. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the United States . The Home Office said in a statement that, “Everyone wishing to travel to the UK—except British and Irish citizens—will need permission to travel in advance of coming here. This can be either through an ETA or an eVisa.”

Here’s what you need to know about it.

What Is The ETA About?

All visitors who do not require a visa to travel to Britain will need an ETA from April 2, 2025. This is a travel permit digitally linked to the traveller's passport and is for people entering or transiting through the United Kingdom without a visa or legal residence rights.

It costs GBP 10 (INR 110) and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner. Eligibility is based on nationality and suitable travellers can apply using the “UK ETA” app.

Previously, most visitors could arrive at a British airport with their passports and enter the country without a visa. But that began to change in November 2023 when the then-Conservative government introduced the ETA, starting with Qatari nationals.

The scheme was extended earlier this year and currently includes citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman , Saudi Arabia and the UAE . Children and babies from these countries need an ETA too. All nationalities except for Europeans can apply for an ETA from November 27, 2024. They will need one travel to Britain from January 8 next year.

The scheme will then extend to eligible Europeans, who will require an ETA from April 2, 2025. They will be able to apply from March 5. Eligible travellers will need one even if they are just using the UK to connect to an onward flight abroad.

British and Irish passport holders and those with passports for a British overseas territory do not need an ETA. Travellers with a visa also do not require one, nor do people with permission to live, work or study in the UK, including people settled under the EU Settlement Scheme agreed as part of Britain's exit from the European Union in January 2020.

What Is Allowed Under An ETA

Travellers can get an ETA if they are coming to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, for business, or for short-term study. They cannot get married, claim benefits, live in the country by making frequent visits or take up work as a self-employed person.

The Home Office says ETAs are “in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia .” It also mirrors the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries, including France and Germany, that the European Commission expects to be operational from early next year. According to the Home Office, the ETA will ensure “more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK,” to help prevent "abuse of our immigration system.”

(With inputs from a news source)

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