Any USA entry updates?

[Jon84]

DL in late November 2013 I blooming froze.

We went to WDW in late Jan 2018 and there was literally frost on the ground some mornings. The AKL shop did well selling gloves!

 

[disneyholic family]

one december at WDW, when the kids were little, they were in their snowsuits, balaclavas and mittens......and not overdressed at all!!

 

[Jon84]

one december at WDW, when the kids were little, they were in their snowsuits, balaclavas and mittens......and not overdressed at all!!

Its amazing how the Sunshine State can surprise us!

 

[disneyholic family]

Its amazing how the Sunshine State can surprise us!

fortunately that year we were living in michigan, so we traveled in snow appropriate attire.
But never in a million years did i think we would wear it at WDW!!!!!.
And not just once, but for almost the entire trip.
It was COLD. The Florida orange groves were partially destroyed that year.
Meanwhile, another December we were there, we actually swam and i believe even went to one of the water parks.
.

 

[gismo1554]

fortunately that year we were living in michigan, so we traveled in snow appropriate attire.
But never in a million years did i think we would wear it at WDW!!!!!.
And not just once, but for almost the entire trip.
It was COLD. The Florida orange groves were partially destroyed that year.
Meanwhile, another December we were there, we actually swam and i believe even went to one of the water parks.
.

Its funny because I worked at Disney for a year (2003-2004) and when we arrived in September they went through the uniform and it included a sherlock holmes type long coat, gloves, hat and scarf and I remember being like "why?". I had been to Disney at all times of the year and never been cold until that year! There were about 4 weeks in January/February time where I thought I was back home it was so bitter!

 

[Aprilshack]

Went to Disney for 7 days towards the end of January this year. First day great! Not too warm. Next three days, cold snap. Had to buy a hoodie coming off The Haunted Mansion. There were news reports on the tv with lizards falling out of trees because of the cold!

 

[BadPinkTink]

https://www.reuters.com/article/hea...ean-travel-restrictions-sources-idINKBN2851EF
NOVEMBER 25
Exclusive: White House considers lifting European travel restrictions - sources
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House is considering rescinding entry bans for most non-U.S. citizens who recently were in Brazil, Britain, Ireland and 26 other European countries, five U.S. and airline officials told Reuters.
The Trump administration imposed the bans in a bid to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic. It is not considering lifting separate entry bans on most non-U.S. citizens who have recently been in China or Iran, the officials said.

The plan has won the backing of White House coronavirus task-force members, public health and other federal agencies, the people briefed on the matter said, but President Donald Trump has not made a final decision and the timing remains uncertain.

The White House, Department of Homeland Security and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did not comment.

Many administration officials argue the restrictions no longer make sense given that most countries around the world are not subject to the entry ban. They contend lifting the restrictions would be a boost to struggling U.S. airlines, which have seen international travel fall by 70%, according to airline industry data.

Trump may still opt not to lift the restrictions, given the high number of coronavirus infections in Europe. One potential hurdle is the fact that European countries are not likely to immediately allow most Americans to resume visits, officials said.

The European countries that are subject to the U.S. entry restrictions include the 26 members of the Schengen area that allow travel across open borders.

The U.S. restrictions barring most visitors from Europe have been in place since mid-March, while the Brazilian entry ban was imposed in May. Trump implemented the first ban on most non-U.S. visitors from China on Jan. 31 and then added Iran in February.

The restrictions bar entry of most non-U.S. residents who have been in those countries in the previous 14 days, but the U.S. State Department has been granting some “national interest exceptions” to allow travelers from Europe related to “humanitarian travel, public health response, and national security.”

The United States has also approved exceptions for some European business travelers, investors, academics, students and journalists.

Nearly all of Europe still bans most U.S. travelers from visiting, while Britain and Ireland allow American visits but require two-weeks quarantine upon arrival. Brazil allows U.S. travelers.

On Saturday, the CDC issued new travel and testing recommendations for international air travelers recommending they “get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before their flight to reduce spread during travel. Travelers should get tested 3-5 days after travel and stay home for 7 days.”

Airlines for America, a group representing American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines Holdings and others, on Tuesday noted it has “been advocating for the federal government to set a national standard on testing in order to lift travel restrictions.”

In a statement to Reuters, the group called the CDC guidance a step in the right direction, adding that they hoped it would be “followed by a recognition that testing can be used to safely reopen borders without quarantines.”

Some airlines and officials think testing could be the key to widely resuming international travel. The United States has held talks with several countries about the possibility of passenger testing programs between pairs of major cities.

Asked about the prospects of travel restrictions being lifted, a U.S. Transportation Department spokesman said “the department stands ready to support the safe resumption of international flights to and from the U.S.”

“Conversations are ongoing between the federal government, international partners, and industry stakeholders on these matters.”

In September, the CDC ended enhanced screening of some international passengers for the coronavirus and dropped requirements that travelers coming from those countries arrive at 15 designated U.S. airports that had been imposed at the start of the beginning of the outbreak.

 

[Thegoatfeeder]

We’ve got a DVC trip booked for April 12th. What do we reckon the odds are of the US allowing international travel by then and of COVID being under any sort of control?

Already cancelled the trip once, really wouldn’t want to have to cancel again!

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

We’ve got a DVC trip booked for April 12th. What do we reckon the odds are of the US allowing international travel by then and of COVID being under any sort of control?

Already cancelled the trip once, really wouldn’t want to have to cancel again!

I am booked for 28 March. I am cautiously optimistic, particularly now that the general public vaccine seems within reach.

 

[Thegoatfeeder]

I am booked for 28 March. I am cautiously optimistic, particularly now that the general public vaccine seems within reach.

That’s our hope too. We don’t expect to have got access to the vaccine by then (we’re in our 30s with no major health issues), but we’re hoping the availability of it may make travel an option by then

 

[disneyholic family]

We’ve got a DVC trip booked for April 12th. What do we reckon the odds are of the US allowing international travel by then and of COVID being under any sort of control?

Already cancelled the trip once, really wouldn’t want to have to cancel again!

i think the odds are in your favor.
It's difficult to predict what the new administration will do as certain actions can be argued both ways.
But with the first vaccine already approved in the UK and the second sure to follow, it would seem they might open up travel from the UK at the very least.

i'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

 

[Thegoatfeeder]

Thanks! We’re hoping airport testing will have improved by then as well. We’re happy to do a test before we fly etc

 

[jackieleanne]

We are due to fly April 24th also DVC. I'm also starting to feel positive given the vaccine being approved and Oxford likely to be approved.

So long as I know by the end of March the banking window for my use year. Though we do have our 2019 points that we had to bank that will need to be used before the end of July as well! So we will either need to go or be able to rent out our points.

 

[jackieleanne]

Some positive news from Manchester Airport re testing. I got the below from their site in the last few minutes. Hopefully come new year the ban will be lifted and tests/vaccinations get things moving.


Manchester Airport unveils new facility as part of UK’s largest airport testing scheme to help get Britain flying again
Manchester Airport has today launched a new Covid-19 testing facility, as part of a move by its parent company, Manchester Airports Group (MAG).
The announcement means the full range of tests – RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, Rapid Antigen and Antibody - will be available to all passengers in a new, purpose-built facility just outside of the main terminal building. They will be delivered in partnership with airport services and travel medical provider, Collinson.
MAG, the UK’s largest airport group, also became the first operator to give its passengers the chance to book discounted pre-flight testing appointments on the high street at selected Boots UK stores.
The news means passengers using Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports will be given maximum flexibility when planning their trips, and comes in the week that the UK Government lifts England’s international travel ban.
Certain governments allow pre-departure tests in order to shorten or completely alleviate quarantine requirements in the destination country. Others require them in order to gain entry. Having a full range of tests available at the airport – for any passenger planning to fly who does not suspect they have COVID-19 - will let MAG passengers choose whichever process they need to meet the pre-departure testing requirements of many of MAG’s most popular markets, such as Spain and Italy, as well as some long-haul destinations.
Passengers will also be able to book the tests they need to shorten their self-isolation period upon return under the UK Government’s ‘Test to Release’ scheme.
The scheme, announced last week, will launch on December 15th and allow travellers arriving from higher risk countries to reduce their period of quarantine by taking a test five days after they arrive in the UK.
‘Test to Release’ follows in the footsteps of a number of countries who are already offering quarantine-free inbound travel to those able to provide evidence of a negative test.
Boots offers an in-store RT-PCR Covid-19 testing service, which returns results within 48 hours from more than 50 stores across the UK, specifically for customers who do not suspect they have Covid-19. MAG passengers will be able to access a 5% discount, which customers can access through the airport’s website.
Airport testing prices through Collinson start at £40 for Antibody tests, £50 for Antigen tests, £79 for RT-LAMP tests and £99 for RT-PCR tests.
--
Managing Director of Manchester Airport, Karen Smart, said:
“As the UK emerges from a ban on international travel, we know our passengers are keen to start flying again, but that many of Manchester Airport’s most popular destinations, such as the Canary Islands, require a negative test before you arrive.
“This new facility will make the process of showing you’re infection-free when planning and booking a holiday as easy and cost-effective as possible in the current circumstances. Our new booking platform makes it easy to select the right test for your destination, and at the location that is most convenient for you. Located right by the terminal building means passengers can either opt for a test on the day of departure before they go through security, or visit in the run up to their journey at a time to suit them.
“This also means Manchester is perfectly placed to support the introduction of a UK arrivals testing regime, which will enable travellers to reduce the length of time they need to self-isolate if they test negative after five days.
“This is the latest example of MAG leading the way as we look to work with Government and the rest of our industry to get Britain flying again.”
MAG’s service will cater for both outbound and inbound testing, and adapt as Government travel requirements change. Its online booking portal will allow passengers to choose the correct test and testing location for their specific requirements – whether at the dedicated airport facilities or elsewhere.
MAG’s testing services are the first to be offered by an airport group at multiple locations across the country. They also allow for direct booking of tests that can be taken either at the airport or on the high-street, and before or after travel. MAG’s goal is to make testing available to as many passengers as possible, helping to get the country flying again as England comes out of its second lockdown.
--
David Evans, Joint CEO, Collinson said: “In order to restore confidence in travel, it is critical that travellers can navigate the many different testing regimes now required by different governments around the world. We were the first company to set up COVID testing facilities at a UK airport and our partnership with MAG will bring comprehensive testing facilities to Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports. This is a major step forward in opening up the UK to safe travel.
Our new facilities will also support the UK Government’s ‘Test To Release’ programme, scheduled for launch on December 15, and are flexible enough to respond to any changing requirements or legislation from both a pre-departure and inbound testing perspective. Having breadth of testing capability and the flexibility to scale is critical to ensuring the aviation and travel sector can recover from this pandemic, helping to protect jobs and restore consumer confidence.”
--
MAG is committed to supporting the Government’s requirement for travel testing to be carried out privately and not draw on NHS capacity, which is needed for key workers and Test & Trace. All of MAG’s providers, including their laboratory facilities, are private. While this means that customers will have to pay for tests, the cost of these tests are expected to come down over time as technology improves.
Testing for travel is likely to evolve over the coming months and MAG’s offering will change to match – whether by offering new kinds of tests or adding more capacity in terminals or through partner locations. MAG will help its passengers to navigate the various requirements for testing but ultimately passengers should always check the latest travel advice from Government before taking a test.
--

 

[Thegoatfeeder]

We are due to fly April 24th also DVC. I'm also starting to feel positive given the vaccine being approved and Oxford likely to be approved.

So long as I know by the end of March the banking window for my use year. Though we do have our 2019 points that we had to bank that will need to be used before the end of July as well! So we will either need to go or be able to rent out our points.

This is meant to be our first DVC trip, we're actually meant to be there right now but we rearranged for April! So it's all pretty stressful.

We really need APs to come back online as well as we are planning a December trip as well, so there's a lot of moving parts to contend with!

 

[Aprilshack]

Some positive news from Manchester Airport re testing. I got the below from their site in the last few minutes. Hopefully come new year the ban will be lifted and tests/vaccinations get things moving.


Manchester Airport unveils new facility as part of UK’s largest airport testing scheme to help get Britain flying again
Manchester Airport has today launched a new Covid-19 testing facility, as part of a move by its parent company, Manchester Airports Group (MAG).
The announcement means the full range of tests – RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, Rapid Antigen and Antibody - will be available to all passengers in a new, purpose-built facility just outside of the main terminal building. They will be delivered in partnership with airport services and travel medical provider, Collinson.
MAG, the UK’s largest airport group, also became the first operator to give its passengers the chance to book discounted pre-flight testing appointments on the high street at selected Boots UK stores.
The news means passengers using Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports will be given maximum flexibility when planning their trips, and comes in the week that the UK Government lifts England’s international travel ban.
Certain governments allow pre-departure tests in order to shorten or completely alleviate quarantine requirements in the destination country. Others require them in order to gain entry. Having a full range of tests available at the airport – for any passenger planning to fly who does not suspect they have COVID-19 - will let MAG passengers choose whichever process they need to meet the pre-departure testing requirements of many of MAG’s most popular markets, such as Spain and Italy, as well as some long-haul destinations.
Passengers will also be able to book the tests they need to shorten their self-isolation period upon return under the UK Government’s ‘Test to Release’ scheme.
The scheme, announced last week, will launch on December 15th and allow travellers arriving from higher risk countries to reduce their period of quarantine by taking a test five days after they arrive in the UK.
‘Test to Release’ follows in the footsteps of a number of countries who are already offering quarantine-free inbound travel to those able to provide evidence of a negative test.
Boots offers an in-store RT-PCR Covid-19 testing service, which returns results within 48 hours from more than 50 stores across the UK, specifically for customers who do not suspect they have Covid-19. MAG passengers will be able to access a 5% discount, which customers can access through the airport’s website.
Airport testing prices through Collinson start at £40 for Antibody tests, £50 for Antigen tests, £79 for RT-LAMP tests and £99 for RT-PCR tests.
--
Managing Director of Manchester Airport, Karen Smart, said:
“As the UK emerges from a ban on international travel, we know our passengers are keen to start flying again, but that many of Manchester Airport’s most popular destinations, such as the Canary Islands, require a negative test before you arrive.
“This new facility will make the process of showing you’re infection-free when planning and booking a holiday as easy and cost-effective as possible in the current circumstances. Our new booking platform makes it easy to select the right test for your destination, and at the location that is most convenient for you. Located right by the terminal building means passengers can either opt for a test on the day of departure before they go through security, or visit in the run up to their journey at a time to suit them.
“This also means Manchester is perfectly placed to support the introduction of a UK arrivals testing regime, which will enable travellers to reduce the length of time they need to self-isolate if they test negative after five days.
“This is the latest example of MAG leading the way as we look to work with Government and the rest of our industry to get Britain flying again.”
MAG’s service will cater for both outbound and inbound testing, and adapt as Government travel requirements change. Its online booking portal will allow passengers to choose the correct test and testing location for their specific requirements – whether at the dedicated airport facilities or elsewhere.
MAG’s testing services are the first to be offered by an airport group at multiple locations across the country. They also allow for direct booking of tests that can be taken either at the airport or on the high-street, and before or after travel. MAG’s goal is to make testing available to as many passengers as possible, helping to get the country flying again as England comes out of its second lockdown.
--
David Evans, Joint CEO, Collinson said: “In order to restore confidence in travel, it is critical that travellers can navigate the many different testing regimes now required by different governments around the world. We were the first company to set up COVID testing facilities at a UK airport and our partnership with MAG will bring comprehensive testing facilities to Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports. This is a major step forward in opening up the UK to safe travel.
Our new facilities will also support the UK Government’s ‘Test To Release’ programme, scheduled for launch on December 15, and are flexible enough to respond to any changing requirements or legislation from both a pre-departure and inbound testing perspective. Having breadth of testing capability and the flexibility to scale is critical to ensuring the aviation and travel sector can recover from this pandemic, helping to protect jobs and restore consumer confidence.”
--
MAG is committed to supporting the Government’s requirement for travel testing to be carried out privately and not draw on NHS capacity, which is needed for key workers and Test & Trace. All of MAG’s providers, including their laboratory facilities, are private. While this means that customers will have to pay for tests, the cost of these tests are expected to come down over time as technology improves.
Testing for travel is likely to evolve over the coming months and MAG’s offering will change to match – whether by offering new kinds of tests or adding more capacity in terminals or through partner locations. MAG will help its passengers to navigate the various requirements for testing but ultimately passengers should always check the latest travel advice from Government before taking a test.
--

I love how you can get a test booked at Boots!

 

[Thegoatfeeder]

Some positive news from Manchester Airport re testing. I got the below from their site in the last few minutes. Hopefully come new year the ban will be lifted and tests/vaccinations get things moving.


Manchester Airport unveils new facility as part of UK’s largest airport testing scheme to help get Britain flying again
Manchester Airport has today launched a new Covid-19 testing facility, as part of a move by its parent company, Manchester Airports Group (MAG).
The announcement means the full range of tests – RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, Rapid Antigen and Antibody - will be available to all passengers in a new, purpose-built facility just outside of the main terminal building. They will be delivered in partnership with airport services and travel medical provider, Collinson.
MAG, the UK’s largest airport group, also became the first operator to give its passengers the chance to book discounted pre-flight testing appointments on the high street at selected Boots UK stores.
The news means passengers using Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports will be given maximum flexibility when planning their trips, and comes in the week that the UK Government lifts England’s international travel ban.
Certain governments allow pre-departure tests in order to shorten or completely alleviate quarantine requirements in the destination country. Others require them in order to gain entry. Having a full range of tests available at the airport – for any passenger planning to fly who does not suspect they have COVID-19 - will let MAG passengers choose whichever process they need to meet the pre-departure testing requirements of many of MAG’s most popular markets, such as Spain and Italy, as well as some long-haul destinations.
Passengers will also be able to book the tests they need to shorten their self-isolation period upon return under the UK Government’s ‘Test to Release’ scheme.
The scheme, announced last week, will launch on December 15th and allow travellers arriving from higher risk countries to reduce their period of quarantine by taking a test five days after they arrive in the UK.
‘Test to Release’ follows in the footsteps of a number of countries who are already offering quarantine-free inbound travel to those able to provide evidence of a negative test.
Boots offers an in-store RT-PCR Covid-19 testing service, which returns results within 48 hours from more than 50 stores across the UK, specifically for customers who do not suspect they have Covid-19. MAG passengers will be able to access a 5% discount, which customers can access through the airport’s website.
Airport testing prices through Collinson start at £40 for Antibody tests, £50 for Antigen tests, £79 for RT-LAMP tests and £99 for RT-PCR tests.
--
Managing Director of Manchester Airport, Karen Smart, said:
“As the UK emerges from a ban on international travel, we know our passengers are keen to start flying again, but that many of Manchester Airport’s most popular destinations, such as the Canary Islands, require a negative test before you arrive.
“This new facility will make the process of showing you’re infection-free when planning and booking a holiday as easy and cost-effective as possible in the current circumstances. Our new booking platform makes it easy to select the right test for your destination, and at the location that is most convenient for you. Located right by the terminal building means passengers can either opt for a test on the day of departure before they go through security, or visit in the run up to their journey at a time to suit them.
“This also means Manchester is perfectly placed to support the introduction of a UK arrivals testing regime, which will enable travellers to reduce the length of time they need to self-isolate if they test negative after five days.
“This is the latest example of MAG leading the way as we look to work with Government and the rest of our industry to get Britain flying again.”
MAG’s service will cater for both outbound and inbound testing, and adapt as Government travel requirements change. Its online booking portal will allow passengers to choose the correct test and testing location for their specific requirements – whether at the dedicated airport facilities or elsewhere.
MAG’s testing services are the first to be offered by an airport group at multiple locations across the country. They also allow for direct booking of tests that can be taken either at the airport or on the high-street, and before or after travel. MAG’s goal is to make testing available to as many passengers as possible, helping to get the country flying again as England comes out of its second lockdown.
--
David Evans, Joint CEO, Collinson said: “In order to restore confidence in travel, it is critical that travellers can navigate the many different testing regimes now required by different governments around the world. We were the first company to set up COVID testing facilities at a UK airport and our partnership with MAG will bring comprehensive testing facilities to Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports. This is a major step forward in opening up the UK to safe travel.
Our new facilities will also support the UK Government’s ‘Test To Release’ programme, scheduled for launch on December 15, and are flexible enough to respond to any changing requirements or legislation from both a pre-departure and inbound testing perspective. Having breadth of testing capability and the flexibility to scale is critical to ensuring the aviation and travel sector can recover from this pandemic, helping to protect jobs and restore consumer confidence.”
--
MAG is committed to supporting the Government’s requirement for travel testing to be carried out privately and not draw on NHS capacity, which is needed for key workers and Test & Trace. All of MAG’s providers, including their laboratory facilities, are private. While this means that customers will have to pay for tests, the cost of these tests are expected to come down over time as technology improves.
Testing for travel is likely to evolve over the coming months and MAG’s offering will change to match – whether by offering new kinds of tests or adding more capacity in terminals or through partner locations. MAG will help its passengers to navigate the various requirements for testing but ultimately passengers should always check the latest travel advice from Government before taking a test.
--

This is my local airport and where we're meant to be flying from in April, so this is really exciting news.

 

[jackieleanne]

This is meant to be our first DVC trip, we're actually meant to be there right now but we rearranged for April! So it's all pretty stressful.

We really need APs to come back online as well as we are planning a December trip as well, so there's a lot of moving parts to contend with!

Same, this is our first DVC trip as members previously stayed rented or on hotel side.

I love how you can get a test booked at Boots!

This is my local airport and where we're meant to be flying from in April, so this is really exciting news.

Yes I love that they give the option of discounted tests from Boots, Manchester is our local as well so glad they have now brought it in as well!

 

[Ronaldo17]

I am booked for 28 March. I am cautiously optimistic, particularly now that the general public vaccine seems within reach.

Looking at today's UK government and NHS best case timetables for the vaccine, which requires two shots 3-4 weeks apart, only the over 65's, vulnerable and NHS/Care Home staff will be done by Easter 2021.
Could be up to 6 months before the under 50's get done.

 

[gismo1554]

Looking at today's UK government and NHS best case timetables for the vaccine, which requires two shots 3-4 weeks apart, only the over 65's, vulnerable and NHS/Care Home staff will be done by Easter 2021.
Could be up to 6 months before the under 50's get done.

Do you have a link to this? We've been trying to work it out and with the fact they are saying multiple groups will be done consecutively its been hard to work out so anywhere that shows this would be great.