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Travel From India To USA Now - Travel Restrictions Guideline

Mar 24, 2022

6 min read

The United States banned the entry of all non-immigrant Indians on April 30, 2021, through a Presidential Proclamation. Atlys has analyzed over 500 options to find the top 7 ways Indians can enter the United States after the travel ban.

For context, Indian citizens possessing non-immigrant visas come under the ambit of this Proclamation:

  1. H-1B and dependents on H4
  2. L-1A, L-1B, and dependents on L2
  3. O-1 and dependents on O-3
  4. B-1/B-2
  5. F-1, J-1, M1-Visa Holders, unless their program starts on August 1 or later.

A way to enter the United States is through stopping at certain intermediate countries for 14 days. We suggest these based on various factors such as covid-19 entry restrictions, visas, available flights, and costs.

The Best Option - NIE

You might be able to travel to the US non-stop without stopping in a 3rd country. This is possible if you receive a National Interest Exception (NIE) from the US Govt. Here is a guide on how to apply for an NIE. If you ineligible for an NIE, these are the 7 options that you can come through to the United States.

1. Moscow Russia

Moscow
 

Visa Required: Yes  

Quarantine: No  

COVID Testing Required: Yes (Both pre-departure and post-arrival)  

COVID Vaccinations Required: No  

Entry Documentation: Yes

Russia is one of the few countries that Indians can travel to. With cheap non-stop flights from Delhi, it is easy to get to Moscow

Sample Itinerary:

August 11th: Delhi (AI 195) - Moscow ($500)  

August 11th - August 25th: Check into Courtyard by Marriott ($700)  

August 25th: Moscow (SU 100) - New York ($500)

Total Flight & Accommodation Cost: $1700  

To get a visa for Russia, download the Atlys app.

2. Panama City, Panama

Panama
 

Visa Required: No (6-month valid visa of either US, Schengen, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore or UK needed)  

Quarantine: No  

COVID Testing Required: Yes  

COVID Vaccinations Required: No  

Entry Documentation: Yes

Panama has been open to international travelers since October 2020. With no quarantine requirements and enough to see, there is plenty to do on this tropical destination for 14 days. Hotels are operating all services, and access to beaches, pools, and restaurants remains open. The best way to get to Panama takes over 20 hours.

Sample Itinerary:

August 13th: Delhi (AF 225) - Paris (AF 474) - Panama ($850)  

August 13th to August 27th: Check into Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham ($1500)  

August 27th: Panama City (AA 2197) - Miami ($300)

Total Flight & Accommodation Cost: $2650  

Panama requires all international arrivals to submit entry documentation. Use Atlys to submit COVID-19 entry forms.

The Bahamas
 

Visa Required: No (all travelers need to file The Bahamas's Health visa)  

Quarantine: No  

COVID Testing Required: Yes, for unvaccinated travelers  

COVID Vaccinations Required: No (Vaccinated travelers need not do mandatory testing pre-departure and post-arrival)  

Entry Documentation: Yes

The Bahamas has recently relaxed some restrictions for vaccinated travelers, making it an attractive option. Most resorts, restaurants, and bars are open.  

There is only one way to get to the Bahamas without transiting through the United States. You can take the direct flight from Panama City to Nassau that flies every Monday and Saturday.

Sample Itinerary:

August 3rd: Delhi (AF 225) - Paris (AF 474) - Panama ($850)  

August 3rd - August 5th: Check into Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham ($200)  

August 5th: Panama City (CM 196) - Nassau ($275)  

August 5th - August 17th: Check into Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Nassau ($1560)  

August 17th: Nassau (UA 1539) - Newark, NY ($200)

Total Flight & Accommodation Cost: $3085  

The Bahamas requires all international arrivals to apply for Health visa. Use the Atlys app to get the visa in under 2 mins.

4. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico-city
 

Visa Required: No  

Quarantine: No  

COVID Testing Required: No  

COVID Vaccinations Required: No  

Entry Documentation: Yes

Mexico is the most liberal country in terms of entry requirements. There is a lot to see in Mexico! Many Indians have successfully traveled from India to the US via Mexico.

Sample Itinerary:

August 9th: Delhi (LH 761) - Frankfurt (LH 498) - Mexico City ($1088)  

August 9th - August 23rd: Check into Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City ($750)  

August 23rd: Mexico City (AM 304) - JFK, New York ($175)

Total Flight & Accommodation Cost: $2050  

Mexico requires all international arrivals to submit entry documentation. Use Atlys to submit COVID-19 entry forms.

Punta-Cana
 

Visa Required: No  

Quarantine: No  

COVID Testing Required: No  

COVID Vaccinations Required: No  

Entry Documentation: Yes

The Dominican Republic no longer has entry restrictions for international travelers. Most resorts, restaurants, and bars are open, and a 14-day stay is easily doable.

August 19th: Delhi (AI 121) - Frankfurt (LH 516) - Punta Cana ($1000)  

August 19th - September 1st: Check into the Westin Punta Cana Resort ($1960)  

September 1st: Punta Cana (UA 1518) - Newark, New York ($220)

Total Flight & Accommodation Cost: $3250  

The Dominican Republic requires all international arrivals to submit entry documentation. Use Atlys to submit COVID-19 entry forms.

costa-rica
 

Visa Required: No (Valid US visa needed, for exact validity period, email us)  

Quarantine: No  

COVID Testing Required: No  

COVID Vaccinations Required: No  

Entry Documentation: Yes

Costa Rica is the best spot for nature lovers. Costa Rica is now fully open for all international travelers!

Sample Itinerary:

August 11th: Delhi (AI 121) - Frankfurt - (LH 518) - San Jose ($850)  

August 11th - August 25th: Check in to the Radisson San Jose ($1260)  

August 25th: San Jose (UA 1079) - Newark, New York ($180)  

Total Flight & Accommodation Cost: $2300  

Costa Rica requires international arrivals to possess special travel insurance and submit entry documentation. Use the Atlys app to take care of all Costa Rica entry requirements.

7. Egypt

Egypt
 

Visa Required: Yes  

Quarantine: No  

COVID Testing Required: Yes (both pre-departure and post-arrival)  

COVID Vaccinations Required: No

Sample Itinerary:

August 20th: Delhi (QR 579) - Doha (QR 1301) - Cairo ($500)  

August 20th - September 3rd: Check in to Hilton Cairo ($1120)  

September 3rd: Cario (MS 985) - JFK, New York ($750)

Total Flight & Accommodation Cost: $2370  

Use the Atlys app to apply for Egypt visa and purchase special travel insurance.

Atlys uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. We are not a travel agency and do not sell tours or packages to any destination. For any questions, please reach out to us at covid@atlysvisa.co.

Written By: Yadiel K
Fact Checked By: Lamia Darwish

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