Coronavirus in New York
This page contains up to date information about the coronavirus in New York, also known as COVID-19. Currently, there is a travel warning for the United States for tourists and a travel ban to New York from European countries. There’s no end date for this ban known yet. This page is updated daily, so as soon as this situation changes, you’ll read it here. Which sights in New York are open and what are the possible adjustments? Below you’ll find an overview of the current situation in New York.
Eric's Index
Current status COVID-19 in New York (last updated on: April 12th 2021)
The vaccination process in New York is well underway. The COVID-19 vaccine is available to all New York residents of 16 years and older. As of April 10th, 2021 asymptomatic travellers entering New York from another country are no longer required to quarantine and get tested after arrival, although quarantine is still recommended for all travellers who are not fully vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 during the previous 3 months. The travel ban to New York from European countries is still in place, but people who are allowed to travel now don’t need to quarantine anymore and don’t have to get tested again in New York. In order to board airplanes heading to the US, a negative test is still needed.
| Up to date information | |
| General rules | |
| Face masks | Required in public when unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distance. Required at all times when riding public transportation. |
| Vaccination required | No |
| International visitors | Three day quarantine required, negative test needed on day four. Ten days quarantine required if you don’t get tested. |
| Major attractions | |
| Empire State Building | Open daily from 11:00 to 23:00. Timed reservation required, also with a discount pass. |
| Top of the Rock | Open daily from 13:00 to 21:00. |
| One World Observatory | Open Saturdays and Sundays and some extra days. |
| Edge Observation Deck | Open daily from 12:00 to 20:00. |
| Statue of Liberty | Open. Outside areas and museum open. |
| Ellis Island | Open |
| The Vessel | Open daily from 11:00 to 19:00. |
| Central Park | Open |
| Governors Island | Open. Timed-entry ticket required. |
| Bike rentals and tours | Open. Tours in small groups, mouth masks required. |
| High Line Park | Open. Timed-entry ticket required. |
| Circle Line Cruises | Closed for the winter, will reopen in the spring. |
| Grand Central Terminal | Open |
| 9/11 Memorial | Open daily from 13:00 to 20:00, designated entrance and exit locations. |
| Zoos & New York Aquarium | Open |
| Madame Tussauds | Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00 |
| Hop-on Hop-off Buses | |
| Big Bus | Only Uptown and Downtown loops, running as a continuous circuit |
| Major Museums | |
| MoMA | Open |
| The Met | Open |
| American Museum of Natural History | Open |
| Guggenheim | Open |
| 9/11 Museum | Open |
| Sports | |
| NBA (New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets) | Limited capacity and regulations in place. Negative PCR test required. |
| MLB (New York Yankees, New York Mets) | Limited capacity and regulations in place. Negative PCR test required. |
| NHL (New York Rangers) | Limited capacity and regulations in place. Negative PCR test required. |
| Performances | |
| Broadway | Reopening May 31 |
| New York City Ballet | 20-21 season cancelled |
| The Metropolitan Opera | 20-21 season cancelled |
| Public transportation | Regular schedule, subway closed for cleaning between 2:00 and 4:00 |
| Shops | |
| Macy's | Open |
| Woodbury Common | Open |
| Empire Outlets | Open |
| Restaurants | Outdoor dining allowed. Indoor dining with 50% capacity. Possible surcharge of up to 10% as a recovery support measure. |
If you’re planning to book a trip to New York during COVID-19 but are unsure if the trip can actually take place, I recommend that you include some securities. For example, when purchasing the discount passes Sightseeing Flex and Sightseeing Day Pass, you can add cancellation insurance for a small percentage of the order amount. You can then cancel the passes free of charge. When purchasing Broadway tickets through my site you can opt for flex tickets. This allows you to cancel or rebook free of charge up to ten days before the show. To avoid public transport you can take a taxi service from and to JFK, Newark and LGA airport. Reserve your transfer to New York in advance, to make sure that your preferred transfer is booked. For the most up-to-date information about your flights to and from New York, it is best to contact your airline.
The current situation can also provide unexpected benefits. For those who dare to take a gamble, there are now cheapest New York deals available.
If you are in New York and you have questions about the coronavirus, call 311 from a landline. This is the general information number for the city of New York. Do you feel sick or are you worried about certain symptoms? Then contact a local doctor. Your hotel can help you with this.
Do I need to get a corona test for New York?
Can I visit attractions in New York during COVID-19?
Am I insured if I get corona in New York?
Do I need to quarantine during or after my New York trip?
