Coronavirus in New York
This page contains up to date information about the coronavirus in New York, also known as COVID-19. From the beginning of November, you can fly to New York again if you are vaccinated! 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: September 21st 2021)
Currently, over 75% of adults in New York have had at least one dose of a vaccine. With this, the city has reached a milestone, lifting a lot of the restrictions. Vaccinated people no longer have to wear a mask outside and do not have to keep their distance from each other. However, it is strongly recommended to wear a mask inside, even if you are vaccinated. In public transport, everyone must wear a face mask. For indoor dining and indoor entertainment, such as concert venues, museums and indoor stadiums, you are required to show proof that you have received at least one dose of a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine. This official vaccination record must include your personal and vaccination details. This requirement does not apply to children under 12 years of age.
Travellers without symptoms 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 until the beginning of November, 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 aeroplanes heading to the US, a negative test is still needed.
| Up to date information | |
| General rules | |
| Face masks | Not vaccinated: masks required in public when unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distance. Fully vaccinated: no masks needed outdoors, strongly recommended in indoor settings. Always bring a mask and check the site specific requirements at the door. |
| Vaccination required to travel to the USA | Yes, vaccination is required for everyone 12 years and older. |
| PCR required to travel to the USA | Yes, PCR test is required for everyone 2 years and older. PCR test cannot be older than 72 hours. |
| Vaccine mandate | People 12 and older must show proof of vaccination for indoor dining and entertainment. This includes indoor venues like restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, fast food, theatres, venues, museums, zoos and sports arenas. |
| Public transportation | Regular schedule. Masks are required for everyone when riding public transportation. |
| Major attractions | |
| Empire State Building | Open daily Timed reservation required, also with a discount pass. |
| Top of the Rock | Open daily |
| One World Observatory | Open Open most days, check here. |
| Edge Observation Deck | Open daily |
| Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island | Open. Outside areas and museum open. |
| 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 | Open. Separate areas for vaccinated and unvaccinated people |
| Grand Central Terminal | Open |
| 9/11 Memorial | Open daily designated entrance and exit locations. |
| American Museum of Natural History | Open daily Timed reservation required, also with a discount pass. |
| Zoos & New York Aquarium | Open |
| Madame Tussauds | Open |
| Hop-on Hop-off Buses | |
| Big Bus | Only Uptown and Downtown loops |
| Major Museums | |
| MoMA | Open |
| The Met | Open |
| American Museum of Natural History | Open |
| Guggenheim | Open |
| 9/11 Museum | Open |
| Sports | |
| MLB (New York Yankees, New York Mets) | Proof of a negative COVID-19 test or full COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required. |
| NBA (New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets) | Limited capacity and regulations in place. Full COVID-19 vaccination required. |
| NHL (New York Rangers) | Limited capacity and regulations in place. Full COVID-19 vaccination required. |
| NFL (New York Giants, New York Jets) | Proof of a negative COVID-19 test or full COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required. |
| US Open | Limited capacity and regulations in place. Full COVID-19 vaccination required. |
| New York Marathon 2021 | Limited capacity and regulations in place. Full COVID-19 vaccination required. |
| Performances | |
| Broadway | A WHO-approved vaccination is required. Children under 12 must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the show or a 6-hour-old negative antigen test. Everyone in your party needs to bring identification. |
| New York City Ballet | A WHO-approved vaccination is required. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted. |
| The Metropolitan Opera | A WHO-approved vaccination is required. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted. |
| Shops | |
| Macy's | Open |
| Woodbury Common | Open |
| Empire Outlets | Open |
| Restaurants | Indoor dining: 1 dose of vaccine required. Outdoor dining: no requirements. Full capacity. |
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.
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?
