COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Rules for Entering the US

As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the United States, whether arriving by air, land, or sea, are no longer required to provide evidence of full COVID-19 vaccination. For additional details, visitors are encouraged to consult the USA Government official website.

Newest update: Temporary Closure of Terminal 1 AirTrain Station

Commencing on January 16, 2024, the Terminal 1 AirTrain Station will undergo a temporary closure, lasting approximately two weeks. Throughout this period, a dedicated shuttle bus service will be deployed to substitute the temporarily suspended AirTrain service. For additional details, please visit JFK Airport Construction Impacts.

 

 

Transfer Requirements

• Domestic Transfers: Visitors transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight at JFK Airport are obliged to proceed through immigration and customs. Subsequently, they must retrieve and re-check their checked baggage for the domestic flight. Additionally, visitors will undergo an additional round of security screening.
• International Transfers: In the case of visitors transferring from an international flight to another international flight at JFK Airport, there is no requirement to undergo immigration and customs procedures. Nevertheless, they must undergo security screening once again.
• Transfers Between Terminals: For visitors transferring between terminals at JFK Airport, utilizing the AirTrain is mandatory. The AirTrain, a complimentary shuttle operating between all five terminals, necessitates visitors to present their boarding passes before boarding.

 

 

MCT

Concerning international and domestic transfers at JFK Airport in 2023, the Minimum Connection Time (MCT) varies based on the airline and terminals involved. However, as a general guideline, visitors should allocate a minimum of 3 hours for international transfers and at least 2 hours for domestic transfers.

 

Here are some specific MCTs for international and domestic transfers at JFK Airport:

• Transfers between Terminals 1 and 4: 2 hours
• Transfers between Terminals 4 and 8: 3 hours
• Transfers between Terminals 5 and 7: 3 hours
• Transfers from Terminal 1 to Terminal 8: 4 hours
• Transfers from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5: 2 hours
• Transfers from Terminal 4 to Terminal 7: 3 hours
• Transfers from Terminal 5 to Terminal 8: 3 hours
• Transfers from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8: 3 hours

 

Note: These are suggested MCTs, and the actual duration for visitors to transfer between flights may differ based on factors such as the time of day, volume of transferring visitors, and airport operational efficiency. If visitors are concerned about making their connection, it is advisable to exercise prudence and allocate more time than initially perceived as necessary.

 

For more info, kindly check:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

When visitors plan to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes, they may require a visitor visa, commonly referred to as a tourist visa. Understanding how to obtain and renew this specific nonimmigrant visa is crucial.

 

Upon entry into the U.S., visitors are required to present a passport issued by their country of citizenship, along with the visa. Additionally, officials at the U.S. port of entry will issue a Form I-94, electronically recording the dates of arrival and departure.

 

It is important for visitors to check if their country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If their country is part of the program, a waiver can be obtained, eliminating the need for a visa. However, if their country is not listed, a visitor visa is necessary.

 

Visitor (tourist) Visa

 

The visitor visa, known as a tourist visa, falls under the category of nonimmigrant visas designed for individuals temporarily entering the U.S. There are two subcategories:

• B-1 for business travel: For business travel purposes, travelers with a B-1 visa must have a specific business agenda. This may include activities such as business negotiations, attending conferences or training, participating in scientific, educational, or professional activities, research purposes, or investments. Activities under a B-1 visa may not be compensated, except in limited circumstances where certain allowances or reimbursements for expenses may be permitted.
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment: The B-2 visa is intended for individuals desiring to visit the U.S. for tourism purposes, such as vacation, medical treatment, social activities, or leisure. Applicants must demonstrate a firm intention to leave the U.S. at the end of their stay and return to their home country. Moreover, they need to prove sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses in the U.S. without engaging in illegal work or claiming welfare. Applicants must also have substantial ties to their home country to ensure their return after their stay in the United States. Clear and traceable travel plans and activities in the United States are also required from the applicants.

 

For more information regarding visa visitors, please visit US Visa Service.

Visitors must adhere to the following prerequisites when traveling to the United States:

• Valid passport: Visitors are obligated to possess a valid passport, with an expiration date extending at least 6 months beyond their intended departure from the US.
• Visa: If a visa is obligatory for entry into the US, visitors must acquire it before embarking on their journey. This can be accomplished through online application or by visiting the nearest US Embassy.
• TSA Data Request: For security reasons, airlines will request visitors to furnish personal information—such as date of birth, gender, and passport details—on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during the booking process.
• APIS Data Query: A few hours before departure, the airline must transmit visitors' information and their intended stay details in the USA to US authorities. This can be done by completing an online form or through automatic submission based on the details provided during TSA questioning.
• Customs Declaration: The Customs Declaration (CBP Form 6059B) necessitates visitors to declare goods, means of payment, and food being brought into the USA. The traditional paper form has been officially replaced by an electronic declaration at passport control for environmental considerations.
• I-94 Form: Customs and Border Protection monitors visitors' exit records using an online form. It is advisable for visitors to verify the accuracy of this information by accessing the I-94 website and entering their personal details to retrieve their departure record.

Border officials may request supplementary documents along with passports, ESTA, or visas upon entry into the United States. These may encompass:

• Proof of sufficient financial resources, exemplified by bank statements.
• Confirmation of return or onward travel, substantiated by travel tickets.
• Health certificates, especially if carrying medications or displaying noticeable symptoms.
• Verification of fulfilling the visa's purpose, such as enrollment in a student program.
• Supporting documents indicating ties to the home country, like employment contracts, pension notices, rental agreements, or any pertinent evidence.

 

Upon arrival at the US border, immigration officials will assess whether entry is granted. Visitors are advised to remain composed and affable during the interview process, adhering to all instructions provided by officials. For more details, please refer to this link.

Visitors must possess travel insurance for entry into the United States. Therefore, it is advised that visitors obtain travel insurance, the details of which can be seen here.

 

Steps to buying travel insurance:

1. Click on this link
2. Provide personal information and travel details.
   • Data entry should include the Type of Trip, Destination, Type of Protection, Age (Years), Type of Policy, Date of Departure, and Length of Travel (Days).
3. Click "Cari Sekarang" (Search Now).
4. Enter your Name, Email, and Mobile Number.
5. Click "Cari Harga Premi" (Search Premium Prices).
6. Choose the insurance as per your requirements.

T4 Lost and Found

For lost items in the terminal please submit an online claim at lostandfoundjfk.com or email  airports@lostandfoundsite.com

 

Lost baggage or forgot something on the plane?

Please contact your airline for assistance. All airline contact information can be found in the Airline Directory.

 

John F. Kennedy International Airport

Phone: (718) 244-4444

 

The Port Authority of NY & NJ

Phone: (718) 244-4444