As international flights return to SAN, you may be feeling a mixture of, “I can’t wait to go!” and “Wait a minute, how do I figure out the travel requirements?”. Travel restrictions in and out of the U.S. are changing quickly, so we recommend doing your research before you book a trip and staying up to date on travel requirements as you prepare to depart. Here’s what you need to know about international flights from SAN.
Canada
On August 9, 2021, the Canadian government opened the border to fully vaccinated travelers. Once again a world of vibrant cities and breathtaking national parks is just a few hours away. SAN has welcomed back nonstop flights to Vancouver (Air Canada), Calgary (WestJet), and Edmonton (Swoop).
All travelers are required to use ArriveCAN to submit their travel information. All travelers coming into Canada, regardless of vaccine status, will need a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of requesting entry.
Mexico
Air travel between the U.S. and Mexico is open for nonessential travel and tourism. From SAN, you can fly directly to Puerto Vallarta (Alaska Airlines), Los Cabos (Alaska Airlines and Southwest), and Cancún (on Alaska, beginning in Nov.), all of which offer unlimited opportunities to relax in a beach chair with a cold drink and good book in hand.
A negative COVID-19 test is not currently required for entry to Mexico. Passengers arriving at Mexican airports may be subject to health screenings. Please visit the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico for more information.
UK
British Airways has resumed service between London, England, United Kingdom via Heathrow Airport and SAN. This immensely popular route delivers you to the excitement of London and offers a convenient connection to destinations across Europe.
U.S. citizens are permitted to enter the UK if not arriving from a red-list country. Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to quarantine upon arrival, but regardless of vaccine status, all travelers are required to submit a negative COVID-19 test. Additional travel guidance can be found at GOV.UK.
Japan
Japan Airlines resumed nonstop flights between Tokyo, Japan via Narita International Airport and SAN in March 2021. While traveling in Japan is still restricted, you can take advantage of easy connections from Tokyo to top Asian destinations including the Philippines and Thailand. You don’t need to follow Japan’s travel restrictions if you are transiting.
Please visit the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan for more information.
Returning to the U.S. from all international destinations
Before arriving in the United States, air passengers, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to provide the airline a negative COVID-19 test result one day prior to flight departure.
We suggest that in addition to the destination-specific resources we’ve already mentioned, you also review the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) international travel recommendations.
SAN has an on-site COVID-19 testing option through Carbon Health if you want to get tested before a trip. Appointments are required and there is a fee for tests.