Universal Studios Will Allow Out-of-State Guests, But There's a Catch

Universal Studios has made a major move when it comes to the visitors that are allowed into the Hollywood theme park. Today, Universal Studios Hollywood announced that they would allow out-of-state visitors into the theme park, as long as they were fully vaccinated and could provide proof of their vaccination, as well as a photo ID.

Universal Studios Hollywood shared the following information on the official theme park website:

Tickets available online now (click here). In accordance with government guidelines, to visit you must either be a California resident or an out-of-state visitor who is fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (proof of COVID-19 vaccination and photo ID will be required for park entry by out-of-state visitors, click here for requirements). At this time, online sales are restricted to California residents and front gate sales are restricted to fully vaccinated out-of-state visitors. Unfortunately, at this time, we can only welcome out-of-state visitors age 16 and over as children are not eligible for vaccination. Party size for all visitors is limited to a maximum of three households.

Prior to this announcement, the only Guests allowed in the Southern California theme park were California residents. California’s residents are still not required to show proof of vaccination when entering the theme park.

Previously, Universal Hollywood had stated that they were evaluating new guidelines from the California Department of Public Health regarding who is allowed at theme parks. So, Universal Studios Hollywood now allowing vaccinated out-of-state Guests appears to be the next step in the theme park’s reopening plan as they evaluate operations based on state guidance.

While some Guests will be required to show proof of vaccination while others are not, there are certain theme park guidelines that all Guests must follow, regardless of vaccination status.

Visiting the Universal Studios Hollywood website, Guests will see the following rules and procedures that they must adhere to while on Universal property, which includes the parking structures, CityWalk, and theme park.

One thing that is very important for out-of-state Guests must remember are that anyone under 16 who is out-of-state will still not be allowed to enter the Universal Studios theme park. This is due to the fact that children under the age of 16 cannot be vaccinated for COVID-19 at this time. Even if adults in the group have proof of their vaccination, anyone under 16 in their group will not be allowed inside. So, if you are traveling from another state, plan accordingly.

The second piece of information for out-of-state Guests is that they cannot purchase tickets in advance. Universal writes on their website:

At this time, online sales are restricted to California residents and front gate sales are restricted to fully vaccinated out-of-state visitors.

While there is more required of out-of-state visitors who would like to visit the theme park, this change in Universal Studios Hollywood policy shows just how much progress is being made amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

What do you think of this change in Universal Studios Hollywood policy? Let us know in the comments!

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