New Testing Requirement for All U.S.-Bound International Air Travelers

All U.S.-bound international air travelers must obtain a negative one-day COVID-19 test result, regardless of citizenship and vaccination status, prior to embarkation

On December 2, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) amended its October 25, 2021 Order, “Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States,” to mandate that all U.S.-bound international air travelers over the age of two (2) present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within one (1) calendar day of embarkation. In the alternative, travelers may present evidence of recovery from COVID-19 within the 90-day period preceding the date of embarkation.

Travelers will also be required to complete an attestation form confirming that the information they provided concerning their testing or recovery is accurate.

The amendment, which became effective on December 6, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. EST, replaces the requirement that all fully-vaccinated U.S.-bound international air travelers present a negative COVID-19 test result within three (3) days prior to embarkation.

CDC has provided a humanitarian exemption from the new requirement; however, it is expected to be granted only in very limited circumstances.

More information about the CDC’s amended order, including acceptable one-day COVID-19 tests, vaccination requirements, and exemptions can be found here.

The amended order does not impact any existing travel bans, including the one in effect for the southern African region discussed in the OGC Immigration Team’s November 29 post.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Outside GC Immigration Team at lgeisinger@outsidegc.com or efarwell@outsidegc.com with any questions.