CDC Expands Negative COVID-19 Test Requirements for All Air Passengers Entering the United States
Yesterday, The CDC announced new recommendations for international travel. Effective January 26, the CDC will require a negative COVID-19 test from all air passengers entering the United States. This includes U.S. citizens who travel internationally and need to re-enter the country upon return.
Last night, I sent the below update to clients who are traveling in the next six months.
On a personal note: I see this as a POSITIVE thing! If you follow my Instagram, you know I am a big advocate of responsible travel and pre- and post- travel testing. You’ve probably seen my stories about my COVID tests (including the one I did on camera, ha!)
When I sent our COVID survey last spring, the overwhelming response from clients was “We just want to feel safe when traveling.” I believe that this type of testing is another step toward slowing the spread and safe, responsible travel.
so ashley, what does this mean?
Like most “official” communication, the details are still a little unclear, but here’s what we do know:
- According to the CDC, air passengers entering the U.S. will be required to present documentation of a negative COVID-19 viral test (called a Qualifying Test) conducted within the 3 days before their flight to the U.S. departs.
• Documentation should be for a viral test as approved or authorized by the relevant national authority. - Test results must state: Negative, SARS-CoV2 RNA Not Detected, SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Not Detected, or COVID-19 Not Detected. Invalid will not be accepted.
- Documentation may be paper or electronic copy and must include the name and contact information for the laboratory or healthcare personnel who performed the test.
- Test results may be required to be shown again upon landing.
what if i’ve already had COVID?
- Alternatively, passengers may provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 with documentation of test results conducted during the three months preceding the flight’s departure from a foreign country.
- Test results must state: Positive, SARS-CoV2 RNA Detected, SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Detected, or COVID-19 Detected. Invalid will not be accepted.
Additional CDC Form For Travelers
an additional cdc health form for travelers
Finally, all airline passengers will be required to present a simple CDC form to the airline for collection prior to boarding. That form can be found here for reference.
but here’s some good news!
- This is designed to keep us all safe
- Many other destinations have already implemented this, including Canada and individual U.S. states … I’m frankly surprised that it took the U.S. so long to catch up!
- I am used to working with these regulations… we have been navigating this for Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean islands since last summer. You will have our help!
- This was NOT a surprise and destinations have been preparing for this. Today, my inbox is flooded with emails from hoteliers, transportation companies and tour operators more explaining their testing partnerships.
- In many cases, resorts have partnerships with medical professionals to come and test at the resort, only briefly interrupting your vacation.
- I am CONFIDENT there will be ample testing options available.
At this time, it is unclear on the cost of these tests. Many hotels are starting to bundle this into their package costs – > see Excellence Group’s announcement last night. I suspect that others will follow quickly!
For more information, you may reference the FAQs on the CDC website, which can be found here.
Yet another adventure we get to embark on together! At this point, let’s stay the course. Keep the vacation countdown on. Ask questions as you have them and I’ll update you as I gather more info. Thank you for understanding as your friendly neighborhood travel expert gets the scoop!
Yet another adventure we get to embark on together! At this point, let’s stay the course. Keep the vacation countdown on. Ask questions as you have them and I’ll update you as I gather more info. Thank you for understanding as your friendly neighborhood travel expert gets the scoop!
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