U.S. will require negative covid-19 tests from international air travelers starting Jan 26

Jan 14, 2021 | Consular Services & Travel

Effective Jan. 26, 2021, a new CDC policy will require all international air passengers, including American citizens, to provide proof of a negative covid-19 test before boarding international flights to the United States. The covid-19 test must be taken within three days prior to departure.

  • The expanded testing requirements follow a significant post-holiday surge in covid-19 cases in the United States.  Previously, on December 27, the CDC had implemented expanded testing requirements for international travelers arriving to the United States from the United Kingdom.

Clients should also take note of the following travel ban updates:

  • Covid-19 related travel bans impacting travelers from China, the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil remain intact.
  • On December 31, 2020, Presidential Proclamation 10052 was extended until March 31, 2021, although the recent extension is expected to be subject to change as President-elect Joseph Biden takes office on January 20.
  • Regarding entry through the United Kingdom – With specific exceptions, foreign nationals who have been in the UK during the past 14 days may not enter the US, even with a negative test result.

Resources:

Consular Processing Resources:

Related Posts:

Canada: Fully Vaccinated Travelers to Enjoy Easing Border Measures

Canada has taken the first steps to reopening its border for non-essential travel. Starting on September 7, 2021, the Canadian government plans to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated traveler. The traveler must have completed a Canadian government approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. As a test of this opening, fully vaccinated U.S. citizen and permanent resident non-essential travelers can expect to enter Canada starting August 9, 2021, provided said travelers have been vaccinated 14 days prior to entry. Further, most fully vaccinated travelers will not have to quarantine upon arrival in Canada, but a suitable quarantine plan is required. All travelers must use ArriveCan, the Canadian government’s portal for travelers, to submit their travel information. A pre-entry, negative COVID-19 test result is required for all travelers. A post entry COVID-19 test may be requested to randomly selected vaccinated travelers. This is a significant shift in travel policy for the Canadian government. Up till now, the bar to clear in order to classify travel as “essential” across the Canadian-U.S. border, and thus be granted entry into Canada, was extremely high, but Canada has managed to keep the COVID-19 numbers low, with a 7-day average of […]

State Dept. Announces National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers & Students

The Department of State (DOS) announced exceptions, based on national interest, from COVID-19-related restrictions for certain travelers coming to the United States, including: Business travelers, investors, academics, J-1 students, journalists, and treaty traders. Those who have a valid visa in the appropriate class or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) issued before the effective date of President Biden’s proclamation covering travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom (UK), and Ireland, or who are seeking to apply for a visa, and believe they may qualify for a national interest exception should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. If a national interest exception is approved, they may travel on either a valid visa or ESTA authorization, as appropriate. Students traveling from the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom (UK), and Ireland with valid F-1 and M-1 visas. Such students will be considered automatically for a national interest exception to travel and do not need to contact an embassy or consulate for that reason, DOS said. Students who are applying for new F-1 or M-1 visas should check their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for information on the status of visa services. Many consular sections at U.S. consular posts around […]