CDC Tightens Timeline For All International Air Travelers
On Dec. 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced via a press release that it is revising the current Global Testing Order to shorten the timeline for required COVID-19 testing for all international air travelers to one day before departure to the United States.
The release states that “This revision strengthens already robust protocols in place for international travel, including requirements for foreign travelers to be fully vaccinated.”
That said, “As we learn more about the Omicron variant, this new one-day testing policy will help to protect travelers and the health and safety of American communities from COVID-19. These Orders put in place a stringent and consistent global international travel policy that is guided by public health.”
All air travelers, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, as of Dec. 6, will be required to show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test taken the day before they board their flight to the U.S. For example, an individual whose flight to the U.S. is on a Sunday will need to have a negative test taken on Saturday.
“CDC continues to recommend that all travelers get a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after arrival, and that unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for 7 days after travel,” the release concludes.
