Ten months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. will require all international travellers—including returning U.S. citizens—to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to a board a flight to the country.
The COVID-19 test should not be taken more than 72 hours before departure. Note that Antibody tests are not accepted.
This decision will be in effect from 26th January,2021, according to a new order from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to CDC, Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board and if a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.
The CDC also recommends getting tested again three to five days after arriving in the U.S. and quarantining at home for seven days post-travel.
“Testing does not eliminate all risk, but when combined with a period of staying at home and everyday precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, it can make travel safer, healthier, and more responsible by reducing spread on planes, in airports, and at destinations,”
said Dr. Robert R. Redfield, Director, CDC.
This decision comes after United States announced in late December, 2020 that it would require a negative COVID-19 result from all UK travellers. The new strain has since been found in at least six states in the U.S. Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents coming from Europe, the U.K., and China will still be barred from entry, with or without a negative test.