It was a year ago that we first heard about COVID-19. It was so new then it was still called the novel coronavirus. At the time, we didn’t know it would affect our daily lives, disrupt the ways we do business, and inhibit our ability to travel for months. Nonetheless, here we are a year later, and that nasty virus continues to impact us. The most recent regulation was announced by CDC. In an effort to stop the virus spread, ALL travelers must now present a negative COVID-19 test to enter the U.S. by air. That includes American citizens, diplomats, and special visa holders. It also applies to passengers connecting through the U.S. to a third country, as well as travelers who have already received the vaccine.

Requirements Before You Travel

If you plan to travel internationally, you need to be aware that all air passengers over the age of two years must get a COVID-19 test no more than three days before entering the United States. Alternatively, you may show documentation of recovery which includes proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel.

Airlines are required to confirm negative COVID-19 test results or documentation of recovery before passengers board. If acceptable documentation is not provided, airlines must deny boarding.

Recommendations After You Travel

The CDC recommends that travelers who have been in a foreign country also get tested three to five days after travel and self-quarantine for seven days after travel, even if you test negative. If you test positive, of course, you should isolate yourself to protect others.

If you do not get tested upon return, the CDC recommends that you self-quarantine for 10 days. Whether you get tested or not, avoid being around higher-risk people for 14 days.

COVID-19 Testing and Documentation Requirements

Travelers must be tested with a viral test that can be either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). The test used must be authorized for use by the relevant national authority for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the country where the test is administered. Rapid tests are acceptable as long as they meet these qualifications. Home tests that are tested in a laboratory and approved by the country’s health authorities are also acceptable.

If the test results are not in English, verify with your airline that they are acceptable before departure.

To enter the U.S., negative COVID-19 test results must be presented as a paper or electronic laboratory test result before boarding. The test result documentation must include information that identifies the person, a specimen collection date, and the type of test. A negative test result must show the test was done within the three days before the flight. A positive test result must show the test was done within the three months before the flight.

For international trips shorter than three days, a viral test taken in the United States can be used as long as the test takes place no more than three days before the return flight to the US departs. Keep in mind, if the return is delayed more than three days, a new test is required. 

Requiring a negative COVID-19 test to enter the U.S. is another safety layer designed to help us stop the virus spread and get back to traveling internationally. If you have questions about locating international COVID-19 testing sites, ask your Covington agent for resources.