CDC announced on January 12, 2021, that the USA will begin requiring all international travelers—including returning U.S. citizens—to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to board a flight to the country.
The new ruling will go into effect on January 26, 2021, according to a new order from CDC. Travelers coming into the USA, from international destinations will now need to get a viral test within 3️ days of departure and share their negative results with their airline before a flight. Numerous resorts and hotels will start to perform COVID-19 testing on-site to make this a seamless travel experience for guests. Also, some of our amazing partners are offering a free stay up to 14 nights should you test positive. If accommodations do not offer testing on-site, Travel Queen will inform and assist clients where to go for COVID-19 testing before leaving their destination to come home.
One of the numerous reasons to work with a travel advisor is the benefit of having inside information regarding which properties will provide you with the most support while traveling. Travel Queen provides our clients with the most up-to-date information and assistance in creating a contingency plan that fits your comfort level, should anything go wrong.
What you need to know about the new CDC rules regarding testing to return to the USA:
WHO DOES THIS APPLY TO?
All international travelers who are re-entering the United States.
TEST TYPE
Both PRC and antigen tests will be acceptable
HOW DO I GET A TEST?
Many properties are offering on-site testing to make it easy for guests. Some accommodations are even offering the tests at no charge to the traveler.
EXCEPTIONS
· Kids under 2 years old
· Documentation of Recovery within 3 months – you will need both proofs that you tested positive in the past 3 months before your flight and have finished the required isolation along with a letter from your doctor stating that you are cleared for travel.
· The new CDC testing requirement does not apply to the following destinations: Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
VACCINATIONS
If you have taken both dosages of the COVID-19 vaccination, you still have to test before returning to the USA.
ENFORCEMENT
Airlines will monitor and confirm the negative test results for all passengers before boarding. Airlines must deny boarding if passengers do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery. Apples to commercial and private flights.
TEST TIME FRAME
· If you are flying on a connecting flight into the U.S., the 3 day test period begins from the minute your first flight departs to the USA – but only if all connecting flights are in the same reservation. If they are not, you need your test to be valid within 3 days of each flight segment.
· If you are flying out of the country for less than 3 days you can take a test in the States before you depart and use it for your return, or take a rapid before your return flight.
· If your flight is delayed past the 3 day window you must take another rest to board your flight.
As the CDC gives more clarification and guidance, I will continue to pass that information along to current and future clients.