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We are just over a week since the first alarm went out from South Africa on the Omicron variant, and while it is now apparent that this emerging strain has already made inroads in the United States - and many other countries around the world - governments are trying to find ways to slow its spread.
For some countries that means closing borders (see Japan: Prime Minister's Statement On Closing Borders To Non-Nationals), while other nations are seeking to implement less disruptive measures.
As we learn more about the impact and spread of Omicron, we will probably see revisions to these policies. For now, the CDC has decided to reduce the time period for getting a negative test prior to departing to the United States to 1 day, instead of three.
CDC Tightens Testing Requirement for International Travel to the US to One Day
Press Release
For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 2, 2021
Contact: Media Relations
(404) 639-3286
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is revising the current Global Testing Order to shorten the timeline for required testing for all international air travelers to one day before departure to the United States. This revision strengthens already robust protocols in place for international travel, including requirements for foreign travelers to be fully vaccinated.
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.
Today’s announcement means that beginning December 6, all air travelers, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, will be to be required to show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test taken the day before they board their flight to the United States. For example, a passenger whose flight to the United States is at any time on a Sunday would need to have a negative test taken at any time 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.
Both the U.S. Government and the airline industry are committed to making this process as seamless as possible for the traveling public. These travel requirements will be effective for air travel to the United States from any foreign country departing at or after 12:01AM ET on December 6, 2021.
Further guidance and operational details are available on CDC’s website.
Laws and Regulations (cdc.gov)
Travel | CDC
