Important Information for All Travelers to the United States – COVID-19 Requirements [Update]

As widely reported and announced by the U.S. Center for Disease (CDC) this week, the United States will start a new COVID-19 related policy stating that “all international passengers headed to the United States will first need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test”.  The new requirements will go into effect on January 26, 2021.  At this stage, this requirement will be regardless of vaccination status and regardless of nationality – this new requirement is for all returning U.S. citizens as well as non-U.S. citizens or residents.

The CDC's announcement indicates: “Air passengers are required to get a viral test (a test for current infection) within the 3 days before their flight to the U.S. departs, and provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19.  Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board.  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.” 

There will likely be additional information and guidance issued in the coming days related to this new policy.  We will continue to provide updates on policies affecting Australian travelers to the U.S. 

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