Updates to COVID-19 Requirements for Traveller's to the US
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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About The Author
Melissa Vincenty is a U.S. Attorney, a registered Australian Migration Agent and the founder and managing director of Worldwide Migration Partners. Melissa has over 25 years of experience in U.S. Immigration Law, including practising at the world’s largest U.S. Immigration Firm and more than 15 years as a Country Specialist (China and Tibet) for Amnesty International USA.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature, may not, and is not intended to constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information, and is for general informational purposes only. It does not represent legal advice specific to any individual/s situation, and should not be relied on as such. Please contact us for a consultation for legal advice for your individual circumstances.