COVID TESTING CLARIFICATIONS FROM CDC

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On January 12, 2021, CDC announced an order requiring all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to present the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. Air passengers will also be required to confirm that the information they present is true in the form of an attestation. This Order is effective as of 12:01am EST (5:01am GMT) on January 26, 2021.

Here is a list of the frequently asked questions I have received. (Find answers to more questions at https://www.cdc.gov/…/testing-international-air)

Does this requirement apply to US citizens?
This Order applies to all air passengers,2 years of age or older.

Are territories or possessions of the US considered foreign countries for the purposes of this Order?
No, the Order to present a documentation of a negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 does not apply to air passengers flying from a US territory or possession to a US state.
NO COVID-19 TEST IS REQUIRED FOR RE-ENTRY TO THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES FROM HAWAII, PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS.

What if I have had a COVID-19 vaccine or have tested positive for antibodies? Do I still need a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19?
Yes, at this time all air passengers traveling to the US, regardless of vaccination or antibody status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery.

What if I am overseas and cannot get tested before my flight?
Passengers should contact the airline regarding options for changing their departure date to allow time for a test, see if the airline has identified options for testing, or if there are options available for changing their flights to transit through a location where they can get tested before boarding their final flight to the United States.

Will CDC provide information about international testing locations?
CDC is unable to provide information about locations and availability of testing in other countries.

Many hotels in Mexico, Caribbean, Central America and the airport in Tahiti now offer the convenience of on-site testing. We will guide you on choosing one of those hotels.

Call us now for your worry-free vacation.

Article first appeared on Cruise & Travel Specialists. Feature image courtesy of Gary Lopater on UnSplash.