Negative COVID-19 Test Required for International Travelers
Gabriela Ungo • January 14, 2021
CDC announces proof of negative COVID-19 test from international travelers arriving by air
As of January 26, 2021, all international travelers entering the United States by air are required to produce a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days prior to departure. This order was issued by the U.S. Center of Disease Control (CDC) last January 12, 2021 and applies to all air passengers, 2 years of age or older, including US citizens and legal permanent residents.
For individuals who have been infected with COVID-19, proof of recovery can be presented in lieu of a negative test result. CDC states that viral test should be "NAAT or antigen test". For more information please check the CDC's FAQ link HERE
NOTE: this new requirement does not mean that the COVID-19 physical travel bans in place by Presidential Proclamation have been lifted. In fact, these COVID-19 related physical travel bans were extended by the Trump Administration until March 31, 2021. With specific exceptions, foreign nationals who have been in any of the countries subject to the COVID-19 physical travel bans during the past 14 days may not enter the US. For a full list of countries under the proclamations, visit the U.S. Department of State COVID-19 Traveler Information page.
We are hopeful that the Biden Administration will lift not only the non-immigrant (H-1B, L-1 and J-1 visa) visa and immigrant visa travel bans as soon as he is sworn into office, but COVID-19 country specific physical presence travel bans as well.
GC Ungo will be actively monitoring travel bans and immigration news. To receive fast and current updates follow us on Facebook
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