Flying to U.S.? CDC’s New COVID Test Rules Start Jan. 26

UNITED STATES — Airline passengers will be required to show proof that they have either tested negative or have recovered from COVID before they board an international flight to the U.S. starting Jan. 26, according to a new order by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The notice and order by the CDC stipulates the negative pre-departure test must be “conducted on a specimen collected during the three calendar days preceding the flight’s departure” from a foreign country. 

If the passenger has recovered from COVID-19, passenger may instead travel with documentation that confirms previous infection and a letter from a licensed health care provider or official stating that the passenger has been cleared for travel. 

The airline is charged with verifying every passenger over the age of 2 has the documentation  of a negative test or a document of recovery from COVID-19. 

The order applies to all “aircraft” – commercial, general aviation and private aircraft destined for the U.S. from a foreign country.  For more information, please visit cdc.gov.