As new cases of the Omicron variant are being detected in countries around the world, including the United States, the Biden Administration has decided to make a few small, but significant changes to the way international travellers will have to enter the country. This applies to visa holders and also legal permanent residents—green card holders, travelling to the U.S. even if they have been visiting loved ones abroad for only a short period of time.
Currently, according to a new policy that takes effect as of Monday, December 6th, all international travellers entering the United States will have to provide a negative test within one day (24 hours) of their departure to the U.S. In order to make this a smooth process for any traveller, it is best to either check with the airline before ones flight to see how they will be handling the testing. Also, if you have already downloaded an App that allows you to upload your negative test results, this is an applicable option.
Alternatively, a paper copy from a testing center will suffice. The test results need to clearly state the individuals name, their DOB, provide evidence that it was a PCR test, and also provide information as to the date and time the test was taken. The CDC clearly states that a test taken in advance of flying to the United States needs to a “viral” one. More information on their exact terminology can be found here.
One common mistake that some travellers have been making is getting tested just outside of their window requirement. For example, if you have an international flight at 12pm, you cannot provide a Covid test from the previous morning if it was taken before 12pm. Unfortunately the requirement is strict and you could be denied boarding if you fail to be within the given window/time frame.
Alternatives
The only alternative that will allow an individual to travel from a foreign country to the United States without a negative Covid test taken within 24 hours of their flight is to provide evidence of recovery from Covid-19. The CDC specifically notes, “…you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., your positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel.”[1]
