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Updated Travel Requirements for International Air Passengers
4 MINUTE READ
December 3, 2021

Starting Monday, December 6 (at 12:01am), all travelers flying to the United States will be required to show evidence of a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than *one day* before travel—or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days—before boarding their flight.  A rapid antigen test is acceptable.

Please read the details and frequently asked questions carefully at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html, and double check with your airline before travel.

A few common questions:

Q:  Does a rapid antigen test count?

A:  Yes. A rapid antigen test meets the requirement.

Q:  What does ‘one day’ mean?

A:  You can present a test taken any time on the calendar day before your flight departs for the United States.  For example, if your flight is at 1pm Friday, you can board with a negative test taken Thursday morning (or any other time Thursday).

Q:  Does this apply to U.S. citizens?

A:  Yes, this Order applies to all air passengers two years or older traveling into the US, including US citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), unless exempted.

Q:  Does this apply to people arriving by sea?

A:  No, this one-day testing requirement only applies to air travel into the U.S.