Update to COVID-19 Related International Travel Requirements – Negative COVID-19 Tests Are No Longer Required

On June 10, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rescinded the Order titled “Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for All Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving in the United States from any Foreign Country.” The initial order was issued on January 21, 2021. According to that order all air passengers 2 years or older traveling to the United States from a foreign country were required to present a negative COVID-19 test result from a sample taken no more than one day before departure, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days before boarding a flight. Effective June 12, 2022, air travelers will no longer need to present such proof.

The CDC has explained that since the issuance of the order many circumstances have changed, including the widespread uptake of the effective COVID-19 vaccines and accompanying immunity, and therefore there is no longer a need for that order to remain in place. The CDC continues to recommend that all travelers remain up to date with vaccination against COVID-19 and get tested for infections before and after they travel, and after any known exposure to a person with COVID-19.

The CDC indicated that it will continue to monitor circulating COVID-19 variants around the world, and could enhance prevention measures in the future, including reinstating testing requirements.

Please see our previous post from November 22, 2021, for further information about travel restrictions and travel tips.

Remember that U.S. consular officer and CBP border officials have broad discretion in issuing visas and admitting foreign nationals into the U.S., so please connect with your attorney well in advance of any travel to ensure you are well prepared and are carrying the necessary documentation to return. If you have any questions about international travel as a nonimmigrant, please contact the attorneys of Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan at 312-427-6163 to schedule a consultation.