Overview
From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has issued a series of restrictions on entry to the country. The latest restriction, effective January 26, 2021, mandates proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery from COVID prior to boarding any flight to the United States. As set forth below, it differs from the existing patchwork of COVID-related travel restrictions, in that it applies to all travelers age two or older--including US citizens and US permanent residents.
The new COVID testing mandate for all international air travelers was ordered by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC). The CDC’s Order, issued on January 12, 2021, is in response to the identification of a highly-transmissible variant form of the COVID virus. While the CDC Order impacts travel to the United States from abroad, it is a public health measure—not an immigration restriction. This is an important differentiation from the earlier Presidential Proclamations suspending travel. As a public health measure, the CDC’s order applies to all passengers, without consideration of US immigration status or immigration-based exceptions.
Air Carriers Responsible for Verifying Passenger COVID Documentation
The CDC’s order is directed at airlines and aircraft operators, through COVID testing or recovery verification requirements applicable to each passenger. Passengers will have to present acceptable testing or recovery proof prior to boarding. In addition, passengers have to complete an attestation to the CDC verifying their test or recovery results.
Note: The documentation, whether for a negative pre-departure test or proof of recovery must contain the name and date of birth of the passenger matching the passenger’s travel documents. Travelers with name variations must be mindful of this requirement to avoid being refused boarding.
Documentation Requirements for Negative Pre-Departure Test:
- Passengers must provide the air carrier with paper or electronic verification of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 calendar days prior to departure.
- The test must be a viral detection test. This is defined as nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) or viral antigen test.
- The test results must state either: Negative, SARS-Co V-2 RNA Not Detected, SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Not Detected, or COVID-19 Not Detected.
- Passengers must provide a written or electronic positive test result taken within the three- month (90 day) period preceding the flight.
- The test result must state either: Positive, SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detected, SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Detected, or COVID-19 Detected.
- In addition, a recovered passenger must present a signed letter from a licensed health care provider or public health official confirming that the passenger has been cleared for travel. This must be on letterhead, with the provider’s name, address and contact information.
- The Order applies to all passengers, age two and above. There are exceptions for crew members following specified protocols, COVID patients transported with CDC authorization, and federal law enforcement and military personnel. All other passengers, including US citizens and US permanent residents, must comply.
- The Order applies to all flights into the United States, including private and charter flights.
- The Order does not apply to travel within the United States or travel from a US territory or possession. Territories and possessions include: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
- For connecting flights, the documentation requirements apply to the initial flight if a) the connecting flights were booked together, b) each connection is 24 hours or less and, c) the passenger receives safety protocol instructions for the connections.