The CDC has been back in the news this week with changes to the test requirements to fly into the USA from other countries. Like the prior policy, this change does not impact guests flying from within the United States, only those entering the country from other countries. There are no testing requirements to fly from state to state although passengers over two are still required to wear a mask during their flight unless they’re eating free pretzels or enjoying a drink.

CDC Statement regarding test requirements to fly into the USA

On October 25, 2021 CDC amended its January 25, 2021 Order, titled, “Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States.” This amendment updates COVID-19 testing requirements for air passengers 2 years or older boarding a flight to the United States, depending on COVID-19 vaccination status.

Effective November 8, 2021 at 12:01am EST (5:01am GMT), before boarding a flight to the US from a foreign country, all air passengers- 2 years or older – are required to present a negative COVID-19 viral test result, within a time period based on their vaccination status … or present documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days. Air passengers will also be required to confirm in the form of an attestation that the information they present is true.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Practically, this announcement changes only when a test must be taken before international flights into the United States. To follow the test requirements to fly into the country, fully vaccinated passengers must be tested no more than three (3) days and present a negative result while those who are unvaccinated must be tested no more than one (1) day prior to flying and present a negative test result. According to the statement, proof of recovery from Covid-19 within 90 days is also accepted.

More information regarding the test requirements to fly into the USA is available:

• CDC COVID-19 International Travel
• Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination For Air Passengers
• Travel Assessment
• International Travel Information for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, Lawful Permanent Residents and Immigrants
• Non-U.S. citizen, Non-U.S. immigrants: Air Travel to the United States