This is Stephanie of IMS. Due to the increasing spread of the Omicron variant, the United States is now requiring international travelers to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than one calendar day before their flights. For example, a passenger whose flight to the United States is at any time on a Sunday would need to have a negative test taken at any time on Saturday. Naturally, many travelers are finding this a difficult change, as PCR tests can be costly, with results sometimes taking more than a day to arrive. Previously, fully vaccinated travelers could provide proof within 72 hours.
The CDC continues to recommend that all travelers get a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after arrival. Unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for 7 days after travel.
There have also been rumors of quarantine requirements for travelers arriving in the U.S., but so far there have been no official announcements. With all of the new changes, some are opting to cancel their trips altogether, or postpone them for quieter times. But with the Omicron variant still a mystery, it may be a while before things return to “normal” once more.
