US updates COVID-19 policy for international air travel

President Joe Biden issued the proclamation on October 25, stating that the “vaccination requirements are essential to advance the safe resumption of international travel to the United States.” The move revokes previous proclamations that imposed “country-by-country restrictions” and instead “relies primarily on vaccination.”

In addition, anyone age 2 and older who is traveling into the United States from an international location must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding. Those who are fully vaccinated must have a viral test done no more than three calendar days before the flight departs for the United States. Those who are not fully vaccinated must have the viral test done no more than one calendar day in advance. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 must show a positive viral test result taken no more than 90 days before the flight and have a letter from a health care provider stating that they are cleared to travel.

For additional information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 and entry back into the United States for passengers and aircraft operators, airlines, and crew. The CDC also released a quick reference guide regarding traveling by air to the United States from a foreign country.