The United States Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) has announced that starting January 26, all international passengers flying to the United States will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 swab test.
The new regulation aimed at reducing COVID-19 transmission will require all international passengers to test for infection regardless of vaccination status or their point of destination. Previously, only certain U.S. jurisdictions required passengers to present proof of testing negative (i.e., New York, California, Guam) while other States did not impose such mandates.
Airlines will be required to confirm negative test results before a passenger boards a flight. If an international passenger fails to provide proof of a negative test result, the airline must deny boarding to that passenger. Passengers who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 will not be required to submit negative test results provided the passenger has not displayed any symptoms in the three (3) months preceding testing positive and supported by a letter from a health care provider or public health officer stating that the passenger has been cleared for travel.
The CDC policy, which has the current support of major U.S. airlines, expands a similar rule imposed on British travelers in late December requiring passengers from the United Kingdom to present proof of testing negative for COVID-19 following discover of a new strain of the virus.
For more information on how this new policy will affect international passengers flying to the United States from Asia, contact us today at info@enterimmi.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney based in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.
Copyright 2021. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.