The latest information to help navigate your travel plans.

Sources: Travel Agent Central, Hawaii News Now
Click through titles for more information
Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) late last week approved the lifting of the RT-PCR testing requirement for international arrivals beginning May 1, 2022, introducing two new entry schemes customized for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers...
The Czech Republic has lifted all COVID-19 travel restrictions for its citizens and international travelers. Visitors will no longer need to submit an arrival form or proof of vaccination or a previous infection when traveling from abroad; however, it is still recommended for travelers to verify the conditions of transport (including proof of infectivity, i.e. test, vaccination, illness) directly with the agreed public transport carrier (airplane, bus, train).
Many of the largest airlines in the United States have dropped their masking requirements; these include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest.
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The backstory: On Monday, a federal judge in Florida voided the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) mandate requiring face masks on all public transportation, including passenger aircraft. Although the CDC has recently extended the mandate from April 18 through May 3, the judge ruled that the mandate exceeded the CDC’s authority under the Pubic Health Services Act. This means the federal mandate is no longer in effect (for the time being) and airlines and other transportation businesses are allowed to make their own determinations regarding mask policies.
Effective Saturday, April 16, international visitors to Jamaica will no longer need to present a negative result from a COVID-19 antigen or PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to their travel to enter the island. In addition, Jamaica’s mandate to wear a mask in enclosed public spaces ends Friday, April 15...
Earlier this week, Denmark lifted the last of its COVID-19-related travel restrictions. Entry restrictions have been continuously relaxed and since March 29, the last restrictions have been removed removed.
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Since March 1, the only remaining COVID-19 entry restriction has been a requirement for testing within 24 hours of entry into Denmark for persons who have not been vaccinated with a recognized vaccine or previously infected and who enter from countries outside the European Union and Schengen Area. This requirement was lifted at midnight on the night of March 29. As a result, there are no longer COVID-19 restrictions on entry into Denmark....
The ban on entry to Sweden from countries outside the European Union/European Economic Area will not be extended and will cease to apply on Friday April 1, the country’s Ministry of Justice announced. This also means that the requirement to present vaccination and test certificates when entering Sweden will be removed...
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, March 30 dropped its Travel Health Notice for cruise travel. Put into place more than two years ago, this served as a platform that provided guidance to consumers on restrictions in cruise travel, grading systems and collaborative protocols for sailing safety. The removal of the health notice demonstrates the transition back into pre-pandemic operations for the cruise industry...
The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) recommended on Monday, March 28 that travel restrictions due to COVID-19 be relaxed due to a drop in cases and deaths. Fully vaccinated travelers would not need to quarantine or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, while unvaccinated travelers, or those not yet fully vaccinated, would only need proof of a negative test, with the quarantine requirement being dropped...
... Following Disney Magic's arrival on March 21, 2022; Carnival Paradise and Carnival Sunrise visited on March 23 and Celebrity Apex and Carnival Glory were expected to arrive on March 24. Other cruise ships which will call at the islands during phase 1 include Emerald Princess (March 25), Disney Fantasy (March 29), MSC Seashore (March 29 and April 12), Celebrity Reflection (March 30), Rotterdam (March 31), Celebrity Edge (April 1), Carnival Vista (April 6), Carnival Paradise (April 6), Carnival Sunrise (April 6), Celebrity Apex (April 7), Carnival Pride (April 8 and April 12), MSC Seashore (April 12), Carnival Horizon (April 13), Celebrity Edge (April 13) and Celebrity Equinox (April 17).
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...As a result of the changes to Adjusted Alert Level One, international travelers entering South Africa through the various ports of entry will require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours. Furthermore, all travelers entering South Africa will be offered vaccination on arrival, where requested or required.

The capacity of gatherings will be increased to 50 percent for all venues, for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. This is significant for the tourism industry, as it will impact positively on the business events sector.
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The wearing of masks will no longer be required when one is outdoors in a public area. However, wearing of masks is required when one is indoors such as at a mall, gallery, restaurant and in public transport etc...
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… starting April 1, it plans on removing the requirement to present a Green Pass—which shows proof of a vaccination, recovery or test certificate—when attending different outdoor public places and venues, such as cafes and restaurants. The report adds that the pass will also no longer be required for entry to touristic sites, such as accommodation facilities, museums and other cultural experiences.
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​The requirement of needing a valid Green Pass for indoor public spaces is expected to be removed later in April. All restrictions are likely to be dropped by summer, according to the deputy health minister of Italy, Andrea Costa.

In addition, Italy has already eased its entry rules for travelers: All incoming travelers, regardless of whether they are travelling from the European Union or outside, can now enter the country without having to follow additional entry rules, provided that they present a valid vaccination, recovery or test certificate…
Effective March 19, 2022, all travelers will no longer be required to present a COVID-19 negative test result or proof of vaccination. All travelers will still be required to complete Aruba’s Embarkation/Disembarkation Card before arrival, which is the country’s digitized customs and immigration process. Aruba Visitors Insurance is still required for all visitors…
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From May 1 international visitors from visa waiver countries, including the United States, will be to travel to the country without needing to self-isolate on arrival.

The high-level summary of entry requirements for all travelers to New Zealand pertaining to COVID-19 is as follows:

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  • All travelers entering New Zealand must be fully vaccinated in line with New Zealand government entry requirements.
  • A negative pre-departure test (PCR, LAMP or rapid antigen) in line with New Zealand government requirements is required for all travelers.
  • No compulsory requirement for all arriving travelers to either self-isolate or enter a government managed isolation hotel, i.e., all forms of isolation for arriving travelers (including foreign nationals) are removed at all border reopening steps except for unvaccinated New Zealand citizens and residents returning to the country.
  • All travelers will be provided with two rapid antigen tests at no charge on arrival at Auckland Airport, which are self-administered after exit from the airport.
  • Travelers will be asked to undertake the first test on their day of arrival and then a second test on Day 5/6 after arrival, this can be done once travelers have left the airport e.g.at home or hotel.
  • Travelers who test positive via either of their arrival day or Day 5/6 RAT test will be required to take PCR test to confirm positive status, if positive they will then be asked to self-isolate in line with the requirements that apply to all community COVID-19 cases in New Zealand.
The U.K. will be removing the remaining of its COVID-19-related international travel restrictions on March 18 including the passenger locator form (PLF) for arrivals into the U.K., as well as all tests for passengers who do not qualify as vaccinated. This change, therefore, removes the need for unvaccinated passengers to take a pre-departure test and a Day 2 post arrival test.
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The following measures will go into effect beginning March 10, 2022:
  • Domestic travelers will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 result. (Note: International travelers are still subject to the U.S. entry requirements as mandated by the federal government, which requires a negative COVID test from within one day prior to departure and proof of full vaccination.)
  • Mask requirements will be removed for both indoor and outdoor establishments; however, masks will still be recommended for situations where vaccination status cannot be guaranteed as well as on airplanes and in airports as federal law determines.
  • Capacity limits for both private and public establishments, such as restaurants, bars, theaters and event venues, will no longer be in place.
  • Patrons of private and public establishments will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival (this includes lodging establishments and restaraunts).
  • Individual businesses still reserve the right to establish their own health and safety guidelines and operations.

​Travelers who test positive while on the Island must quarantine and cover their own medical expenses/possible extended stay...
Effective immediately, all travelers to the Bahamas are no longer required to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test on the fifth day of travel regardless of vaccination status. However, visitors must follow the COVID testing requirements for return to their respective countries...

Visitors are required to follow prescribed entry protocols, including applying for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs and uploading their pre-departure test results, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival. Visitors should visit Bahamas.com/travelupdates to review accepted forms of testing for entry based on vaccination status. An island-by-island list of approved testing sites is available at Bahamas.com/travelupdates.
Beginning April 1, Costa Rica will no longer require travelers to complete an online Health Pass when visiting the destination. Additionally, unvaccinated travelers will no longer be required to purchase a travel insurance policy; however, it is still recommended that travelers purchase travel insurance to cover medical and lodging expenses in the event of contracting COVID-19...

... also beginning April 1, these establishments will be able to operate at 100 percent capacity without requiring vaccination QR codes.
To resume sailings, Transport Canada worked with its partners to develop a comprehensive pubic health plan for cruise ships, including:
  • Crew and passengers being required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
  • Crew and passengers being required to self-monitor for symptoms
  • Passengers being required to take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours before boarding a cruise ship or take an antigen test within one day of boarding a cruise ship
  • Passengers being required to take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours before arriving in Canada or taking an antigen test within one day of the scheduled arrival
... announced it will no longer require a Passenger Locator Form for visitors starting March 15. According to Greek Travel Pages, Minister for Tourism Vasilis Kikilias said the decision refocuses the effort on vaccination status. In addition, holders of the European Union Digital COVID Certificate, as well as holders of certificates that are compatible with the E.U. system (such as those from the U.S., Canada and Australia) no longer need to take a test for COVID-19 before their trip to Greece.
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As of Saturday, March 5, mask-wearing indoors in Greece will no longer be mandatory, while tourist bus capacity will be raised to 100 percent ... 
​... on Monday, March 14 would scrap rules on masks and vaccine passes. According to France’s The Local, vaccine passes—used for entry to venues such as bars, restaurant, tourist sites and ski lifts—will no longer be required. At the same time, masks will no longer be requires indoors, with the exception of public transport, medical establishments and care homes. Private businesses will still be able to make mask-wearing a condition of entry....
...Beginning Saturday, March 5, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers and in-transit passengers aged five and over must have a negative rapid antigen test or a PCR test taken one day prior to entering Saint Lucia. Travelers may also provide a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test taken up to five days prior to arrival.
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All unvaccinated travelers must present a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test, taken up to five days prior to entering Saint Lucia. All travelers must register their information and upload test results online prior to travel on www.stlucia.org/covid-19... 
Under the state’s plan, the first day travelers could come into the state without any Safe Travels restrictions is March 26. In addition, Ige said other restrictions will also go away that day, including:
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  • Vaccination or COVID testing requirements for state and county employees;
  • A vaccine-or-test mandate for a long list of state properties, including libraries.

Under Safe Travels, trans-Pacific domestic passengers must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to bypass quarantine. Travelers must also fill out a health form and go through screening...
... Rapid antigen tests join the list of approved tests for entry to Barbados. The island also accepts COVID-19 PCR tests taken no more than three days prior to arrival in Barbados...

Furthermore, passengers transiting through Barbados will not be asked to provide test results in order to do so....
Over the weekend, Iceland removed all public restrictions due to the COVID-19pandemic—both domestically and at the border.
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This means all rules regarding limitations on social gatherings and school operations, as well as the quarantine requirement for those infected by COVID-19 have been removed. Additionally, no disease prevention measures will be in place at the border, regardless of whether individuals are vaccinated or unvaccinated...
Grenada this week announced updates to its travel protocols, requiring fully vaccinated travelers to show proof of a negative PCR or NAAT test from within three days of travel to the island or, now, a negative rapid antigen test taken within one day of arrival....

For unvaccinated travelers, they must complete the above Health Declaration form, book a Government Approved/Pure Safe Travel Property and pay for a PCR test to be taken on Day 5 (of their seven-day quarantine).
Children 12 and over must show their own proof of vaccination; children under 12 will be exempt from the vaccination requirement. Adults traveling in a group where some are vaccinated and other are not, and choose not to separate, will all be treated as unvaccinated...
...Starting March 1, the Council—in response to the evolution of the pandemic, the increasing vaccination uptake and administration of booster doses, and the recognition of a growing number of certificates issued by third countries as equivalent to the E.U. Digital COVID Certificate—says member states should open their borders to non-essential travelers vaccinated with an E.U.- or World Health Organization (WHO)-approved vaccine, recovered persons and all persons traveling from a country on the E.U. list...
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...Restrictions should take into account both the situation in the traveler’s country and the individual status of the person; additional safety measures such as PCR testing before arrival could still apply.
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Starting March 1, all travelers—fully vaccinated or otherwise—from all countries will be able to visit Israel...

According to Tourist Israel, all travelers flying to Israel must take a PCR test upon arrival at the airport. Then, they must go straight to wherever they are staying and quarantine for up to 24 hours until they receive a negative result. (The results usually arrive in six to 12 hours, however, meaning that the quarantine is usually not the full 24 hours. Should the test result not be returned within 24 hours, travelers will be allowed to leave quarantine; it’s whichever comes first.)

Beyond the arrival test, international travelers must also complete an Entry Statement Form no more than 48 hours before the scheduled time of departure. They must also provide:
  • A negative result on a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure to Israel
  • A positive result on a PCR test taken between three months and 11 days before the flight
  • Permission from the Exceptions Committee to enter Israel without taking a PCR test before departure
...All persons must be fully vaccinated to travel to Papua New Guinea, unless they are under 18 years of age or are a citizen of Papua New Guinea...

All persons traveling to Papua New Guinea must have a valid COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their original port of departure. Children aged five years and under are exempted from being tested. Travelers arriving in the island country will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival.
​If a person has within the last three months tested positive for COVID-19, a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner from their country of departure, certifying that the person is no longer infectious for COVID-19 shall be accepted but the individual must still be tested prior to leaving their port of departure within 72 hours and be tested on arrival...
Most COVID-19-related measures within the country have been lifted thanks to the sharp decline in cases...
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Note, however, that guests from both theU.S. and Canada must be fully vaccinated to be allowed entry to Switzerland. It is not possible to enter Switzerland if not vaccinated or based on a recovered status.

To be considered fully vaccinated, you must have received your vaccine (booster or second shot) within 270 days of arrival in Switzerland. 
... on-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travelers will be eased (although random travelers will continue to be selected for testing; however, they will no longer be require to quarantine while awaiting their test result). Children under 12 years old will continue to be exempt from quarantine, so long as they are traveling with a fully vaccinated adult. Unvaccinated travelers will continue to be required to test upon arrival, on Day 8 and quarantine for 14 days. Further, unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter Canada unless they meet one of the few exemptions.
Starting February 14, U.S. travelers aged 12 to 17 years old visiting Spain will be allowed to show a negative PCR test if they don’t have proof of full vaccination. The PCR test must take place no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain. There are no requirements for children under 12 years of age.
Adults 18 and older must be fully vaccinated and must have received the last required dose of their COVID vaccine no less than 14 days and no more than 270 days prior to arrival in Spain. If more than 270 days have passed since the last required dose, travelers must show proof of having received a booster shot at least 14 days prior to arrival.
International travelers to France will no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of departure, so long as the person is fully vaccinated //

Unvaccinated travelers will still require a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of their departure date, and quarantine on arrival in France, as well as an essential reason for travel to France...
The Philippines this week reopened its borders to international travelers from 157 countries with visa-free arrangements. Travelers also need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and test negative before travel to avoid quarantine...
As of February 14, the the mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival has been ditched and replaced with a 14-day self-monitoring period. Should a traveler develop any symptoms of COVID-19, they will be required to immediately self-isolate and report to their nearest health facility or call the national helpline number (1075)...
For those arriving to Portugal by plane, you are required to have a valid vaccination E.U. Digital COVID Certificate, a valid test or recovery E.U. Digital COVID Certificate or a valid vaccination certificate (with a complete vaccination schedule or a vaccine booster), a recovery certificate issued by a third country, under reciprocal conditions, a negative RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) taken 72 hours before boarding, or a negative Laboratorial Rapid Antigen Test 24 hours before boarding.
Effective March 7, 2022, Bermuda’s new guidelines will require all visitors (by land or sea) to show proof of current vaccination status and a negative COVID-19 test result (both antigen or PCR tests are allowed) within two days of arriving on the island... 
Australia announced it will be reopening its borders to fully vaccinated travelers as of February 21 //

Travelers who are not fully vaccinated would be required to show proof of a medical exemption to enter the country//

..the state of Western Australia remains closed to non-residents—including those from other Australian states—unless they have permission to enter.
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Fully vaccinated travelers from the United States—and all other countries that do not need a visa—can begin visiting in July ..
  • Prior to traveling, you must have a negative PCR or RT-PCR test result from within 48 hours of your scheduled departure from your first international flight. (Children under two years of age are exempt from the testing requirement.)
  • ​Fully vaccinated travelers will have to self-isolate for 10 days upon entering New Zealand. Travelers will be provided with three rapid antigen tests at the airport—one for use on Day 0/1 and one for use on Day 5/6, with one extra for backup...
  • Those who are unvaccinated, regardless of which “step” they can begin entering New Zealand, must complete a 10-day stay in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). You are required to obtain a Managed Isolation Allocation system voucherconfirming your place in an MIQ facility before boarding a flight....
Aruba has announced the easing of entry requirements for all visitors. Starting February 3, 2022, the island nation is allowing travelers to choose between taking an antigen test one day prior, or a PCR test up to a maximum of three days prior to traveling to Aruba or the option to travel with a digitally verifiable QR-Code proof of COVID-19 booster vaccination...
...As part of the new rules, vaccinated passengers arriving on domestic flights will no longer need to present a negative test to enter the destination, while unvaccinated travelers who present a negative test from two days prior will not be required to quarantine. Currently, all passengers must present proof of vaccination and a negative test from the last 48 hours and unvaccinated travelers, must, in addition to testing, quarantine for seven days...
“.... a traveler’s COVID-19 vaccination, test or recovery status, as evidenced by a valid E.U. Digital COVID Certificate, should be the key determinant,” the Council said in a statement last week announcing the new recommendations. A person-based approach will substantially simplify the applicable rules and will provide additional clarity and predictability to travelers.”
...children aged 11 and younger are permitted to travel to the Cayman Islands regardless of the child’s vaccination status, provided they are traveling with a verified, fully vaccinated adult. While children between five and 11 years must follow the same testing protocols as adults, children under five are not subject to pre-arrival or on-site testing...
Turks and Caicos has announced amendments to its “Arrival Passengers Travel Clearance Health Regulations,” mandating that all visitors and returning residents two years and older to provide a negative COVID-19 test before entry—lowered from the previous mandatory testing age of 10 years old....
Nearly 6 million passengers have sailed on cruise ships since the cruise industry's restart last year...

​ In addition, more than 75 percent of oceangoing capacity is already back in service—and nearly 100 percent is expected back in operation by August 2022. Best of all, travel advisors and passengers will likely see a full cruise industry recovery in 2023...
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) this week pleaded with governments worldwide to relax their travel restrictions “as COVID-19 continues to evolve from the pandemic to endemic stage.”

IATA in a statement called for the removal of all travel barriers (including quarantine and testing) for those fully vaccinated with a World Health Organization (WHO)-approved vaccine, enabling quarantine-free travel for non-vaccinated travelers with a negative pre-departure antigen test result, removing travel bans and accelerating the easing of travel restrictions in recognition that travelers pose no greater risk for COVID-19 spread than already exists in the general population...
Fully vaccinated travelers to England will soon no longer be required to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced. According to a BBC report, Johnson did not specify when the new regulations would go into effect //

Unvaccinated travelers will likely have to continue to take a pre-departure test, a PCR test on Day 2 and 8, and self-isolate for 10 days...
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Italy on Monday introduced a new series of COVID-19-related restrictions for both citizens and travelers alike. Targeting those who are unvaccinated, the new rules limit access to public spaces and services, according to Schengen Visa Info News...

Access to hotels and other accommodations are now only be permitted to those who have been fully vaccinated or recovered from the COVID-19 disease, the report says. Similarly, access to public transport, including planes, trains, ships and ferries, as well as museums, exhibitions and festivals will also only be possible for those who have proof vaccination or a recovery certificate. In addition, mask-wearing is required on all public transportation.
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Previously, proof of a negative COVID-19 was sufficient for access to these sites and transportation modes.
As for travel to Italy, the current entry rules remain in place: Visitors must fill out a Passenger Locator Form and present a vaccination or recovery certificate, along with a PCR or rapid antigen test that was taken before arrival in Italy. Those who are unable to present one of the two certificates will have to present a negative test and undergo a five-day quarantine requirement...
... These new regulations are now in effect for the Republic of Ireland:
  • Vaccinated or recovered travelers into Ireland will be required to present evidence of a valid Digital COVID Certificate or other acceptable proof of vaccination/previous infection prior to travel.
  • Travelers who are not vaccinated or recovered will be required to present evidence of a not-detected RT-PCR test carried out no more than 72 hours before their arrival into Ireland...
The Bahamian government has announced updated entry requirements, suspending the mandatory RT-PCR testing for vaccinated travelers, which was scheduled to take effect on January 7, 2022. Vaccinated travelers, as well as children, ages two to 11, may continue to present either a negative rapid antigen test or negative RT-PCR test.
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Additionally (effective from January 4), all persons remaining in the Bahamas for longer than 48 hours will need to undergo a rapid antigen test, regardless of vaccination status...
Effective Monday, January 3, 2022, all domestic air travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands are required to present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within three days prior to travel to the territory...

Plans to Re-open Europe to Americans this Summer
April 30, 2021
Recently announced the that European Union is looking to make travel abroad available to Americans again.

Information is continuing to roll out on requirements and how they will be checked, but it has been suggested that proof of vaccine, negative Covid test, or proof of recent recovery from Covid will be accepted to enter. 

Dates on when we will be able to travel abroad are also to be confirmed, but France is said to be ready to reopen borders by June 9.  And Spain has tentatively set plans to reopen by June. 

The order from January 26 to have a negative test on arrival to the US currently still stands (see below for more details). 
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We will update as we continue to access more information, and encourage you to stay informed with the European Union updates and requirements to travel - https://reopen.europa.eu/en

Negative Test Required to Enter US by Plane 
January 12, 2021
The CDC recently announced that as of January 26th, all travelers arriving into the United States will require predeparture COVID testing.

So what does travel look for you?

☑️ Pending your destination, you may be required a COVID test before departing the states. Specifics will be detailed by location but we highly recommend getting one done regardless so there are no surprises when arriving home!

☑️ Upon return to the US, all travelers over the age of 2 will be required to test from departure of their destination - airlines will be checking for a negative test to allow you to board.

☑️ You will need a viral test no more than 3 days before your flight departs. So start making arrangements for when you arrive to you vacation destination!

☑️ If you recently tested positive for COVID (within 3 months prior to your travel dates), the CDC does not recommend getting retested unless you still have symptoms.

☑️ In case of a recent positive test, you may be able to travel with documentation of your positive viral test and a letter from healthcare provider or official, stating you are cleared.

We are also working with our travel partners to get you all the information you need to make informed travel decisions, especially as there won’t be a one size answer for all.

Yes, this may slightly change how you envisioned your travel plans. But we are assured that our travel partners are working to provide the best assistance possible!

Do you have questions regarding this news? For more on the latest from the CDC, see below.

Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States