Nine Things You Need to Know About Coronavirus Testing and New U.S. Entry Requirements

The United States is introducing new requirements for entry into the country for international travelers that go into effect on Tuesday in accordance with President Joseph Biden’s executive order.

In concert with that, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a new set of regulations that travelers must abide by before arriving into the United States.

Here are nine key points that individuals need to be aware of before traveling or returning to the United States.

1.) The new rules do not override any current or future travel bans. Foreign nationals must be admissible to the United States in order to travel.

2.) Travelers must get tested no more than three days prior to departure and then show a negative test result from a recognized laboratory or documentation of recovery from the virus to the airline before boarding the flight.

3.) Travelers who have recently had the coronavirus and have since recovered must provide evidence of a positive viral test as well as written clearance to travel by their healthcare provider or a public health official.

4.) Upon arrival in the United States, travelers must self-quarantine for at least seven days. In addition, travelers should get tested three to five days after arrival; however, they are still required to quarantine for the full seven-day period even with a negative test result. Travelers who do not get tested should isolate for at least ten days after arrival.

5.) Travelers who test positive after arrival must isolate for at least ten days after the test. The period of isolation will end at that point, provided that the traveler has had 24 hours without fever as well as a reduction of severe symptoms without the aid of medication.

6.) These requirements apply to all air passengers over the age of 2, including U.S. citizens.

7.) While these requirements apply only to travelers coming from foreign countries into the United States, multiple U.S. states and territories have specific guidelines and requirements for visitors as well.

8.) Visitors from territories and possessions of the United States, such as Guam and Puerto Rico, are not subject to the new guidelines. Travel from these locations is considered domestic, and a negative test result in not required upon entry into the country.

9.) Travelers who have had the Covid-19 vaccine or have tested positive for Covid-19 antibodies must nonetheless present a negative coronavirus test in order to enter the United States.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)