Testing No Longer Required Before US Flights

Jefferson memorial as seen from Washington Monument

Since November last year, tourists from Europe and all over the world have finally been allowed to enter the USA again. However, there are two important requirements for entry. One of them is a full vaccination scheme against Covid-19 (with only a few exceptions), and the other is a negative corona test.

At least the second hurdle is now being eliminated. As CNN reported today, citing a senior administration official, the obligation to test for entry will be lifted from Sunday, June 12. Shortly thereafter, the report was officially confirmed by Kevin Munoz, Deputy White House Press Secretary.

The mask mandate on flights within and to the USA was already lifted at the end of April. Now another bit of normality returns to travelling. However, it is possible that a new corona wave in autumn will cause a rethink. According to the CNN report, a decision will be made again at the end of September on whether the obligation to test will remain suspended.

Details Are Still Pending

The news can be considered confirmed by Kevin Munoz’s tweet. The CDC has not yet given an update on the matter. This is expected for this Friday, American time.

Until then, it remains unclear whether lifting the requirement from Sunday midnight refers to the departure or arrival date. Anyone travelling to the USA within the next few days should probably continue to be tested. In any case, the CDC still recommends a test before every flight.

Previous Testing Requirement for USA Trips

The negative corona test could originally be taken up to three days before departure to the USA. In light of the Omicron variant, the rules were tightened at the end of 2021. Since then, the test had to be taken either on the day of departure or the day before.

The requirements for the test are clearly defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fortunately, an antigen test is sufficient.

Cover Picture: Ditmar Lange

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