CDC Issues Further Updates to COVID-19 Guidance for Air Travelers to the United States
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COVID-19 Guidance: Now, most travelers will have to show a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 and contact data to board an airplane in the United States. As before, U.S. residents, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and those entering the United States on immigrant visas do not need to be fully vaccinated. Other non-U.S. citizens, including those entering on temporary visas (with limited exceptions), should show proof that they are completely vaccinated. A booster dose isn’t required to meet this requirement.
In addition, while no longer needed, CDC continues suggesting that individuals wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.
What to Do After Arrival | COVID-19 Guidance
Non-U.S. residents, including those entering on temporary visas who are not completely vaccinated, yet permitted to make a trip to the United States via air based on an exception, might be required to attest to some or all the following:
- Get tested within 3-5 days after arrival absent documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days;
- Stay at home or in a hotel room and self-quarantine for an entire 7 days, even if the test is negative, missing documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the beyond 90 days;
- Isolate if the test result is positive or symptoms develop; and
- Those aiming to stay in the United States for 60 days or longer should become completely vaccinated within 60 days of arrival, or as soon as medically appropriate.
- Follow all state, tribal, local, and territorial recommendations or requirements.
U.S. residents, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and those entering the United States on immigrant visas as well as non-U.S. residents, including those entering on temporary visas who are completely vaccinated yet not up to date with vaccines, i.e., not up to date on boosters, CDC recommends:
- Stay home and self-quarantine for an entire 5 days after travel absent documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the beyond 90 days;
- Get a viral test 3-5 days after arrival absent documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the beyond 90 days;
- Self-monitor for symptoms and isolate and get tested if symptoms develop; and
- Follow all state, tribal, local, and territorial recommendations or requirements.
CDC Issues Further Updates
People who recently recovered from COVID-19 (within the past 90 days), regardless of vaccination status:
- No need to test within 3-5 days after arrival;
- No need to self-quarantine after arrival;
- If symptoms develop after arrival, isolate them right away and get tested;
- Continue to isolate until test results are available; and
- Wear a well-fitting mask around others.
[Notifying USCIS of Change in Address]
Any remaining travelers:
- Get a viral test 3-5 days after arrival;
- Self-monitor for symptoms and isolate and get tested if symptoms develop; and
- Follow all state, tribal, local, and territorial recommendations or requirements.
- Coronavirus travel requirements and recommendations can change whenever due to changing circumstances. It is important to check the CDC websites for guidance prior to travel.
