U.S. TO LIFT COVID-19 TESTING REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
June 10, 2022
We want to provide a quick update regarding the U.S. pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements for international travel. Today, the Biden administration will announce that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) will no longer require pre-departure testing for international travelers coming into the U.S. as of 12:01 AM EST on Sunday, June 12, 2022. This means that travelers entering the U.S. as of 12:01 on Sunday will no longer have to present a negative COVID-19 test within one day of their flight in order to board flights to the U.S. and be allowed entry into the U.S. The CDC has said that it decided to lift the restriction after determining that the testing requirements for international travelers is no longer necessary based on “science and data.” Nevertheless, the CDC also stated that it would reassess its decision in 90 days (i.e., early September) and at that point determine if the testing requirement needs to be reinstated. It is important to note that while the testing requirement is being lifted, other currently effective CDC requirements related to air travel, including the attestation and vaccination requirement for most non-U.S. citizens, remain in effect.
At this time, neither the Biden administration nor the CDC has issued an official notice on the suspension of the international travel testing requirement, but we expect that an official announcement and notice, as well as further details and guidance for air carriers to ensure a smooth transition, are soon forthcoming.
We will provide any additional details and updates on this matter as soon as we receive them.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6665).
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