Photo by Pascal Renet: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-united-airlines-plane-1089306/

It feels like such a distant memory at this point, but remember just over two years ago when you could travel across borders and not need to show a negative COVID test or proof (or exception) of a COVID vaccine?

Well the United States, in conjunction with the CDC (Center for Disease Control), has taken a first step to return the country back to pre-pandemic travel guidelines. 

On June 10, the CDC announced that a negative COVID test will no longer be required for air travelers entering U.S. borders. Previously, proof of a negative COVID test (taken within one day of departure) had to be shown prior to boarding a flight to the U.S., regardless of vaccination status. Now, effective June 12, 2022, that requirement is being lifted as the U.S. shifts to a new phase of the pandemic. 

Although the CDC still recommends travelers get tested for COVID prior to boarding a plane, it is not mandating it. Every day 2.9 million passengers fly in and out of U.S. airports, and more than 200,000 of those are international travelers, so this latest announcement impacts a lot of people.

What COVID travel restrictions still remain in place?

Unless you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, green card holder, or a child 17 years old or younger, you still must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States. There are a few other limited exceptions, which can be accessed here. 

As of June 15, 2022, boosters are not required to be considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of travel to the U.S. You can find the list of currently accepted COVID-19 vaccines by clicking here. 

In many countries where access to a timely COVID-19 test has impacted the ability of people to travel, we hope this latest announcement from the U.S. government will enable more families to be reunited this summer. 

If you have questions about obtaining a visa to travel to the U.S. please reach out to us at (757) 422-8472, or send us a message on our website. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys by clicking on this link.