COVID-19 Travel Update from the CDC
On January 12, the CDC issued an order requiring all air passengers arriving into the US from a foreign country to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test (effective January 26, 2021). We have all the new details and what you can expect going forward.
Photo credit: Joshua Woroniecki
The Latest Information from the CDC
On January 12, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a new order requiring all air passengers arriving into the US from a foreign country to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter the country, effective January 26, 2021.
Here are the key points:
Testing must be done no more than 3 days (72 hours) before your flight departs, and you must provide either paper or electronic proof of your test result to your airline before boarding your flight
Acceptable test types include the antigen or NAAT test
This order applies to travelers of all nationalities, including US citizens and permanent residents, age two and up
Airlines will be required to deny boarding to anyone who cannot evidence a negative test result
If you have recently recovered from COVID-19 (within the past three months), have met the criteria to end isolation, and are no longer showing any symptoms of COVID-19, you may travel instead with documentation of your positive viral test results and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official that states you have been cleared for travel. The positive test result and letter together are referred to as “documentation of recovery.”
Even if you have had a COVID-19 vaccine, you will still be required to show proof of a negative test result in order to board a flight bound for the US
Travelers will also need to complete a Passenger Disclosure and Attestation Form
The CDC has provided a helpful question and answer page regarding the new order, which we highly recommend all travelers read in full.
Please note that the CDC still maintains that wearing a mask is the best defense against COVID-19, and wearing a mask or facial covering will be required on all flights.
Going Forward: What Poe Travel Can Do for You
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has indicated that they are going to be in communication with the incoming Biden administration regarding the new requirements to bring about some changes that they believe will make things smoother for travelers, but as of January 26th, these are the CDC requirements that are in place.
The team at Poe Travel always keeps up-to-date with all of the latest requirements and information from the CDC and from governments abroad so that you don’t have to, and we will always keep all of our travelers abreast of the situation.
In many locations, we can assist in arranging your testing or even having a concierge doctor administer testing in your hotel room/suite or private villa. These services are dependent on location and date, and they will be at an additional cost. We can provide specific details to you during the trip planning phase, as of course every trip is unique.
As always, we prefer when we can handle all of the logistical aspects of your trip and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the destination you’re visiting, whether you’re relaxing on a beach in the Caribbean, wandering the streets of a city in Europe, or on a game drive in Kenya. Leave the details to us, and we will leave the daydreaming to you.
If you would like to go away anywhere in the world, simply contact us, and we will set you on your way.