In surprising news, the US has decided to suspend COVID-19 test requirements for international arrivals. Moreover, this will come into effect as of midnight on Sunday, June 12, 2022. While COVID restrictions are easing around the world, the US has had some of the strictest entry regulations in place, at least until now. Read on to find out more about the latest requirements when traveling to the US.

Current situation with COVID-19 tests in the US

Currently, the country requires all passengers over the age of two, traveling on international flights to the US to present a negative COVID-19 test 24 hours prior to departure. This even includes returning citizens.

Meanwhile, travelers who have recovered from the virus within the last 90 days can produce a recovery certificate prior to boarding their flight. However, at this time, no certificates are required when crossing land borders from Canada or Mexico.

US plans to drop pre-arrival COVID-19 testing

According to CNN, the pre-arrival testing regulation has been in place for 18 months in an effort to stem the spread of the virus. However, as of Sunday, June 12, the testing requirement will be suspended.

However, the requirement will not yet be scrapped entirely. In fact, CNN reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are to reassess the testing policy in 90 days. Also, should a new variant of concern emerge, the requirement could be reintroduced.

Airlines and tourism industry pressure

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has been receiving pressure from airlines and the tourism industry to drop the pre-departure testing. It has been pointed out that other countries, including Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Jamaica, Norway and Sweden have dropped similar testing requirements in recent months.

 

Industry group, Airlines for America released a survey last month relating to the requirement. The survey pointed out that its carriers estimate that 4.3 million international passengers would return to the US if the testing requirement is dropped.

Meanwhile, critics of the testing requirement have pointed out that it has been a major deterrent to travel. In fact, potential passengers were concerned about the prospect of testing positive. In that case, they could find themselves stuck overseas, unable to return home. This would then lead to them scrambling to find last-minute accommodation in which to quarantine.

Whatever the final decision is on testing, the CDC continues to recommend testing of international and domestic travelers.

Can unvaccinated passengers travel to the US?

Currently, visitors 18 and older who are not US citizens, green card holders, or permanent residents are required to be fully vaccinated to enter the US. However, children aged 17 and younger are exempt from the requirement.

Travelers are required to present vaccination certificates to airlines prior to boarding. Moreover, this will be checked again on arrival at their destination. As of now, there has been no suggestion that this requirement is to be dropped anytime soon.

Should there be any changes relating to US travel, we will update readers as soon as possible.