In an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that all air passengers entering the country will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test prior to admittance. A negative viral test, required to be taken up-to three calendar days before arrival to the United States, is required for everyone 2 years or older.

This new requirement was announced last week and goes into effect January 26. Previously, U.S. citizens were not required to obtain a test before returning to the country. If someone has previously tested positive for Coronavirus, they will be required to provide documentation of recovery in the form of a positive test result and a letter from a licensed health care provided or public health official stating that passenger has been cleared for travel.

“This update in international travel requirements should be considered by all travelers before they book any air travel,” said Luis Olivero, Assistant Director of Airport Affairs for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Research should be done on the availability of testing in the country they are traveling from to ensure passengers are able to board their flight to the U.S.”

More information can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html