The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the removal of the requirement for travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon entering the United States.

New Rule Effective June 12, 2022

Effective June 12, 2022, the new rule applies to all travelers arriving in the US from any foreign country, either by air or any another form of transportation.

Positive Impact on Tourism

This decision has been praised by the CEO of the US Travel Association, Roger Dow, as a significant step forward in the recovery of inbound air travel and the return of international travel to the United States. Dow estimates that the lifting of the restrictions could bring an additional 5.4 million visitors to the US and an additional $9 billion in travel spending through the remainder of 2022.

Visa-Exempt Travelers Can Enter without a Test

The lifting of the test requirement means that visa-exempt travelers can now visit the US without proof of a negative COVID-19 test. They simply need to ensure that they have an approved United States ESTA visa waiver before departure.

Overall, this decision is expected to have a positive impact on the travel industry and boost tourism in the United States.

Reasons behind the Removal of COVID-19 Test Requirement for Travelers in the US

The US has made the decision to lift the COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers, primarily due to the high rate of vaccination among its citizens. Currently, approximately 67% of individuals in the USA have received complete vaccination against the coronavirus. This move comes as a significant step forward in the country's efforts to combat the pandemic.

CDC's Statement on the New Phase

In a statement released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has entered a new phase. The widespread adoption of highly effective COVID-19 vaccines has played a crucial role in this transition. The CDC also emphasized that the availability of effective therapeutics, along with the accumulation of high rates of vaccine and infection-induced immunity at the population level, has contributed to a lower risk of severe illness and death across the United States.

Vaccination Requirements for Travelers

Although the testing requirements have been lifted, it is still mandatory for all passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

• Fully vaccinated status is mandatory for all travelers.
• Proof of vaccination through a certificate is required.
• Final vaccine dose must be received at least 15 days before arrival in the US.
• This requirement considers the incubation period needed for maximum protection.

Face Mask Mandate Lifted

This recent development follows the lifting of the mandatory face mask mandate on public transportation within the USA, which took effect in April. T

• The mandatory face mask mandate on public transportation within the USA has been lifted.
• Travelers are no longer required to wear masks in US airports or on flights within the United States.
• This change reflects the progress made in vaccination efforts and the decreasing transmission rates of COVID-19.
• It signifies a positive step towards a more normal travel experience within the country.

US Travel Companies Embrace the Removal of COVID-19 Test Requirement

The removal of the testing requirement also follows intense lobbying of federal officials by many members of the US travel industry who were eager to remove remaining barriers to economic recovery.

• In a letter sent in early June to White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha, over 260 prominent US travel organizations and businesses asked for the testing requirement to be removed.
• The letter stated that "the wide range of public health tools to effectively manage COVID-19, combined with hospital grade ventilation systems onboard airplanes and the inbound vaccination requirement, have also made international air travel safer than ever."

Hassle-Free Travel Returns as US Test Rules are Lifted

Frequent travelers to the US have recently celebrated the removal of the negative test requirement. This significant change brings relief as they no longer have to go through the hassle of arranging a COVID-19 test before their departure or uploading test results online prior to boarding their flight.

Benefits of the New Policy

The lifting of the US COVID-19 test rules has several advantages for travelers. 

• Reduced risk of quarantine upon arrival
• Freedom from presenting vaccine certificate for COVID testing
• Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers can enter the US without additional testing

Future Considerations

Although the removal of the COVID-19 test requirement is welcomed by many, it is essential to note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue to assess the situation. After a period of 90 days, the CDC will review the need for a testing requirement and take appropriate actions. If a new variant of concern emerges, the rules may be reinstated, and the public will be duly notified.

CDC Recommendations

While the negative test requirement is no longer mandatory, the CDC still advises certain precautions for travelers. They strongly recommend that anyone boarding a flight to the US gets tested for current infection with a viral test within three days of departure. Additionally, individuals who are feeling unwell are advised not to travel.

Furthermore, the CDC continues to stress the importance of wearing masks on indoor public transport to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In conclusion, the removal of the US COVID-19 test requirement brings convenience and freedom for frequent travelers. However, it is crucial to stay updated with the CDC's guidelines as they monitor the situation and provide recommendations for safe travel.