Travel Tip Tuesday | New COVID Rules

What Are The Latest COVID Travel Rules?

The Biden administration has announced new rules for unvaccinated Americans. Unvaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents will still be able to fly into the U.S., but starting in November, they will also need to be tested within 24 hours of boarding their flight, as well as take a second test once they are back in the U.S. (Proof of purchase for a viral test to be taken after arrival into the U.S. will be required in order for unvaccinated travelers to board their flight.) These rules will apply to unvaccinated children who are U.S. citizens as well.

The travel policy remains unchanged for fully vaccinated American flyers, who will still only need to show proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of departure to the U.S.

In addition, the CDC will be issuing a new contact tracing order for airlines. According to the White House, this order will “require airlines to collect comprehensive contact information for every passenger coming to the United States and to provide that information promptly to the CDC, upon request, to follow up with travelers who have been exposed to COVID-19 variants or other pathogens.” Airline passengers will need to provide their phone number and email address under the new contact tracing process. 

The White House has not elaborated on how proof of vaccine will be verified at this time but they are expecting to have a plan in place sometime in November.