New COVID Testing Rules: Here are 5 Things Every Traveler Should Know
In case you missed it, U.S. travelers now face stricter testing requirements when flying home from abroad.
As of December 6th, you’ll be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before departure. The new one day testing window leaves significantly less room for error than the previous three day testing window.
Today, I’m going to be sharing five things you should know about the new COVID-19 testing rules for international travel.
YOU’LL NEED TO TAKE THE RIGHT TEST
While not technically a new requirement, you should make sure you take the appropriate test. The appropriate test, in this instance, is a viral COVID-19 test.
So, in short, you’ll want to be sure to take either a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or an antigen test to enter the United States.
You should know that the testing requirement still applies to all travelers, regardless of vaccination status. If you’re traveling with someone under age 2, they will not be required to test. There are also certain exemptions for travelers who have recently recovered from COVID-19.
YOU’LL NEED TO GET THE TIMING RIGHT
The new testing window is one day before departure, not 24 hours before departure to the United States. This is a subtle but significant difference, because your testing window will be based on calendar days instead of departure time.
If, for example, your nonstop flight departs from London to Chicago on February 2nd, you can take your viral COVID-19 test at any time on February 1st.
So what about connecting flights?
Well, the testing window is based on departure to the United States or the first flight in a series of connections booked on the same itinerary. This means that unless your connecting flights were booked separately and you have an overnight layover, you do not need to add your connecting flight to the mix.
If you have separately booked tickets and an overnight layover, you will need to test the day prior to the start of your journey on the second ticket.
YOU’LL WANT TO CONSIDER FLIGHT DELAYS
With such a slim testing window, you’ll want to be sure to consider the potential for flight delays and plan accordingly. Especially as COVID continues to wreak havoc on flight schedules.
To put it simply, you will not have to retake your viral COVID-19 test unless your flight gets pushed to the next day.
If you end up with an overnight delay, the most convenient testing location is likely to be your departing airport.
YOU’LL WANT TO TRAVEL WITH AT-HOME TESTS
The at-home viral COVID-19 test kits are, in my opinion, the gold standard for international travel. You’ll have to pack them in your carry-on and take the tests under remote supervision within the appropriate testing window.
I typically recommend that our members opt for the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Home Test. Here are the details on my experience using the BinaxNOW antigen test while abroad.
The entire process takes around 30 minutes from start to finish and is entirely virtual. The convenience just can’t be beat.
YOU’LL WANT A BACKUP PLAN
While at-home viral COVID-19 test kits are a great place to start, the test kits have been in high demand as of late. This has the potential to lead to longer wait times.
Unless you have room for error, you’ll want to have a contingency plan in place. Find a testing location at the airport or look for a pharmacy near your hotel that offers quick turnaround times.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
The travel landscape continues to change at a rapid pace. If you have plans to head abroad, be sure to join our travel membership so we can help you navigate the process.
Your Connect,
Gabriella
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