In the wake of the outbreak of the new Omicron variant globally, America seeks testing requirements for all tourists. This follows moves by countries like India that has mandated additional travel restrictions for passengers coming in from ‘at-risk’ regions.

According to updated regulations, foreign visitors reaching a US port of entry by land or water should present proof of Covid-19 vaccination as outlined on the CDC website. They should verbally attest to their nonessential travel and inoculation status.
It also said that, prior to boarding an airplane to the United States, international visitors should prepare for, proof of full vaccination prior to boarding a flight to the United States is now required. Accepted vaccines include those that are FDA approved or authorized or that have an emergency use listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO). Individuals can be considered fully vaccinated at least two weeks after the last dose of an accepted single-dose series or any combination of two doses of an accepted two-dose series. Children under the age of 18 are exempt from the vaccine requirement, and other limited exceptions apply. More information about the vaccination requirement is available from the CDC.

“Starting December 6, 2021, all air passengers aged two and older, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before travel to the US. Both nucleic acid amplification tests, such as a PCR test, and antigen tests qualify. In a very limited number of cases, there are additional testing requirements for those who are exempt from the proof of vaccination requirement and documentation needs for travelers who can demonstrate recent recovery from COVID-19 in place of a negative viral test. More information about the testing requirement and documentation is available from the CDC,” it said.

Also the new guidelines says, all air passengers are required to provide contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the United States for the purposes of contact tracing. This process is critical to detect and respond to variants of COVID-19, helping protect the public and international visitors.