US introduces new entry requirements...

The CDC has shortened the validity of Covid-19 test results to 24 hours

America’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that all international air travellers flying into the US from international destinations will now be required to prove a negative Covid-19 test result from a test taken within 24 hours of departure, or present documentation from a licensed health care provider that confirms they have recovered from Covid-19 up to 90 days before travel.

The new rule was introduced as a result of the discovery of the Omicron Covid-19 variant and applies to all international travellers two years of age and older regardless of vaccination status.

FOR MORE NEWS YOU CAN USE, SIGN UP FOR CONNECTING TRAVEL’S WEEKLY BULLETIN

Previously, international travellers who were fully vaccinated were required to present a negative test result from a test that was taken up to 72 hours before flying to the US.

A statement on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website said: “If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get a Covid-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than one day before you travel by air into the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.”

Both antigen and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), including PCR results will be accepted.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov