U.S. Ends Testing Requirements for International Travelers—Here’s What it Means for You

On June 10, the Biden administration announced it’s dropping the requirement that all travelers to the United States, regardless of nationality, provide proof of a negative Covid test upon entry. The change went into effect on June 12, 2022.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines that required travelers to the U.S. to present a negative PCR test at check-in were originally adopted in January 2021; the test had to be taken within three days of travel. When Omicron began to surge in December 2021, the administration tightened the policy so that travelers had to produce a negative test within 24 hours of entry. 

In a statement provided to the press, the CDC shared its rationale for dropping the mandate, including “widespread uptake of highly effective Covid-19 vaccines, the availability of effective therapeutics, and the accrual of high rates of vaccine- and infection-induced immunity at the population level in the United States.”

Expedia welcomed the news. “Expedia Group has proudly worked with a coalition of travel industry stakeholders to ensure the responsible resumption of international travel—that includes supporting the end of U.S. entry testing requirements,” says Dave McNamee, Senior Director of Corporate Communications. “Removing the testing requirement eliminates a source of stress for travelers which may have been holding them back.”

Travelers likewise expressed relief.

“I feel extreme relief,” says Steve Burton, a Los Angeles-based producer of educational video games who travelers internationally nine to 10 times a year. Burton says the cost for rapid testing ranged from $25 to up to $200 and took away precious travel time. “I am looking forward to being able to travel as normal again and to show up at the airport with my passport and go!”

However, there are still a few things travelers need to consider.

You still need proof of vaccine to enter the U.S. if you’re not a citizen or national

Per the CDC’s guidelines, if you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, you must be “fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane.” Limited exceptions apply.

Getting tested and masking is still recommended

Though no longer required, the CDC still recommends travelers both take a test and continue to wear a mask while in transit. Its facts page states, “Before boarding a flight to the United States, consider getting tested for current infection with a viral test as close to the time of departure as possible (no more than 3 days) before travel.”

Some airlines and airports still require masks

Though masks are currently optional on all major U.S. airlines, numerous European carriers are still requiring travelers to wear masks on planes. It’s important to check with your airline’s regulations and adhere to them from takeoff to landing. Likewise, individual airports around the globe are also creating their own standards. As of press time, for example, both JFK and LaGuardia airports in New York City are requiring mask wearing per the recommendations of the the New York and New Jersey public health authorities. Check with your departure airport and adhere to its regulations while in the terminal.

Many countries still require tests

While the U.S. testing policy has changed, many countries still require proof of negative test for travel. To find the latest information on testing, masking, quarantine, and vaccine requirements in any destination worldwide, check out Expedia’s COVID-19 Travel Advisor tool.

Read more about the updated CDC guidelines here.