The New CDC Travel Requirements...
“On January 12th, the CDC issued an order that requires all air passengers arriving into the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to present the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. This Order will go into effect at 12:01am EST (5:01am GMT) on January 26, 2021."
What does this mean for you?
All travelers, over the age of 2, must acquire a negative antigen test no more than 3 days prior to their return to the US. And yes, this applies to travelers who have already received the vaccine.
How can I avoid testing upon re-entrance to the US?
The only way to avoid this process is by showing a proof of recovery. What does that mean? It means that if you have had Covid within 3 months of you leaving and returning to the US, you just need 2 things:
Proof that you tested positive
A doctors note proving that you have recovered
Where can I go that doesn’t require testing upon returning home?
Obviously, all of your domestic travel plans are unaffected. This includes Alaska, Hawaii, and all US territories: Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, etc.
So, for those not wanting to dabble with testing at all - there are plenty of incredible options for you right in our own back yard! You would be surprised at the adventure & relaxation you can find right here in the US!
The majority of travel over the last year, since March of 2020, has been to Mexico and the Caribbean. They have made it easy from the beginning and continue to adapt to the rules as they change. A lot of these resorts are offering on site testing for free, or at an additional cost! These resorts are already used to testing their guests from other countries - so this is nothing new to them!
What if I test positive?
Ok, so - the airlines have to deny entry to any passenger that comes with a negative test or no test at all.
This means you must delay your travel plans and make arrangements until recovery. There are no set guidelines for country to country - it is totally on a resort to resort basis.
Best case scenario - the resort allows you to quarantine on property for free or at a reduced cost!!! So if you work from home already, this isn’t a bad gig!
Now - more than ever we stress the importance of using a trusted and informed travel agent. We know the hardship with travel these days, but we have learned (and re-learned) all the safety protocols. That is our job!
It is all up to you and what you are comfortable with, but just know we are here for you when you are ready…
If you have any questions about the new regulations or an upcoming trip you have been eyeing- reach out to us! We would be more than happy to help take the stress off of your plate and help you navigate the new normal when it comes to travel.