U.S. Tightens COVID‑Test Rules for International Flights
Starting Monday at 12:01 am (1:01 pm Singapore time), all international air travellers heading to the U.S. will need a negative COVID‑19 test taken the day before they board. That’s a change from the current policy that allowed a three‑day window for vaccinated travellers and only a one‑day window for those not vaccinated.
What the CDC is Saying
- All who fly into the U.S., no matter who you’re traveling with or how many shots you’ve had, must show proof of a recent negative test.
- Airlines will have a three‑day grace period so folks whose test fell outside the one‑day window can still make it home.
- There could also be a brief exemption for a handful of countries—about two dozen—where same‑day testing isn’t widely available.
Why the Change?
The White House said the tighter timeline is a “plug‑in” for extra safety as scientists keep studying the Omicron variant. It’s all about giving the public an extra layer of protection while we learn more.
Travel Restrictions Keep Growing
In addition to the new testing requirement, the U.S. is planning to shut the door on almost all travellers from eight southern African nations, suspecting the Omicron spill‑over. No immediate sleep‑through on other countries where Omicron has been spotted.
Key Voices
- Dr. Anthony Fauci called the ban a “temporary measure.”
- White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said she doesn’t expect the restriction to lift until we understand the variant better.
“We’ll keep monitoring the situation and decide if more restrictions are necessary,” she added.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
For holidaymakers and business travelers alike, the new rule means checking your test results early. With a little foresight—and an eye on the latest guidance—you’ll be ready to hop on that flight without a hitch.
