Effective beginning January 26, 2021. Travelers arriving in the U.S. must get tested for COVID-19 no more than 3 days before departing. Travelers must show a negative test result to the airline before boarding. Or show documentation of recent recovery from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding.

This new order applies to all air passengers — including U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents — aged 2 years and older. It also applies regardless of the length of time spent outside of the United States.

Acceptable documentation of recovery from COVID-19 includes the following. A positive viral test result within 3 months of travel (or the time period specified in current CDC guidance). It also includes a letter from a healthcare provider or public health official. The letter must state that the passenger is cleared to end isolation.

Passengers who have tested positive for COVID-19 will need to delay their travel. Passengers must wait until they meet the criteria to end isolation. Learn more here.

Need more information? Visit this FAQ page at CDC.gov.