New COVID Test Requirement for Travel to US from China
As of January 5, 2023, proof of negative COVID-19 test results or recovery will be required for air travelers to the USA from China (PRC), Hong Kong, and Macau.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued details of the new entry requirement in response to reports of an increase in COVID cases in the region.
What is the new requirement?
Before permitting passengers to board, airlines must verify proof of recovery documentation or negative COVID-19 test results.
COVID-19-infected travellers may produce proof of recovery prior to their flight.
A COVID-19 test, such as a PCR test or an antigen self-test, must be administered by a telehealth service provider or a licenced provider and authorised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or relevant national authority within two days of the individual’s departure date.
Who does the new restriction apply to?
The new requirement applies to all eligible visitors travelling from China (PRC), Hong Kong, and Macau, regardless of their vaccination status or nationality, although passengers under the age of two are exempt.
The restriction also applies to individuals passing between the PRC and the United States en route to other countries.
In addition to people originating from the affected regions, travellers from certain airports, including Incheon International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Toronto Pearson International Airport, must provide a negative COVID-19 test result if they were in the PRC within ten days prior to their flight to the United States.
Instead of a negative test result, travellers who tested positive for COVID-19 more than ten days before their journey may offer documentation demonstrating their recovery. Prior to allowing or denying a passenger’s boarding, the airline must verify the negative test result or proof of recovery paperwork.
Need assistance?
NNU Immigration are specialists across all areas of US visas and immigration. If you have a query about your immigration options to travel to the US, whether for work or tourism, or have a question about current US travel entry requirements and restrictions, contact our dedicated US immigration attorneys.
This article does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only.
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
