CDC Order Requires Americans to Get COVID Test Before Returning from Abroad

On  January 12, 2021 the CDC issued an order affecting all Americans who travel abroad. The order requires Americans to have a COVID-19 test before they return to the U.S. from abroad. The text of the CDC order can be found HERE.

The CDC order requires all Americans to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of their departure to return the U.S. The order provides that it will go into effect January 26th. Airlines will be monitoring/enforcing compliance.

Hotel chains with properties abroad such as in Mexico, and  the Caribbean have already begun to offer testing on site. Hotels are in some cases providing tests at no charge as an added value to clients. It is encouraging to see how quickly these hotels have stepped up to assist American travelers.

The CDC order has received mixed reactions. Virtually all agree with the rationale for the CDC order. There are concerns however about its potential to unduly hamper future travel and travelers.

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has called for some changes to the order. These include a waiver or the implementation of alternative public health measures for travelers returning from countries where such testing is inaccessible. ASTA has asked that the CDC and not airlines initiate the waiver process. Additionally, the CDC requested that the order’s effective date be moved back to at least February 28th. As of press time, no official response to ASTA’s requests has been provided. We will post updates as they become available.