The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has announced a new requirement for a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test for all airline passengers, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, seeking to travel to the United States from the United Kingdom. The negative COVID-19 test must be a viral test conducted no more than three days prior to the flight’s departure. Travelers will be required to provide evidence of the negative test in either an electronic or hard copy version, and the test results will need to clearly establish the traveler as the test subject. Airlines in the U.K. will be required to check for the negative test results from all prospective passengers, secure an attestation from the traveler confirming the negative result, and prohibit the boarding of any individuals who cannot present a compliant negative test and attestation.  

Travelers may also be required to provide evidence of their negative test upon arrival into the U.S. and so should retain their test results in their carry-on baggage.  

The only exceptions to the requirement are for airline workers and individuals who are transiting through the U.K. on to the U.S. and who have not spent more than 24 hours in the country.  

The new requirement will remain in effect until one of the following occurs: (1) the expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency; (2) the CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations; or (3) March 26, 2021. 

Foster will continue to monitor travel restrictions and other actions related to COVID-19 and will provide additional updates on the immigration-related impacts of COVID-19 via our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.