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CDC Updates COVID-19 Entry Requirements for the United States

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an order requiring all air passengers arriving into the US to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of departure, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the last three months. The test results or documentation must be presented to airline staff upon departure from the foreign country.

Those passengers utilizing documentation of recovery must show the positive test result and a letter from a healthcare provider indicating they are cleared to travel.

The order applies to all air passengers regardless of citizenship status or whether they have been vaccinated. The new rules go into effect on January 26th, 2021.

Read the CDC’s FAQ here. Members of the UW community with specific questions should contact International Student Services or the Office of Academic Personnel, depending on their affiliation.

Update 01/19/21: As a result of this CDC order, President Trump has lifted travel restrictions for the Schengen Area, UK and Ireland, and Brazil in a proclamation dated January 18, 2021. Travel restrictions remain in place for China and Iran.