**UPDATED Friday, December 3
Beginning Monday the U.S. will require all air travellers entering the country to show a negative COVID-19 test performed within one day of departure, rather than the current three days. The one day vs 24 hours requirement was designed to make things easier for travellers; if they are flying on a Friday for example, they can have a test on Thursday, not 24 hours before flight.
The new rules do not apply to land or sea border crossings.
A press release from the White House released December 2nd has said:
"Early next week, the United States will tighten pre-departure testing protocols by requiring all inbound international travellers to test within one day of departure globally, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. This tighter testing timeline provides an added degree of public health protection as scientists continue to assess the Omicron variant."
Officials said earlier that the U.S. government is also considering the possibility of requiring air travellers to get another COVID-19 test within three to five days after arrival in the United States. The update released this morning does not include that requirement.
The U.S. government also announced that the mask mandate on planes, trains and public transportation will be extended through March 18, 2022.
It was only three weeks ago that the U.S. imposed new rules on international arrivals by air, requiring fully vaccinated individuals to present proof of inoculation and a negative viral test taken within three days of their flight.
The rapidly evolving situation is being driven by concerns over the Omnicron variant, which has now been confirmed in about two dozen countries, including Canada. The first identified case in the U.S. was announced yesterday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against blanket travel bans, calling them ineffective, but it did issue a new travel advisory this week recommending that those over 60 or who have certain health conditions postpone travel plans for the near future.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control now lists about 80 foreign destinations at "Level Four," its highest level of COVID-19 transmission, and discourages travel to those destinations.
For the latest insight on travel around the world, check out this interactive guide:
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