The United States, along with other countries has officially started its latest battle with a new COVID-19 variant. As US officials and scientists gather more data and information about this new strain, the Biden administration has announced that new travel restrictions are coming quickly! This virus strain has already affected some Americans who were in these other countries and were unable to return home. To be sure you are not impacted by these travel restrictions, it’s important to know the current testing/traveling requirements.
Last week, President Biden ordered immediate travel bans for South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi but did not indicate how long the bans will remain in place. Currently, all air travelers must receive a negative COVID-19 within 24 hours of boarding their flight regardless of their vaccination status. The traveling mask mandate will also be extended which was set to expire on January 18th which is now extended to March 18, 2022. The CDC is currently working with US officials to modify the current global testing order for travel as more data comes in on the Omicron variant.
