Breaking News: U.S. Drops Covid Tests for International Arrivals

Traveling internationally just got a whole lot easier. While many countries had dropped testing requirements for visitors, Americans and foreigners entering the U.S. by air still needed to present a negative PCR or antigen COVID test taken within 24 hours before their flight to the U.S. That requirement will be lifted as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern time Sunday, CDC officials said Friday. As of that time, there will be no testing required to enter the country.

“The Biden administration is to be commended for this action, which will welcome back visitors from around the world and accelerate the recovery of the U.S. travel industry,” Roger Dow, president of the U.S. Travel Association said in a statement. “International inbound travel is vitally important to businesses and workers across the country who have struggled to regain losses from this valuable sector.”

The CDC will reassess the move in 90 days, making a decision at that time whether to recommend that the federal government reimpose the requirement or do away with it permanently.