COVID-19 Testing For Travelers from China to U.S.

COVID-19 Testing For Travelers from China to U.S.

 

Due to the recent volume of COVID-19 cases in China, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is requiring certain travelers to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recent recovery effective January 5, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.

 

Specifically, this policy applies to travelers 2 years or older regardless of vaccination status or citizenship who are:

  • Traveling directly from Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau; OR
  • Transiting through Incheon International Airport (South Korea), Toronto Pearson International Airport, or Vancouver International Airport to the U.S. who have been in China during the last 10 days.

Exceptions exist for persons who transited through an airport in China, Hong Kong, or Macau en route to the U.S. from another country or who spent less than 24 hours in these locations, as well as very limited emergency/exigent circumstances. This order does not apply to Taiwan.

 

The negative COVID-19 test result must be received no more than 2 days before the flight. Individuals who receive a positive test result more than 10 days but fewer than 91 days before their flight may travel based on the positive test result as documentation of recent recovery. Individuals who receive a positive test result less than 10 days before their flight must provide a letter from a healthcare provider/official stating symptoms started more than 10 days before the flight.

 

The current CDC order has no expiration and will continue indefinitely until modified. Full details can be found on the CDC website and in the official order. If you have questions about traveling to the U.S. from China, please contact Gee & Zhang LLP.