The US implemented stricter testing requirement for air travelers: Here are 5 things you need to know
While the White House did not impose the most draconian measures being considered just last week, the White House did decide all incoming air travelers to the U.S. are now required to submit a negative COVID-19 test within one day of departure back to the U.S., marking the strictest domestic COVID-19 protocols thus far (aside from outright bans).
Here are answers to some of the most important questions being asked right now about the new rules for international travel.
1. What is the new testing rule?
As of this week, all inbound travelers to the U.S. over age 2, regardless of vaccination status, are required to show results of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of departure, thereby shortening previous entry requirements that allowed vaccinated travelers to take a test within three days of visiting the U.S.
This testing requirement applies to all travelers 2 and older seeking entry to the country, including Americans.
2. What test is valid for travel into the US?
All passengers coming to the U.S. from a foreign country are expected to show results of a negative viral COVID-19 test beginning Dec. 6 — either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Travelers are responsible for submitting negative test results to their airline before boarding their flight and/or during the check-in process. Several airlines, including American Airlines and British Airways, are using apps such as VeriFly to allow travelers to upload digital test results. There are also digital vaccine passports, including one from Clear, that enable you to upload negative test results and vaccine records for travel.
At-home tests are currently accepted for travel to the U.S., including CDC-approved at-home tests, such as Abbott’s BinaxNow COVID-19 Home Test, Ellume’s COVID-19 Home Test and Qured, which allow you to test from the comfort of your own home. Just note that Abbott also has a test that is not approved for travel, so verify you are using the correct one before testing.
Related: US will reportedly require all travelers to get a COVID-19 test 1 day before travel
3. Are there any exemptions?
The CDC notes that only those who have previously recovered from COVID-19 within the 90-day period prior to travel can enter the country without a test by submitting results of a positive COVID-19 test in addition to documentation from a licensed health care provider or a public health official clearing you to travel.
4. Does within '1 day' of departure mean 24 hours?
The one-day testing window means travelers can test anytime within the day prior to their departing flight to the U.S.
"For example, if your flight is at 1pm on a Friday, you could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Thursday," says the CDC.
Related: How to determine your testing window for returning to the US
The test must also be approved for use in the country in which it is administered. CDC guidelines for self-tests or at-home tests can be found here.
5. Does this new rule affect travelers entering the US by land or sea?
For now, this new order only applies to passengers entering the U.S. by air travel. Currently, no test is required to enter the U.S. by car from Canada or Mexico, nor does the new testing requirement apply to those boarding or disembarking cruise ships at U.S. ports.
Related: Do the new COVID-19 testing rules apply to cruisers?
Bottom line
A rule requiring a COVID-19 test taken within one day of departure for the U.S. is likely to remain in place as new variants of the coronavirus continue to spread.
To ensure you are able to secure test results within one day of departing for the U.S., plan ahead and explore all your testing options, including the many hotels and airports that provide rapid testing capabilities, in addition to the aforementioned at-home tests.
Entry requirements have frequently changed without warning, so be sure to consult the CDC's website for the most updated COVID-19 travel guidance.
Related: Pre-travel testing to the US is about to get harder than ever
Additional reporting by Liz Ramanand.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.