US tightens pre-travel testing windows, extends mask mandates for travelers to fight omicron variant
Editor's Note
The Biden Administration has announced a plan of action to ward off the omicron variant of the coronavirus — including several steps that will impact travelers.
The new protocols, which the White House unveiled Thursday, include shoring up pre-departure testing requirements for international travel. Starting on Monday, Dec. 6, 2022, all travelers coming to the U.S., whether they are vaccinated or not, must produce a negative COVID-19 test taken within one calendar day of their departure. The policy applies to all international flights that depart for the U.S. at (or after) 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Dec. 6.
This includes international visitors as well as U.S. citizens and residents returning home. The current policy allows a three-day window for fully vaccinated individuals — but that will be shortened for all travelers as of Monday.
The move is designed to minimize the spread of the omicron variant in the U.S. The World Health Organization (WHO) has already labeled omicron a "variant of concern." The Biden Administration last week already implemented a temporary ban restricting travel from eight Southern African countries.
The federal mask mandate for airplanes, trains and other forms of public transportation has also been extended until March 18. Travelers must continue to mask up during international or other public travel as well as in transportation hubs such as airports and indoor bus terminals. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue to enforce mask-wearing, with violators facing fines that start at $500 and potentially reaching as high as $3,000 for repeat offenders.
President Biden is expected to discuss the U.S. strategy for fighting a possible COVID-19 resurgence over the winter on Thursday, as well as the extension of the mask mandate. Other aspects of the new COVID strategy includes expanding free at-home COVID tests for Americans through testing sites, community centers and clinics for rural areas.
There have been two confirmed cases of the Omicron COVID variant discovered in the U.S. — the first in California and the most recent a Minnesota man who had traveled to New York City.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app