White House confirms COVID-19 testing requirements to be lifted

The White House confirmed Friday that the U.S. would lift its COVID-19 testing requirement for inbound air travelers in the coming days.

Key Points:

• As of Friday afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had not made an official announcement. News reports indicate the requirement will be lifted at midnight on Sunday, June 12.
• The CDC will assess whether the policy should be reinstated within 90 days of it taking effect, reports said.
• From now until Sunday, the current COVID-19 testing rules will be enforced. Under these rules, inbound air travelers, regardless of nationality, must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within one day before departure to the U.S or proof of recent recovery from COVID-19.
• With limited exceptions, nonimmigrant foreign nationals will still be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 when traveling to the U.S. by air.

BAL Analysis: While the COVID-19 testing requirement will soon be terminated, the U.S. continues to enforce vaccine requirements for most nonimmigrant foreign nationals. Other countries continue to enforce COVID-19 entry restrictions of their own and visa services remain delayed at many U.S. consulates abroad. Employers and employees should continue to consult their BAL professional before planning any international travel.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com. 

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