The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that beginning on January 5, 2023, it will require a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery for all travelers two years and older traveling to the U.S. on flights originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Hong Kong, and Macau.

Impacted travelers must get a test (such as a PCR or antigen self-test) and a subsequent negative result from either an authorized telehealth service or licensed provider no more than two days before departing from the PRC, Hong Kong, or Macau. Airlines will confirm the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all those boarding the flight. Passengers who tested positive more than ten days before the flight can provide documentation of recovery instead of a negative result.

These requirements apply to all travelers from the PRC traveling to the U.S. via third-country transit and passengers connecting through the United States to other destinations. Furthermore, travelers stopping through Incheon International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport on their way to the U.S. will also be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test if they have been in the PRC in the last ten days. These requirements apply to all air passengers regardless of nationality or vaccination status.

This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as they become available. In the interim, we strongly recommend that all impacted travelers check with their respective airlines in advance of their departure to the U.S.