The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that on January 5, 2023 at 12:01 a.m., it will implement a requirement for a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery for all travelers two years and older boarding flights to the United States that orinigated in the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

The test must be administered either by an authorized telehealth service or licensed provider no more than two days before departing from the PRC, Hong Kong, or Macau. Passengers who tested positive more than 10 days before the flight can provide documentation of recovery instead of a negative result. 

The CDC also provided the following information:

  • The requirement applies to these air passengers regardless of nationality and vaccination status.
  • This will also apply to persons traveling from the PRC via third country transit and to passengers connecting through the United States onward to further destinations.
  • Along with applying this requirement to direct flights from the PRC, passengers transiting Incheon International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport on their way to the United States will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test if they have been in the PRC in the last 10 days no more than 2 days before their departure to the United States. These three transit hubs cover the overwhelming majority of passengers with travel originating in the PRC and the Special Administrative Regions. We will continue to monitor travel patterns, adjust our approach as needed, and keep Americans informed in a timely manner.
  • Passengers who tested positive more than 10 days before the flight can provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in lieu of a negative test result.
  • Airlines must confirm the negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before they board or deny boarding to the passenger.

Click here to visit the CDC website and learn more about this requirement.