Airports And Covid Tests: What's The Current Status?

As of June 12, 2022, international travellers into the United States no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test before entry. This is a considerable change from the previous administration, which required all travellers flying into the US to present a negative coronavirus test before boarding.

The CDC has updated its recommendations, stating that vaccinated travellers flying domestically do not need to get tested prior to travel. It is suggested that unvaccinated travellers flying within the US should get tested one to three days prior to travel.

Domestic travel testing requirements

As of 2022, there were not many COVID testing requirements for domestic travel in the United States. However, the CDC website provides helpful information on travelling safely during the pandemic. Certain US cities, like New York, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Los Angeles, require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test for indoor dining and events. Before travelling to Hawaii, you must also have proof of vaccination or a negative NAAT COVID test. Travellers who arrive without valid proof of a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination will face a strict 5-day quarantine.

In January 2022, the CDC expanded the testing program for international travel to the US, allowing airlines to accept at-home rapid tests that include remote supervision. Masks are still required on public forms of transportation, and the CDC has hinted that this requirement could be waived sooner. However, the CDC has not indicated that it will change the policy of requiring a negative test to fly back to the US.

In 2025, a proposal to require proof of a negative COVID-19 test for domestic flights was met with mixed reactions. While some agreed that it would make air travel safer, others believed it would be difficult to implement and might not significantly impact the pandemic.

International travel testing requirements

International travel requirements vary depending on the country and the traveller's vaccination status. Here is a guide to international travel testing requirements:

United States

The US requires a negative COVID-19 test within a day of departure for all arrivals to the country, except for those under 2 years old. This applies to all travellers, regardless of vaccination status.

Canada

Canada dropped the pre-arrival testing requirement for vaccinated travellers on April 1, 2024. Unvaccinated travellers aged 12 and older may enter by showing a negative antigen test taken within one day of arrival, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, or proof of a positive PCR test taken within 10-180 days of entry. Unvaccinated children between 5 and 11 years of age can skip the testing requirement if accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.

Mexico

There are no COVID-19-related entry requirements for Mexico. However, the US Embassy in Mexico states that health screening procedures may be in place at certain airports and other ports of entry.

United Kingdom

As of March 18, 2025, the UK dropped its final remaining COVID-19 travel measures, including testing requirements for unvaccinated passengers. No pre-departure or post-arrival testing is required for travellers, regardless of vaccination status.

Australia

All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Australia have been removed. However, travellers who are not Australian or New Zealand citizens must apply for a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) at least 72 hours before travelling to or transiting through the country.

China

All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Mainland China have been removed. However, passengers must still meet visa and border entry requirements.

New Zealand

All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to New Zealand have been removed. However, all passengers entering the country must complete a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration before travelling.

Other Considerations

It is important to note that requirements can change frequently and vary by country. Therefore, it is essential to check the latest information for your specific destination before travelling. Additionally, some countries may have specific insurance, passport, or other documentation requirements that must be met.

The impact of testing on the airline industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the airline industry, with governments worldwide providing $173 billion in support as many airlines faced collapse. The introduction of testing requirements for passengers posed further challenges, with some arguing that testing was an essential layer of protection to prevent the spread of the virus via air travel.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandated that all travellers flying into the US present a negative COVID-19 test, with some exemptions. This was supported by Robert R. Redfield, the CDC director at the time, who acknowledged that while testing didn't "eliminate all risk", it could make travel safer. The travel industry quickly adapted to the new requirements, offering on-site testing at hotels and before flights. However, the mandate also faced criticism, with Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian calling a potential domestic testing mandate a "horrible idea". The logistics of obtaining tests while travelling were cited as a concern, and some argued that testing only airline passengers ignored the potential spread from other travel methods.

The introduction of testing requirements had a significant impact on the aviation industry's recovery. Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of Airlines UK, stated that the removal of pre-departure testing requirements was a "hugely welcome move" that would boost the travel sector. He argued that the Omicron variant was already so prevalent that testing measures had a limited impact on case growth while imposing significant costs on the industry. The Business Travel Association echoed this sentiment, urging the government to develop a plan for future variants that did not involve closing borders and restricting the sector.

While testing requirements have been relaxed in some countries, health experts expect these policies to remain in place for a while, especially with the continued emergence of new variants. The economic impact of testing requirements and the logistical challenges of obtaining tests while travelling have been a source of ongoing debate. However, testing has played a critical role in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, and the aviation industry has had to adapt to these measures to ensure the safety of passengers and support the global effort to control the pandemic.

The logistics of testing

Additionally, the verification process for test results and vaccination records can be cumbersome and slow down the check-in process. This highlights the importance of efficient systems for managing and verifying health data.

Furthermore, testing requirements should be consistently applied across various modes of transportation to ensure effectiveness in controlling the spread of the virus.

Overall, while testing can be a useful tool, it needs to be implemented in a well-coordinated manner, taking into account the potential challenges and impacts on the travel industry and public health.

The effectiveness of testing

The type of test is crucial. For example, serology (blood) tests check for antibodies in the immune system, indicating previous exposure to the virus, whereas other tests diagnose active infections. The choice of test depends on the specific context and goals of testing. In the case of air travel, diagnosing active infections is the priority to prevent the spread of the virus.

Timing is also essential. Tests should be conducted within a suitable time frame to detect active infections accurately. For example, in the early days of an infection, the body's immune response may still be building, and antibodies may not be detected. Therefore, the timing of testing can impact the accuracy and effectiveness of the results.

Implementation of testing policies is another critical factor. Testing policies should be clear, consistently enforced, and well-communicated to ensure compliance and effectiveness. For example, in the case of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the US, a report by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that ICE failed to adequately follow procedures to ensure migrants were tested before boarding domestic flights. This inconsistency in implementation can undermine the effectiveness of testing as a strategy.

Finally, the broader public health context, including vaccination rates, case numbers, and the emergence of new variants, will influence the effectiveness of testing. Testing policies may need to be adapted as the situation evolves. For example, fully vaccinated individuals may still be required to test negative before boarding a flight to account for the risk of breakthrough infections and the emergence of new variants.

Overall, testing can be an effective strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and make air travel safer. However, its effectiveness depends on a combination of factors, including the type of test, timing, consistent implementation, and the evolving public health landscape.

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