Effective June 12, 2022, the CDC announced the recension of the order requiring persons aged two and above to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the U.S. This means that as of June 12, 2022, air passengers will not need to get tested and show a negative COVID-19 test result or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 prior to boarding a flight to the U.S. regardless of vaccination status or citizenship. Of note, the CDC’s order requiring proof of vaccination for any non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. immigrants traveling to the U.S. which took effect November 8, 2021, is still in effect.
Updated travel requirements aside, the CDC recommends that individuals do not travel internationally until they are fully vaccinated as international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants.
Next Steps for Employers
As COVID-19 restrictions and guidance continues to change, employers should review their COVID-19 policies to determine whether they are reasonable based on the current circumstances. Employers should also continue to adhere to any federal, state, or local requirements that apply to their workplaces.
For employers with workers who are required to travel, it is recommended that they follow all CDC recommendations before, during, and after travel. Employers are encouraged to review the resources available on the US Department of State’s website which contains links to the CDC’s website and guidance from the CDC on the “Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.”
