US removes pre-departure COVID-19 test for international arrivals

The US government has finally lifted COVID-19 test requirement for overseas travellers coming to the country. The move comes as a breather for those who have been planning a trip to the US. The decision is among the last remaining COVID-19 mandates that were removed on Sunday (June 12) at 12.01 AM EDT (Eastern Time Zone).

Now on, international visitors to the US won’t be subjected to a pre-departure test. However, they will still need to carry valid proof of being fully-vaccinated with them, informed the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a statement. This move was also made effective from Sunday.
The CDC said that the requirement of showing full vaccination proof for non-citizens, who are non-immigrants is still there. It suggests vaccines, including boosters, for all visitors aged five and above.

Earlier, fully vaxxed people were required to show their negative COVID-19 test report within three days of travel. On the other hand, unvaccinated travellers were required to show their negative reports within one day of travel.
As of now, two of the Indian vaccines, Covaxin and Covishield, have been accepted by the US. The CDC further states that the “primary series” completion will be when both doses of these vaccines have been taken.

The CDC, on its website, mentions, “People vaccinated outside of the US who completed the primary series should receive all recommended boosters when eligible. People who received all recommended boosters with an accepted vaccine outside the United States are up to date with their Covid-19 vaccines.”

With this move, the US is expected to experience a high demand for travel.