The US State Department encouraged Americans abroad to make “contingency plans” as the omicron variant drives COVID19 cases up worldwide. The state department also advised anyone who is leaving the country to prepare for potential quarantine and other testing requirements.
Contingency Plans for Americans Traveling Abroad
In its advisory last week, “US citizens who choose to travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID19 as they attempt to return to the United States or attempt to travel from one overseas location to another”.
The agency added that “US citizens who do choose to travel internationally should make contingency plans, as they may have to remain in a foreign country longer than originally planned, which will be at their own expense”.
The US State Department also recommends having international travel insurance that has COVID19 medical and trip cancelation coverage. The agency also warned that Medicare and Medicaid don’t cover medical costs abroad.
Testing Requirements and Recommendations
A negative test is now required a day before boarding for travelers entering the US including returning citizens. The State Department advised returning citizens and citizens looking to travel abroad to “contact their airline for specific information about testing requirements for travelers”. It added that “airlines may adopt and modify their own specific policies to implement the CDC’s testing rule”.
Aside from pre-arrival testing, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends post-arrival testing. The agency advise international travelers to get another COVID19 test three to five days after arriving in the US. And if it’s a domestic trip, the agency suggests that travelers should watch out for any symptoms.
For unvaccinated travelers, CDC suggests that they should also self-quarantine for seven days aside from having a post-arrival test.
According to the CDC, the omicron variant is responsible for 58.6% of current COVID19 cases in the US. In some parts of the US, omicron is responsible for nearly 90% of the new cases.
