Pre-travel testing for the US is about to become more challenging than ever

What was meant to be a peaceful final day in paradise turned into a bit of a hassle.

I spent six wonderful days in Mauritius, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the feel of sand between my toes. But like all good things, it had to end -- and I had to get ready to fly back to the United States.

Some elements of pandemic travel remain the same as before: checking in for your flight, selecting seats, and arranging a taxi to the airport. I had ticked those off my list, and the final task I needed to tackle was perhaps the most crucial: getting a COVID-19 test.

My experience highlights the potential stress that might come with the new, more stringent testing requirements that will take effect on Monday, Dec. 6.

My testing journey in Mauritius

Understanding the current U.S. pre-travel testing guidelines, I made sure to set aside time the day before my flight to get a COVID-19 test, which my resort arranged. However, when I approached the nurse's station to request my test for the following day, the nurse looked at me in confusion and said he only had PCR tests, which required a 36-hour turnaround. He also mentioned that there was a backlog for testing on the island and that most travelers opted to take their tests at their resorts.

The hotel quickly sprang into action, contacting multiple testing facilities to see if they could fit me in for an appointment.

Fortunately, a hospital had an available slot for me. With the name and address of the hospital in hand, my driver and I headed to Wellkin Hospital in Moka, over an hour's drive from the JW Marriott Mauritius. I was thankful the hotel had called ahead, as the hospital was overwhelmed with people seeking COVID-19 tests for work or travel. By the time I arrived, they were on the 36th patient -- and I was number 74.

Luckily, my driver stayed close by to help translate questions between French and English. After an hour of waiting, I was finally called in for my test and received my negative results during the drive back to the hotel.

Crisis averted.

That said, my testing ordeal slightly overshadowed what was otherwise a wonderful stay in Mauritius, consuming a significant portion of my final day on the island with a three-hour round trip. I acknowledge I should have planned for a COVID-19 test with more foresight and not assumed they offered rapid antigen tests, and I don't hold the hotel responsible for my oversight.

Shorter testing window ahead next week

Unfortunately for travelers, pre-travel testing for returning to the United States is about to become more stressful than ever under a new policy that is set to take effect soon.

In summary, starting Monday, Dec. 6, travelers will have even less time to arrange for COVID-19 testing before flying back to the U.S. — irrespective of vaccination status.

Currently, the requirement is that all travelers returning to the U.S. must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before their departure. This provides ample time for travelers to secure a test either at their hotel, at the airport, or by arranging for a testing facility to come to them.

Before heading to the U.S., all passengers must undergo a viral test, which airlines are responsible for verifying. Travelers lacking this documentation will be refused boarding.

Under the new regulation, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no later than one day before their flight. This rule applies to all international flights bound for the U.S. departing at (or after) 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.

This change reduces the time travelers have to arrange for a COVID-19 test before their flights, which could complicate plans for those with tight schedules or those in more isolated locations. The new regulation seems to be a response to the spread of the omicron variant, which may be more transmissible than previous strains.

This also makes travel more challenging for those planning a weekend getaway.

According to the current policy, individuals traveling for three days or less can use a test taken prior to departure, as long as it falls within the three-day timeframe. Many have taken advantage of this loophole to get tested in the U.S. before their trips, especially those heading to nearby locations like Canada or Mexico for weekend getaways.

This loophole is essentially closed under the new policy unless travelers are flying to and from their foreign destination within the one-day testing period. Consequently, weekend travelers heading to places with testing requirements will need to undergo two tests: one in the U.S. and another abroad, instead of the single test many previously relied on before leaving the U.S.

The new policy will complicate things for travelers hoping to embark on spontaneous trips or those waiting until the last moment to secure a test.

Fortunately, there are several last-minute COVID-19 testing options for travelers, which I will outline below.

How to obtain a COVID-19 test on short notice

Here are some suggestions for managing the new testing requirements for entering the U.S.

• First, check if your hotel offers COVID-19 rapid tests, as these should still be accepted for entry into the U.S. Ensure your hotel has COVID-19 tests available (including physical or digital proof of a negative result) and that they are in stock. If not, consider arranging other testing options before your trip.
• Locate a testing site near your accommodation (or even at the airport) that provides quick turnaround results. For instance, London Heathrow (LHR) currently offers COVID-19 rapid tests for £35 — with results available within 30 minutes. However, these tests need to be pre-booked and paid for ahead of time.
• Bring a self-test kit. Various companies, such as Abbott's BinaxNow COVID-19 Home Test and Ellume's COVID-19 Home Test, are CDC-approved and can be used for flying back to the U.S. These at-home rapid antigen tests require remote supervision via video conference. Be aware that there may be a testing shortage for some brands; for instance, Abbott's website shows that single tests are sold out, although two-packs and three-packs are still available as of this writing. Additionally, ensure you order the tests in time to receive them before your departure, but not so far in advance that they expire.
  

In summary

My experience in Mauritius serves as a preview of what travelers may face in the weeks ahead as this new travel policy takes effect on Monday, Dec. 6. Traveling during the pandemic requires more planning than ever, and with the testing window reduced from three days to one, things are about to become even more complex.

If you're planning to return to the U.S., I highly recommend arranging your pre-travel testing before you leave for your vacation. Otherwise, your last day in paradise could turn into a stressful ordeal.