What if I can’t secure a COVID-19 test prior to my flight to the US?

Currently, you must present either evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery to enter the U.S. from overseas — but what if you lack both? Can you still return to the U.S.? It’s a situation no traveler wants to consider, but it's wise to be ready for any unexpected issues during these unpredictable times.

Here’s what you need to be aware of.

What are the requirements for flying to the US from abroad?

All travelers aged 2 and older flying to the U.S. from international destinations must present negative COVID-19 test results taken within one day of their departure, regardless of their vaccination status or citizenship. Those who recently recovered from COVID-19 can instead return with proof of their recovery, provided the positive test was taken no more than 90 days before their departure.

Many travelers are unaware that there is an alternative method to gain approval for flying back to the U.S. without a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery. However, specific criteria must be met, and having a valid reason for lacking a negative test is crucial.

Are there any exceptions available?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a humanitarian exemption may be granted in "extremely limited circumstances." This applies to individuals traveling for urgent reasons (like emergency medical evacuations or if their life is in jeopardy) who are unable to get tested before their journey.

Travelers qualifying for an exemption should reach out to the U.S. embassy or consulate, which will then pass this information to the CDC. Be aware that there’s no assurance the CDC will grant your request, so this option should only be considered in genuine emergencies.

What documentation is required for an exemption?

If you are overseas and require a humanitarian exemption for a qualifying situation, it's essential to gather the necessary documentation to support your request.

Remember, providing detailed information in your request increases the likelihood of approval. Also, all submissions must be in English. Here’s what the CDC specifies that travelers need:

• Full name.
• Passport number.
• Nationality.
• Mobile phone number.
• Email address.
• Destination address in the U.S.
• Flight details, including the airline, flight number, departure and arrival times, and any layovers.
• For travelers who are fully vaccinated, include details about the vaccine received along with a photo of the vaccination record.

It's clear that this option is not intended for travelers who simply forgot to arrange COVID-19 testing before their return flight to the U.S. It's meant for genuine emergencies only.

If you think you can easily manipulate the system for an exemption, reconsider. The CDC will ask for evidence of any alternative actions you attempted, such as rescheduling your flight or seeking COVID-19 testing. Moreover, travelers need to justify the urgency of their travel to the U.S. and demonstrate their eligibility for a humanitarian exemption (for example, if testing is unavailable at their location).

The CDC advises that travelers should be ready to present documentation proving they fulfill the criteria for a humanitarian exemption, such as emergency evacuation orders.

What happens if I don’t meet the qualifications for an exemption?

There's a high likelihood that you won’t qualify for a humanitarian exemption, particularly if your circumstances aren’t urgent or you simply neglected to get a COVID-19 test before your flight.

If you fail to meet the criteria, you'll need to provide either a negative test result or proof of recovery—and the CDC is quite strict about this. The agency states, "If you've recovered from COVID-19 but cannot obtain the necessary documentation, you'll need to present a negative COVID-19 viral test result from a sample taken no more than one day prior to your flight to the U.S."

This means you should definitely arrange for a COVID-19 test before your journey, whether it's a PCR test, a rapid antigen test, or even an at-home test that you can pack for your trip.