When is the US dropping pre-departure tests for vaccinated travellers?

As more and more countries lift their COVID travel limitations, pressure is mounting on the US to follow suit.

Currently, nearly all passengers have to take a test within one day of their journey. Most unvaccinated foreigners are barred. But with a busy summer season round the corner, how long will these strict measures hold?

On 18 April, a federal judge blocked President Biden’s plan to extend mandatory mask wearing on planes, trains and other public transport, meaning masks are now optional as far as the US transit authority is concerned.

A White House press secretary called the decision “disappointing”, in a sign that the Biden administration is not ready to deviate from the USA’s public health agency’s advice just yet - which still recommends face coverings on public transport.

“We are always reviewing our guidance and new science that becomes available,” a spokesperson for the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) told Euronews Travel in response to a question on when the entry rules are likely to ease.

In the meantime, here are the current US entry rules - and the indications that they could change soon.

At present, all travellers - regardless of vaccination status or citizenship - are required to get a COVID-19 test no more than one day before travelling by air into the US. This is distinct from 24 hours: it means the test can be taken at any point on the day before you travel.

Rapid antigen, PCR and a number of other kinds of tests are accepted. Only children under two years old are exempt from this requirement.

On arrival, fully vaccinated visitors do not have to quarantine, but are recommended to take another viral test within three to five days of arrival. All air passengers are also required to provide