The U.S. is requiring all air travelers 2 years old and up entering the U.S. to present a negative COVID-19 test result at time of boarding – the timing of which is dictated by vaccination status. Fully vaccinated travelers need proof of vaccination and a negative test result taken no more than 3 days before travel. Not fully vaccinated travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel.
Also, visit our Delta CareStandard™ page to learn more about the actions we are taking with our in-destination partners to make sure you have a seamless experience and feel comfortable booking your vacation while this CDC policy is in effect. Equally, an interactive map and Where to Go Now page are great resources to use to help you decide your next travel destination, given the current and changing environment.
POLICY QUESTIONS:
In-page Links
- What is the updated policy regarding U.S. Inbound Travel Requirements?, Go to footer note
- What is considered fully vaccinated?, Go to footer note
- What vaccines are accepted?, Go to footer note
- Are mix and match vaccinations acceptable?, Go to footer note
- How do I prove my vaccination status?, Go to footer note
- Are there any additional forms or documentation travelers need to provide or complete as part of entry into the U.S.?, Go to footer note
- How do I verify my Health Documentation with Delta FlyReadySM?, Go to footer note
- Who is exempt from proof of vaccination under The Presidential Proclamation and CDC’s Order?, Go to footer note
- What else should I keep in mind?, Go to footer note
TESTING QUESTIONS:
In-page Links
- What type of test is required?, Go to footer note
- Which hotels have in-hotel testing available?, Go to footer note
- What is the cost of the test and do travelers have to pay for the test?, Go to footer note
- Are children exempt?, Go to footer note
- What if you’ve already had COVID-19?, Go to footer note
- What if you’ve already been vaccinated?, Go to footer note
- Is a negative antibody test sufficient?, Go to footer note
- What happens if travelers get a positive test?, Go to footer note
- Will there be monetary assistance to help offset the cost of having to quarantine?, Go to footer note
- What will travel protection cover?, Go to footer note
- How long do travelers have to quarantine before allowed re-entry to the U.S.?, Go to footer note
- If travelers do not get test results within the set number of days (depending on vaccination status), will they be denied boarding?, Go to footer note
- Are U.S. territories, like U.S. Virgin islands & Puerto Rico considered international under this new policy?, Go to footer note
- How long will these requirements last?, Go to footer note
- When did the new requirement go into effect?, Go to footer note
- What are other options for testing prior to return to the U.S.?, Go to footer note
- What are the testing time limits for delayed flights?, Go to footer note
BOOKING QUESTIONS:
In-page Links
- What if the hotel I currently have booked does not offer in-hotel testing? Am I able to change hotels or change the date of my trip?, Go to footer noteAre there any other options for testing?, Go to footer note
- Where can I find out more information about the booking, cancellation and travel waiver policies?, Go to footer note
Beginning November 8, fully vaccinated international travelers who want to come to the U.S. can now do so, following the U.S. government’s announcement that it will lift travel restrictions on foreign nationals that have been in place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what you need to know about the new U.S. entry requirements:
- Fully vaccinated foreign nationals will be permitted to enter the U.S. with proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure. Unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be able to board a flight to the U.S., unless they meet criteria for one of the exceptions.
- Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens returning from abroad will still be required to show proof of a negative test result within three days of departure.
- Unvaccinated U.S. citizens must show proof of a negative test within one day of departure to re-enter the U.S. from abroad. Approved test types include COVID-19 viral tests approved by the U.S. government (molecular, nucleic acid amplification [NAAT], RT-PCR, TMA, LAMP, and antigen tests accepted).
- Children under 18 years of age are exempt from the vaccination requirement. Children between ages 2 and 17 are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test (under age 2, not required to test).
Yes. Mix and match vaccinations are acceptable. Individuals can be considered fully vaccinated ≥ 2 weeks after receipt of any combination of two doses of an FDA approved/authorized or WHO emergency use listed COVID-19 two-dose series and therefore be allowed to enter the U.S.
- All passengers ages 2 and up will need to complete an attestation form, opens in a new window before boarding a flight to the U.S. A parent or other authorized person should attest on behalf of a passenger under 18 years old. An authorized person may attest on behalf of any passenger who is unable to sign their own attestation (e.g., because they are too young, or because of physical or mental impairment).
- Contact tracing information will be required for all passengers entering the U.S. Delta will collect this information for its passengers on behalf of the CDC.
Delta is making health documentation verification a breeze with Delta FlyReady – Delta’s digital solution built to automatically verify government-required health documentation and ensure customers are aware of entry requirements in place at their destination. Beginning November 8, travelers on nearly all international routes bound for the U.S. will be able to use Delta FlyReady to directly upload and verify their negative COVID-19 test results and vaccination certificate.
Please note: you must enter your Delta flight confirmation number (not your Delta Vacations confirmation number) when entering the required information.
- Persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel
- Children under 18 years of age
- Participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials
- Persons with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
- Persons issued a humanitarian or emergency exception
- Persons with valid nonimmigrant visas who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children
- Sea crew members
- Persons whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest
- You may want to bring printed copies of your documents, test results and vaccination status if possible. Digital copies may be accepted, but backup is a good idea.
- As the U.S. reopens and more travelers return to the skies, wait times at the airport and security checkpoints may be longer than normal. Early arrival is recommended.
- Travel restrictions are changing frequently. We recommend that you check your destination’s specific requirements, as well as confirming directly with the hotel their policy regarding Covid testing and more.
According to CDC, passengers ages 2 and above entering the United States, or transiting through the United States, must have proof of a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) test. The timing of the test requirements depends on vaccination status. Fully vaccinated travelers require a negative test result from a test taken within 3 days of departure. Unvaccinated travelers require a negative test taken within 1 day of departure.
The test can be a molecular test, nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), RT-PCR test, LAMP test, or a viral antigen test (including a rapid antigen test). Antibody or serological tests will not be accepted.
Documentation may be paper or electronic copy and must include the name and contact information for the laboratory or healthcare personnel who performed the test. Test results may be required to be shown again upon landing.
Alternatively, passengers who had a positive COVID-19 test (Recovered passengers) may produce a positive specimen from a test taken within 90 days of departure and a letter from a licensed health care provider or public health official stating that the passenger has been cleared for travel to fulfill the testing requirement (they are still subject to the vaccine requirement as described above).
What else has changed about the test requirements?
Most details of the test requirement are unchanged from the current rule. Additional points to note:
- Children between 2 and 17 who are not fully vaccinated may board with a 3-day negative test if traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians.
- If traveling unaccompanied or if one or more of the parents/guardians are not fully vaccinated, the child must have a one-day negative test.
- Trips less than 1 or 3 days can use a U.S.-based test to qualify for re-entry, as long as the specimen was taken no more than 1 or 3 days, depending on vaccination status, before the return flight.
- Connecting flight grace period is capped at 48 hours.
If the first flight in a passenger’s trip is delayed past the 1-day or 3-day limit of testing due to a situation outside of their control (e.g., delays because of severe weather or aircraft mechanical problem), and that delay is 24 hours or less past the 1-day or 3-day limit for testing, they do not need to be retested. If the delay is more than 24 hours past the 1- day or 3-day limit, then they will need to be retested.
If a connecting flight in a traveler’s trip is delayed past the 1-day or 3-day limit of testing due to a situation outside of their control (e.g., delays because of severe weather or aircraft mechanical problem), and that delay is less than 48 hours past the 1-day or 3-day limit for testing, they do not need to be retested. If the delay is more than 48 hours past the 1-day or 3-day limit, then they will need to be retested.
This information is changing rapidly, so it is advised to check with your hotel directly for their most updated policy on testing.
Updated 11/4/21
The information published here and on other Delta Vacations pages related to COVID test providers is intended to help our customers in the planning and preparation for their travel plans. Information included here on COVID testing is supplemental to any information provided by test providers or governmental authorities regarding testing. Information may not be copied, republished, or used for any purpose other than individual travel planning. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak and government restrictions, Delta Vacations cannot guarantee accuracy of and accept no liability for any errors or omissions contained on those pages, including accuracy of translations, outdated information or testing location address and hours, appointment availability, test type offered, or timing for receiving test results. COVID Testing prior to travel may not be available at all locations. Links to third party sources and websites are offered as a courtesy.
ALL IN ONE
The best vacation packages
designed for SkyMiles® Members.
24/7 CARE
Experience the Delta CareStandard℠ and award-winning support and service
— whenever you need it.