COVID-19 Testing & Travel Requirements – What to Expect
The CDC now requires all travelers flying to or transiting through the U.S. from international destinations, including U.S. citizens, to provide proof of either a negative COVID-19 test within the last three days or documentation of recovery from COVID-19. Our travel concierge team is here to help you navigate the process and all requirements for travel! To help you understand what to expect, we’ve created an infographic that outlines the process.
What the new CDC requirements for return travel to the US?
As of January 26, the CDC requires all travelers flying to or transiting through the U.S. from international destinations, including U.S. citizens, to provide proof of either a negative COVID-19 test within the last three days or documentation of recovery from COVID-19.
The COVID-19 test must:
- Be a viral test (NAAT or antigen) with a “negative” or “COVID-19 not detected” result (test results marked “invalid” will not be accepted)
- Be taken no more than three days before departure from the first embarkation point
- Show written proof of the traveler’s negative laboratory test result and include the traveler’s name and other identifying details matching those on the traveler’s passport or other valid form of identification
Documentation of recovery must include:
- Proof of a positive test result issued at most 90 days before departure (results must state “positive” or “detected” – tests marked “invalid” will not be accepted)
- A letter from a licensed health care provider or public health official clearing them for travel
- The traveler’s name and other identifying details matching those on the traveler’s passport or other valid form of identification
Travelers must show written proof of their negative laboratory test result or documentation of recovery before boarding. This requirement does not apply to children under 2, U.S. military personnel, or those traveling entirely within the United States, including the 50 U.S. states, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some states or territories may have individual entry restrictions in addition to the federal regulation for international travel to the U.S.
Are there any airline-specific procedures I should know about?
Each airline is following the CDC mandate, but have their own procedures regarding test result submission, mask requirements onboard, etc. Ask your River Oaks Travel Advisor for more details!
Where can I go that doesn't require testing?
Destinations within the United States and US territories do not require COVID-19 testing for your return home. Island destinations like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are a great alternative if you’re looking to visit the Caribbean, or ask your River Oaks Travel advisor for great vacation spots within the Continental US.
How do I get tested during my trip?
For the convenience of travelers, many of favorite resorts have set up temporary labs and testing facilities on-property where you can take your COVID-19 test. When booking your trip, your River Oaks Travel concierge will help you to set up your testing appointment for 3 days prior to your return flight home. With everything on-property, you can easily take your test and get back to the beach in on time!
The below are some of our favorite international resorts that are offering COVID testing on-site. Hotels marked with an asterisk (*) offer testing for a supplementary cost, while the rest are on a complimentary basis (at time of publication)!
Don’t see your favorite resort below or looking for something different? Our travel agency has connections to many more properties that can be listed here – contact us with your specific request and we’ll find the perfect option for your own vacation!
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Andaz Mayakoba*
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa*
Chable Maroma*
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Hotel Esencia*
Nizuc Resort & Spa*
Rosewood Mayakoba*
Ritz-Carlton Cancun*
UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya*
Viceroy Riviera Maya
Los Cabos, Mexico
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection*
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort
Montage Los Cabos
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos*
One&Only Palmilla*
Paradisus Los Cabos
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal*
Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita, Mexico
Casa Velas
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
One&Only Mandarina*
St. Regis Punta Mita*
Conrad Punta de Mita*
Antigua
Carlisle Bay*
Curtain Bluff*
Hermitage Bay*
Jumby Bay*
Belize
Blancaneaux Lodge*
Turtle Inn*
Costa Rica
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo*
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo*
Nayara Gardens*
Dominican Republic
Amanera*
ANI Private Resorts Dominican Republic*
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas*
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
Jamaica
GoldenEye*
Half Moon*
Round Hill Hotel and Villas*
St. Lucia
Cap Maison*
Jade Mountain
Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort*
St. Martin
Belmond La Samanna*
Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay Club*
The Palms Turks & Caicos
The Shore Club
Ready to start planning your own vacation? Have questions?
We understand that travel in the age of COVID-19 can be complicated, but planning doesn’t have to be! Our expert team of travel advisors is well-versed on the newest CDC COVID-19 travel recommendations, and can assist you with navigating these regulations before, during, and after your trip. Schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable travel agent or send us a trip request – we look forward to helping you!
