In response to the rapid COVID-19 outbreak in China, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a press release on December 28, 2022, adding COVID-19 testing requirements for passengers traveling from China to the United States. The CDC website also updated its order.

New Rules

Effective 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on January 5, 2023, if you are:

  • Flying from mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau to the United States (whether on a nonstop or connecting itinerary); or
  • Flying to the United States from one of the following airports (whether nonstop or connecting), and you have been in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau within the 10 days before your U.S.-bound flight (excluding passengers who were only transiting through China)
    • Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
    • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
    • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

you must provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 2 days (either of the previous two calendar days is acceptable) in order to board your flight. The COVID-19 test may be a PCR test, a medically supervised rapid antigen test (available for purchase on JD), or a NAAT.

This requirement applies to all passengers regardless of nationality, whether you have a green card, or whether you have been vaccinated against COVID-19. (Note: Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents still need to provide proof of vaccination to enter the United States.)

Recovered Travelers May Be Exempt From Testing

If a passenger tested positive more than 10 days before departing for the United States, they may submit documentation of recovery from COVID-19 instead of a negative test.

Documentation of recovery requirements (one of the following):

  • A positive COVID-19 test result from between 91 days and 10 days before departure
  • A positive COVID-19 test result within 10 days before departure, plus a signed letter from a medical professional stating that the passenger began experiencing COVID-19 symptoms more than 10 days before the flight

Because China is currently experiencing a major outbreak and medical resources are relatively strained, it may also be difficult to obtain the required documentation, so travelers should plan ahead.

Summary

If you are traveling to the United States on January 5, 2023, you should make sure to prepare your COVID-19 testing in advance. Because demand is currently very low, it may be difficult to obtain a remotely supervised at-home antigen test report via video proctoring. We therefore recommend getting a PCR test in China before departure.