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Countries worldwide are reevaluating their travel regulations amid the rise in the cases of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. On December 2, a day after they detected the Omicron variant in the U.S., President Joe Biden announced stricter rules for all travelers regardless of vaccination status.
Effective as of December 6, all international travelers and U.S. citizens returning from a trip abroad will be required to test for COVID-19 within 24 hours of departure. Previously, only unvaccinated travelers had to test within a day of departure, while vaccinated travelers were allowed a three-day window for testing. Now, everyone will be subjected to the same rules. Travelers who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the country must also be vaccinated to visit the U.S.
“A month ago, we announced requirements that they must vaccinate travelers if entering the United States. This week, I announced an additional action to strengthen international travel rules to give us more time to stop the spread and study a new variant,” the president said during his announcement.
President Biden is also working towards requiring insurance companies to cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests. He’s setting up family vaccination clinics across the country with the goal of these sites making it easier for Americans to have all their vaccination needs to be met in one place — from first doses to boosters.
President Biden is also working towards requiring insurance companies to cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests. He’s setting up family vaccination clinics across the country with the goal of these sites making it easier for Americans to have all their vaccination needs to be met in one place — from first doses to boosters.
The current administration also announced that it would extend the federal requirement that passengers wear face masks on airplanes and all forms of public transportation. It would have expired in January but will be enforced through March 18.
Update: The CDC issued a statement advising that the Omicron variant doesn’t appear to be as severe as the strain of the Delta variant. However, the government is also warning Americans not to let their guards down, as it has detected the Omicron variant in 18 states in the U.S. and 50 countries worldwide.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.