In an effort to stem the rise in COVID-19 cases, and in particular, to combat the new Omicron variant, an Executive Order issued by the White House on December 2 included new entry restrictions and guidelines as of 12:01 am, Monday, December 6, 2021. All travelers to the United States, including U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents, must now furnish proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours prior to departure for the United States. Rapid tests are still permitted at this time. This further tightens restrictions on entry and follows on the heels of the November 26 executive order which barred entry to the United States for all individuals traveling to the U.S. from eight African countries. Our alert in this regard may be found here.

Documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days is also accepted. Further, the President announced that federal mask mandate requirements will be imposed on planes and other modes of transportation, including trains and buses. This mandate has been extended to March 18, 2022.

[View source.]