The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is ending its requirement for international air travelers to provide a negative COVID-19 test to be allowed entry into the United States. President Biden is expected to announce the end of the testing requirement on Friday, June 10, and it is scheduled to go into effect for inbound travelers to the US on Sunday, June 12 at midnight. 

The CDC is ending the requirement “based on science and data,” according to a Biden administration official, but also likely due to increased pressure from the hospitality and tourism industry. The industry is still recovering in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and expecting that the end of the testing requirement will spark increased international travel.

It is reported that the CDC will revisit its decision to end the testing requirement in 90 days. If it is determined that a new variant is increasing the risk of COVID-19 infection, the testing requirement could be reinstated.

Though the testing requirement is ending for now, the US is continuing its mandate that requires a majority of international visitors age 18 and older be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter the United States, and to provide proof of vaccination via an official government-endorsed record. 

Currently, there is no mandatory travel insurance requirement to visit the United States as a tourist. However, it is strongly recommended that everyone traveling to the United States purchase USA visitors insurance. 

Healthcare costs in the United States are the highest in the world, and international visitors will not be covered by their domestic health insurance while in the USA. If one of your parents or family members were to get sick or injured while visiting without insurance coverage, they would be required to pay for the entire cost of treatment out of their own pocket. This is simply unaffordable for the vast majority of visitors.

To avoid a major financial headache, make sure your visiting loved ones are protected by visitors insurance. Most visitors insurance plans will cover COVID-19 just as they would cover any new illness or injury that occurs after the effective date of the policy. Some plans can also provide coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, emergency medical evacuation, telemedicine and other benefits, depending upon the plan you choose. 

With the testing requirement coming to an end, it’s now easier than ever for international travelers to visit the United States. So long as they meet all vaccination requirements and have visitors insurance, your loved ones can enjoy their trip to the United States with minimal hassle, and maximum peace of mind.