Biden presidency: What are the new rules on travel to the US?

Joe Biden has signed an executive order backed by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to introduce strict new health protocols to combat Covid-19. According to the new measures, international and domestic travellers will have to mandatorily follow wearing masks, social distancing, proper testing and quarantine. 

Those coming in through international flights have to submit a negative COVID-19 test result obtained less than 72 hours prior to departure. International travelers also have to quarantine upon arrival. Masks have been made compulsory on many domestic trains, flights as well as buses.

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Although the testing protocol existed under the previous administration, quarantine was not mandatory. With it being made compulsory now, the CDC has recommended quarantine for seven days for travellers reaching the US from almost all other countries. 

“In addition to wearing masks, everyone flying to the United States from another country will need to test before they get on that plane, before they depart, and quarantine when they arrive in America,” Biden said on Thursday. 

Discussions are also ongoing regarding implementation of new health measures at the land borders with Canada and Mexico. Currently, all non-essential travel with Canada and Mexico is halted till February 21, until further notice.