US Announces Strict New COVID Testing Requirements For Incoming Travelers, Including Citizens & Residents, No Exceptions!

Effective January 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days.  Airlines must confirm the negative test result or proof of recent recovery for all passengers prior to boarding and must deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery.

Please see CDC’s FAQ and the Embassy’s COVID Information Page for more information on the new requirement. If you are planning to return to the United States, contact your airline for specific information about testing requirements for travelers.  Because airlines may adopt and modify their own specific policies to implement CDC’s new rule, you should contact the carrier for your U.S.-bound flight and not rely on information from other carriers or information or experience from previous trips.

This information is shared directly from the US Embassy in Bogotá as a courtesy to our readers. The US State Department is responsible for the accuracy of the information in this article.

Testing Resources

The Colombian Health Ministry maintains a list of facilities that provide COVID-19 tests here.  Many local hospitals, clinics, and laboratories offer private testing for travel purposes.  Travelers are responsible for the costs of their own tests and any associated medical care.  Please ensure that the test provider you choose will provide test results that comply with CDC guidelines and those of your airline.

Travelers visiting Colombia should contact their tour provider or hotel for more information on local testing options.  The U.S. Embassy is not able to administer or pay for COVID-19 tests.  Potential travelers should carefully consider that availability of tests and timeliness of results cannot be guaranteed.

Further Information

• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
• Review the CDC’s latest recommendations on reducing your risk of contagion.
• Review the State Department’s guidance on travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Colombia.

Assistance

• U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia
  Tel. +57-1-275-2000
• [email protected]
  https://co.usembassy.gov/
• U.S. Consular Agency, Barranquilla
  [email protected]
• U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
  1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444

• Colombia Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter