Aug. 12, 2021
NBAA reminds all business aircraft operators traveling internationally that their passengers must be tested for COVID-19 prior to returning to the U.S., in line with a January 2021 order from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“We received word from the FAA recently that there may be some confusion about the applicability of CDC’s order relating to COVID testing requirements for all international air travelers arriving in the U.S.,” Doug Carr, NBAA’s senior vice president of safety, security, sustainability and international operations, wrote in a post to NBAA’s Air Mail online forum. “The CDC order applies to all international air operations, regardless of operating rule, country of registration, operation or departure.”
The CDC requires that all international passengers, regardless of vaccination status, show proof of a negative test result for COVID-19 obtained no more than 3 days prior to departure, or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the previous three months, before reentering the country.
These requirements apply to all air passengers 2 years of age or older who travel into the U.S., including U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. However, flight crews operating in compliance with SAFO 20009 are exempt from the CDC order.
“CDC is conducting checks on international arrivals at air carrier and general aviation airports to determine compliance with this mandate,” Carr added. “Operators found not to be in compliance with the CDC order could face penalties.”
In addition to being tested by a physician or other qualified medical professional at the country of origin, other approved testing options are available, including at-home testing kits that include a telehealth component. These kits can be transported onboard the aircraft, with results returned electronically within 3 days of the testing window.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.