ORLANDO, Fla. — A new CDC rule starting Tuesday means people trying to travel internationally will have to include a COVID-19 test in their plans.

What You Need To Know

  • CDC: All travelers to the U.S. must have a negative COVID-19 test no more than 3 days before travel
  • U.S. citizens flying in from abroad also must take a test

  • New rule means travelers should include finding a testing center in making travel plans

  • The U.S. is currently barring foreign nationals coming from some 3 dozen countries

Starting Tuesday, the CDC will require proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test for all air travelers, ages two and older, arriving in the U.S.

Tests must be taken no more than three days before travel, and must be shown to your airline before you board your flight. The rules also apply to U.S. citizens traveling internationally, not while traveling between U.S. states or territories.

“It’s not so much they’re worried about the destinations now, but the travel to and from, it is problematic," said Kathleen Peters, a longtime travel planner in Orlando.

Peters, who worked from home for Cruise Planners American Express, described last year as a "wild ride," that required her to pivot and change course in order to stay in business.

“Twenty-nineteen was my best year ever, revenue-wise. And 2020 was my worst year ever," she said. “A lot of cancellations, trying to get people refunds or future cruise credits, chase them down.”

She also began researching and crafting presentations for clients of far-flung destinations, presenting via Zoom tidbits about places from Antarctica to the Galapagos.​

“If they can’t go, they want to learn something new," she said. "It boils up a lot of relationships. And a lot of trust. So, I’m coming into 2021 stronger. There’s a lot of pent-up demand. I’m getting calls, they might not be ready to book, but they’re already plotting. The phone is ringing. People want to know when they can travel.”

Peters, who already has reservations on the books for 2022, thinks the enhanced screening measure implemented by the CDC is a good idea, but will require some planning.

“The change and requiring Americans in foreign countries to figure out how to get a test and where, get it in time, is just very nerve-wracking," she said. “Fortunately, some of our luxury and premium suppliers are now offering on-site testing at their all-inclusive resorts."

If you intend to travel internationally, Orlando International Airport leaders suggest researching where you can get a coronavirus test done abroad and how quickly it can be processed, as part of your travel plans.

The U.S. State Department website offers country-specific information on coronavirus, including some info on how to get tested, if it's available.

The United States is currently barring foreign nationals who have spent the previous 14 days in some three dozen countries from entering the U.S. Those countries include:

  • China
  • Iran
  • Brazil
  • United Kingdom
  • Republic of Ireland
  • The 29 European countries that allow unrestricted travel over their borders:
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany 
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Monaco
  • San Marino
  • Vatican City

However, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been in those countries are allowed to return to the United States. They will also need a proof of a negative COVID-19 test.