travel to us need covid test

Update May 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Travel.State.Gov Newsroom

U.S. Passports News

International Travel News

U.S. Visas News

Intercountry Adoption News and Notices

Share this page:

Update on Change to U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for nonimmigrant travel

Worldwide Visa Operations: Update

Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) Announcement

Suspension of Visa Services in Sudan

Diversity Visa 2024 Update

Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Increases to Take Effect June 17, 2023

India EB-3 Retrogression

Expiration of Covid-Era Visa Application Fee Receipts

Digital Visa Authorization (DVA) Proof of Concept

Final Rule Governing Public Charge Grounds of Visa Ineligibility

Visa Waiver Travel for Israeli Citizens

Important Update on Waivers of the Interview Requirement for Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Department of State to Process Domestic Visa Renewals in Limited Pilot Program

Visa Information for Nationals of Haiti

Department of State/AILA Liaison Committee Meeting March 20, 2024

The Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. This means starting May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. CDC’s Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic will no longer be in effect when the Presidential Proclamation Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic is revoked .

Please see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/01/the-biden-administration-will-end-covid-19-vaccination-requirements-for-federal-employees-contractors-international-travelers-head-start-educators-and-cms-certified-facilities/

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check with the Department of State for travel advisories.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

• As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S.  arriving by air  or  arriving by land or sea  no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 
• As of June 12, 2022,  people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test . 

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific COVID-19 travel rules from the Department of State.

See the  CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Fact Sheets

Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

• Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
• During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
• Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

• More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

• Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
• Children under 18 years of age;
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;   
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
• Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?  

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website.  

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?  

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

• Border Security
• Transportation Security
• Airport Security
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Coronavirus Updates

Cdc says travel is safe for fully vaccinated people, but opposes nonessential trips.

Rachel Treisman

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its domestic travel guidance for fully vaccinated people on Friday, lifting certain requirements while continuing to advise mitigation measures like mask-wearing and hand-washing. Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its domestic travel guidance for fully vaccinated people on Friday, lifting certain requirements while continuing to advise mitigation measures like mask-wearing and hand-washing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its domestic travel guidance for fully vaccinated people, lifting certain testing and self-quarantine requirements and recommending precautions like wearing a mask and avoiding crowds. But health officials continue to discourage nonessential travel, citing a sustained rise in cases and hospitalizations.

The CDC updated its website on Friday to reflect the latest scientific evidence, writing that "people who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States."

The announcement comes less than a month after the CDC first released updated guidance about gatherings for fully vaccinated people, which it described as a "first step" toward returning to everyday activities.

Air Travel Is Opening Up Again, But That Doesn't Mean The Pandemic Is Over

The CDC considers someone fully vaccinated two weeks after they receive the last dose of vaccine. Those individuals will no longer need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it, and do not need to self-quarantine upon return.

The new guidance means, for example, that fully vaccinated grandparents can fly to visit their healthy grandkids without getting a COVID-19 test or self-quarantining as long as they follow other recommended measures while traveling, according to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky.

Those measures include wearing a mask over their nose and mouth, staying 6 feet from others and washing their hands frequently. Masks are required on all planes traveling into, within or out of the U.S., under an executive order issued by President Biden.

But Walensky, speaking at a White House COVID-19 Response Team briefing on Friday, nonetheless discouraged all nonessential travel, citing a continued increase in the seven-day average of cases and hospitalizations.

"While we believe that fully vaccinated people can travel at low risk to themselves, CDC is not recommending travel at this time due to the rising number of cases," Walensky said.

CDC Director Fears 'Impending Doom' If U.S. Opens Too Quickly

She said that while vaccinated people can do more things safely, most Americans are not yet fully vaccinated. Those who are not must have a negative test 1-3 days before they travel under CDC guidance. They must either get tested 3-5 days after they return and self-quarantine for 7 days, or self-quarantine for 10 days with no test.

Walensky said on Monday that there is more travel occurring now than throughout the pandemic, including the winter holidays. She acknowledged that people have been looking to get away over spring break or take advantage of what they perceive as a "relative paucity in cases," and she said the country was seeing an uptick in cases as a result.

"The thing that's different this time is that we actually have it in our power to be done with the scale of the vaccination," she said. "And that will be so much slower if we have another surge to deal with as well."

The U.S. is already seeing an uptick in domestic travel, and many Americans are looking to book trips in the coming months in what experts described to NPR as a sign of "clear pent up demand for travel."

As the country's supply of COVID-19 doses has grown, so has Biden's goal for the number of shots in arms during his first 100 days, doubling the target to 200 million by the end of this month. Many states have already expanded eligibility to all adults or are set to do so in the coming weeks, well ahead of the president's May 1 deadline.

According to NPR's vaccine tracker , 16.9% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated, and 30% has had at least one dose. Researchers estimate that 70% to 85% of the country would need to have immunity for COVID-19 to stop spreading through communities.

International travel restrictions remain

The CDC is not lifting travel restrictions barring the entry of most non-U.S. citizens from places including China, Brazil, South Africa and parts of Europe. It will continue to require airline passengers entering the U.S. to get a test within three days of their departure and show proof of a negative result before boarding.

The travel industry has been pushing for some of these restrictions to end. A group of 26 organizations sent a letter to White House COVID-19 czar Jeffrey Zients urging the federal government "to partner with us to develop, by May 1, 2021, a risk-based, data-driven roadmap to rescind inbound international travel restrictions."

While Some Spring Breakers Swarm Beaches, Many Stay Home, Dreaming Of Summer Travel

"To be clear, at this time, we do not support removal or easing of core public health protections, such as the universal mask mandate, inbound international testing requirement, physical distancing or other measures that have made travel safer and reduced transmission of the virus," they wrote. "However, the data and science demonstrate that the right public health measures are now in place to effectively mitigate risk and allow for the safe removal of entry restrictions."

Travel and tourism have taken a considerable hit because of the pandemic with industry groups noting that overseas travel to the U.S. declined by 81% in 2020, causing billions of dollars in losses. Without lifting international travel bans, the U.S. Travel Association estimates that some 1.1 million American jobs will not be restored and billions in spending will be lost by the end of the year.

"Fortunately, enough progress has been made on the health front that a rebound for domestic leisure travel looks possible this year, but that alone won't get the job done," Roger Dow, the association's president and CEO, said in a statement . "A full travel recovery will depend on reopening international markets, and we must also contend with the challenge of reviving business travel."

Fauci Expects Surge In Vaccinations To Keep A 4th Coronavirus Wave At Bay

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• COVID-19 vaccine

• Travel Planning Center
• Ticket Changes & Refunds
• Airline Partners
• Check-in & Security
• Delta Sky Club®
• Airport Maps & Locations
• Flight Deals
• Flight Schedules
• Destinations
• Onboard Experience
• Delta Cruises
• Delta Vacations
• Delta Car Rentals
• Delta Stays
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Delta Trip Protection
• How to Earn Miles
• How to Use Miles
• Buy or Transfer Miles
• Travel with Miles
• SkyMiles Partners & Offers
• SkyMiles Award Deals
• SkyMiles Credit Cards
• SkyMiles Airline Partners
• SkyMiles Program Overview​
• How to Get Medallion Status​
• Benefits at Each Tier
• News & Updates
• Help Center
• Travel Planning FAQs
• Certificates & eCredits
• Accessible Travel Services
• Child & Infant Travel
• Special Circumstances
• SkyMiles Help

U.S. COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements for International Travel

In-page links.

• U.S. Entry Requirements , Go to footer note
• Attestation Form , Go to footer note
• Frequently Asked Questions , Go to footer note

U.S. Entry Requirements

All travelers must provide contact tracing information when entering or connecting through the U.S. Failure to provide the necessary information will result in being denied boarding, per the CDC order.

Important Details to Know:

• Covid-19 testing and vaccination are not required for travelers entering or connecting through the U.S. 
• Delta FlyReady SM offers customers the option to submit documentation for digital verification before check-in.
• View our Delta Discover Map to review entry requirements for a specific destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Travelers entering the U.S. are no longer required to complete an attestation form, but they are still required to complete the contact tracing form. 

Please check-in for digital verification using Delta FlyReady or visit our Delta Discover Map to review entry requirements for your specific trip. 

We are continuously monitoring safety and security protocols to ensure you have the latest information for your destination's specific entry and exit requirements. 

We strongly encourage you to review the latest travel requirements and restrictions for more information about current travel restrictions and resources to help you arrive prepared. Please also confirm any requirements for connecting airport destinations if applicable to your itinerary. 

Related Links

Travel Requirements

Safety Commitment

How to Change Flight

• Investor Relations
• Business Travel
• Travel Agents
• Comment/Complaint
• Browser Compatibility
• Accessibility
• Booking Information
• Customer Commitment
• Tarmac Delay Plan
• Sustainability
• Contract of Carriage
• Cookies, Privacy & Security
• Human Trafficking Statement (PDF)

How to Get a COVID Test for International Travel

A negative covid test continues to be a requirement to travel the world—including for entry into the united states. here’s how to get the right test when you need it..

• Copy Link copied

COVID tests are the must-have travel item of the pandemic.

Photo by Shutterstock

The need for COVID testing doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. Even as more people get vaccinated worldwide against COVID-19, variants such as Delta and Omicron have put numerous countries on high alert. Once again, there are new—and in some cases, stricter—COVID testing requirements for travel.

As of December 6, the United States began requiring that all international arrivals get tested for COVID no more than one calendar day before flying to the United States , regardless of vaccination status. That’s down from three days prior, making it even more of a last-minute challenge to get tested before flying to the U.S.

France and the United Kingdom also reintroduced COVID testing requirements in December for all travelers, regardless of vaccination status. The sudden developments served as a reminder of how quickly travelers sometimes have to scramble to find tests that satisfy new rules—for many, it’s overnight. How do you stay on top of so many changes? How do you know what you need? Look here for starters.

Whether travelers are in search of a COVID test before heading abroad or need to re-enter the U.S., here are the (numerous) options and ways to get a COVID test for international travel.

What kind of COVID test is required to enter the U.S.?

According to the official order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID tests that satisfy the U.S. entry requirement include a PCR test, antigen test (including a rapid antigen test), or an approved home or self test , which means that there are some easier options than a PCR test, the results for which can take longer to obtain—though, there are services that offer “rapid PCR” tests, usually for an added cost.

CDC-approved COVID self tests for international travel

The BinaxNOW Antigen home kit is sold as a six-pack for $150, which comes out to $25 for each kit.

Courtesy of Abbott

For travelers who are worried about obtaining a PCR or antigen test within a day of flying back to the U.S., there is the option of bringing a set of COVID-19 home or self tests with them. The CDC has approved a handful of self tests for international travel. They include the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Home Test , the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test with Azova , and Cue COVID-19 tests —all of which we have reviewed .

The tests can be self-administered—meaning you do your own nasal swab—but to meet the CDC requirements, they must be paired with a supervised telehealth video call in real time. (The above tests include the telehealth call service.) Travelers, take note: You must have a reliable internet connection wherever you plan to administer the test, so logging into the telehealth video call isn’t an issue.

Related We Reviewed the CDC-Approved COVID Home Tests for International Travel—Here’s What to Know

How to find a testing site abroad

Want to find out if the country you’re planning to visit has COVID testing sites that can turn around results within a day? A great place to start is the U.S. State Department’s detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories , which include an entire section on COVID-19 testing for each country. Right up front, the section answers the question of whether PCR and/or antigen tests are available to U.S. citizens and whether test results are reliably available within one calendar day. It also often includes information about where and how to obtain such tests.

Another good resource is TestforTravel.com , where you can search any international destination for testing centers and filter by the specific type of COVID-19 test you’re looking for.

The good news is that testing has ramped up worldwide, and it has become more widely available at international airports and hotels. Travel companies—including airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators—and travel advisors are also stepping in to help international travelers either actually get tested or find testing sites in their destination. The bad news is that pricing varies wildly. Tests can run anywhere from several dollars to several hundred dollars, which can make travel budgeting a bit of a nightmare.

American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have all developed resources to provide passengers with international testing information. American is doing so with the VeriFly app , a global health pass that allows users to more easily upload their health data.

Through its United app, United has added a feature called the “ Travel-Ready Center ” (located in the “My Trips” section of the app or online at United.com ). Once passengers access the Travel-Ready Center, they can identify COVID-19 travel requirements for upcoming trips, find local testing options, and upload proof of test results (as well as vaccination status).

Delta, too, has developed an easy COVID-19 testing search function on its website through which travelers can find testing center locations in numerous global destinations.

How to find a COVID test in the U.S. to travel internationally

First and foremost, you need to make sure you’re up to date on the latest entry requirements for the country or countries you plan to visit, or even just enter—there’s never been a better time to fly nonstop. As we have seen throughout the pandemic, these rules can change very quickly at times.

Again, the U.S. State Department’s country-specific COVID-19 advisories are a great place to start to find up-to-date entry rules and requirements. We have also rounded up our favorite interactive map tools that provide updated global COVID-19 travel information.

Once you know what’s required, whether you need a PCR or antigen test, for example, and within what time frame (between two and three days, or 48 to 72 hours, is the most common requirement), you can begin to track down testing options near you.

Mail-in COVID self tests

COVID testing throughout the U.S. is patchy at best in terms of availability and reliability, and it varies enormously from city to city, county to county, and state to state. Earlier this month, President Biden announced that at-home COVID tests will become more available and will be covered by private insurance plans. Additional details will be available in January, but there are a few home or self tests that travelers can stock up on with mail-in options that may qualify for health insurance reimbursement and that satisfy certain international government requirements for entry. (Of course, if the COVID test entry requirement is a very tight time frame—say, two or three days prior to travel—these mail-in options might not work.)

Note that these tests can be used for travel from the U.S. to international destinations that will accept the results , not the other way around. The tests that work for inbound travel to the U.S. from abroad were mentioned above and were reviewed by AFAR editors.

Here are some of the options we have found for self tests that could work for travel:

• EverlyWell COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit DTC ($109 per test, or discounted for $81.75 with code GIVEMORE): This FDA-authorized PCR test is delivered within two to eight business days of order, so it should be ordered at least a couple of weeks before travel. Once you receive it, take the self-administered test and mail it the same day using the included overnight delivery label. Upon receiving the sample, the lab will provide results within 24 to 48 hours.
• Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 Test At-Home Collection Kit ($119 per test): An FDA-authorized PCR test that is typically delivered within two days of order. The self test includes a FedEx overnight label that travelers use to send the sample back to the lab, where results are processed within one to two days.
• LetsGetChecked COVID-19 Pre-Flight Test & Lab Report ($109 per test): A home testing kit that travelers can order in advance. The company advises at least five days prior to travel (but why not stock up even earlier than that?). After collecting the sample yourself using a nasal swab, you then send it to the lab with a prepaid next-day delivery label, and results can be expected within 24 to 72 hours after arriving in the lab. This is also an FDA-authorized PCR test.

In-person COVID testing options in the U.S.

Large pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walgreens , healthcare networks, and county and state health agencies are among the numerous entities that offer COVID testing but not always with the guarantee of receiving results within a specific two- or three-day window. Travelers may need to rely on pricier local private providers and urgent care centers (such as CityMD and Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York and COVIDCheckToday in Southern California, Denver, Las Vegas, and Miami) to get a test for travel quickly. DMCOVID-19 Test is a nationwide testing service that does house calls and offers same- and next-day results—for a hefty fee; same-day services will run you around $300 and next-day around $220.

Getting tested at the airport

Another option (or backup option if waiting until just before departure is a little too nerve wracking for you) is to get tested at the airport.

XpresSpa Group’s XpresCheck brand now has COVID-19 testing locations at 11 U.S. airports, including Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Dulles, Houston, Newark, New York (JFK), Phoenix, Seattle, and San Francisco. Services include a standard PCR test with results within 48 to 96 hours (for $75) and a rapid PCR test with results within 60 minutes (for a much heftier $250). Beyond XpresCheck, countless U.S. airports have their own testing facilities as well now, so travelers can look into options at their local hub.

U.S. airports that have COVID testing facilities include:

• Los Angeles International Airport
• Oakland International Airport
• San Diego International Airport
• Connecticut’s Bradley International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Tampa International Airport
• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu, Hawai‘i)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport
• Chicago Midway International Airport
• Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport
• New York’s LaGuardia Airport
• Portland International Airport
• Philadelphia International Airport
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

What happens if you test positive?

“If you were to test positive for COVID-19 while overseas, you would need to postpone your trip back to the United States, potentially for several weeks. All travelers should have a plan B,” the U.S. State Department’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, Ian Brownlee, said during a January 26 media briefing when the testing requirement for international travelers entering the U.S. was first introduced.

Brownlee noted that U.S. travelers should consider where they would stay, the cost of an extended stay, and the repercussions they would face if they could not immediately return, whether for work, for childcare issues, or other responsibilities.

“Think through the answers to these important questions carefully” prior to committing to travel plans, Brownlee said. Another recommendation he has for international travelers: Consider travel insurance that covers COVID-19 medical treatments and COVID-19 related travel disruptions.

And the same goes for outbound travel—travelers need to consider what kind of safeguards they have in place, including the cancellation policies for all components of their trip, in the event that they or anyone in their travel group tests positive before flying out.

>> Next: The Best Travel Plan This Holiday Season: A Backup Plan

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Ask a Travel Nerd: What COVID Test Is Required for Travel?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Note: Certain regulations mentioned below, including the CDC's requirement of a negative COVID-19 test to enter the U.S., have changed since publication. Check the CDC's news page for the most up-to-date information.

So you’re looking to get back into traveling — but things have changed since the last time you hopped on a plane. From new testing requirements to quarantine concerns, the experience of travel is different from what it once was. It can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

Let’s take a look at what COVID tests are required for travel and where you can get them.

The different types of COVID tests

Not all COVID-19 tests are the same. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are two major types of COVID tests: diagnostic tests and antibody tests.

Diagnostic tests can show if you have an active COVID-19 infection. These tests can be further broken down into molecular and antigen tests, both of which detect an active COVID-19 infection.

Antibody tests look for the presence of antibodies against the coronavirus in your immune system. Since it can take days or even weeks for antibodies to develop, antibody tests aren’t good at testing for active COVID infections.

Plenty of countries require a negative diagnostic COVID test for travel from outside their borders, including the U.S. and many countries within the European Union.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel this year, according to recent NerdWallet study

Where can I get a COVID test for travel?

Whether you need a COVID test to get where you’re going depends on your destination . Thankfully for travelers based in the U.S., there are many COVID testing centers located around the country.

Where to get a COVID test for international travel

As already mentioned, different countries may or may not require a COVID test. Before scheduling your testing, check the regulations for your intended destination.

Once you’ve found the travel requirements for that locale, make an appointment for your test. It’s simple to find COVID test locations online; the easiest method is by doing a search on your local pharmacy's website. You may also want to go through your health insurance if that’s an option.

Be aware that each country has a validity period for accepting COVID tests. Israel, for example, requires that a test be taken within 72 hours of departure.

Restrictions vary by country, but some will allow you to enter without a COVID test if you’re fully vaccinated.

Where to get a COVID test for travel to the U.S.

If you’re already overseas and want to return home, you also need to take a COVID test. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, beginning Dec. 6, 2021, you need to have a test completed no more than one day prior to your air travel back to the U.S. if you're vaccinated. Unvaccinated travelers must complete a test within one day of their flight. If you’ve recently been infected with COVID-19, you can also opt to show proof of recovery.

This requirement is for all air passengers at least 2 years of age.

The U.S. will accept several different COVID tests for reentry, and many countries have COVID testing readily available. You can check U.S. embassy websites to see if a given country has tests available for U.S. citizens. It's also a good idea to check directly with the hotel you're staying at. It may have on-site COVID testing available or a list of local providers.

Alternatively, you can take advantage of a virtually proctored at-home COVID test (one that's done over a video call with a health professional) in order to satisfy U.S. requirements. Just confirm beforehand that a lab report is provided and the test is FDA-approved. These tests are highly convenient; you can purchase them before traveling and bring them with you. There are a few different at-home testing options available, including some in a multipack if you’re traveling with family.

» Learn more: Hotels now offering COVID tests ahead of return trips to the U.S.

If you need a COVID test to travel

Travel in the COVID-19 era isn’t quite as straightforward as it used to be. However, preparing now can save you a headache down the line. Do your research, figure out your destination’s requirements and schedule your COVID test to make your travel as simple as possible.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Updated International Air Travel COVID-19 Policy

⚠   The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expired as of May 11, 2023. This site will no longer be updated and will remain online for historical purposes only.

For current COVID-19 guidance, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

International travel is critical to connecting families and friends, to fueling small and large businesses, and to promoting the open exchange of ideas and culture. The international air travel policy follows the science and both enhances the safety of Americans here at home and the safety of international air travel.

Testing Requirement

On March 10, 2023, CDC  removed  the requirement for air passengers from China, Hong Kong or Macau to show a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery before boarding a flight to the United States.

Vaccination Requirement

As of 12:01am EDT on May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. See  here  for more information.

While masks are no longer required on flights, The CDC still recommends wearing them. 

US to lift COVID testing requirement for air travelers entering country: White House official

Travelers will no longer need a negative test one day before their flight.

The Biden administration is lifting pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements for international travelers to the United States, according to a senior White House official.

Effective Sunday, June 12, those traveling to the U.S. will no longer need a negative COVID-19 test one day before their flight to the country.

"We are able to take this step because of the tremendous progress we’ve made in our fight against the virus," the official told ABC News. "We have made lifesaving vaccines and treatments widely available and these tools are working to prevent serious illness and death, and are effective against the prevalent variants circulating in the U.S. and around the world."

MORE: Travelers will no longer need masks on European flights and in airports

Initially, the Biden administration had required fully vaccinated travelers, including U.S. citizens, to show proof of a negative test within three days of travel and unvaccinated people to show a negative test within one day of travel.

But the rules were strengthened to showing proof of a negative test within one day of travel, regardless of vaccination status, as the omicron variant spread across the U.S. and the world.

The official said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will do a reassessment of the rule in 90 days and then an ongoing basis. If a new variant emerges, the CDC may consider reinstating the pre-departure testing requirement.

"We’re committed to continuing to ensure the safety of Americans here at home and international air travel," the official said. "CDC will continue to recommend COVID-19 testing prior to air travel of any kind, and we will be working with the airlines and other partners to ensure a smooth transition.

MORE: What to know about COVID-19 risks as travel mask mandate is lifted

Airlines and travel groups have been lobbying the White House to drop the COVID-19 test requirements for inbound travelers to help revitalize international travel.

"Lifting this policy will help encourage and restore air travel to the United States, benefiting communities across the country that rely heavily on travel and tourism to support their local economies," Nick Calio, president and CEO of Airlines for America, the group that lobbies on behalf of all major U.S. airlines, said in a statement. "We are eager to welcome the millions of travelers who are ready to come to the U.S. for vacation, business and reunions with loved ones."

Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat, tweeted Friday morning, that she was "glad" to hear of the news.

"I led efforts with the administration to make this change, and I’m glad the CDC has decided to suspend the coronavirus testing requirement for international travelers," she wrote. "I’ll continue to advocate for the strong recovery of our hospitality industry and its workers."

MORE: When you should be using your at-home COVID tests

Most countries in Europe -- including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Greece and Italy -- have dropped testing requirements to enter the country. But others, such as Japan and South Korea, still require proof of a negative test.

Non-U.S. citizens will still be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering the country. U.S. citizens are not required to show proof of vaccination but are recommended to stay home and self-quarantine for five full days after travel.

The move comes two months after a federal judge struck down the CDC's travel mask mandate, which required travelers to wear masks on airplanes, in airports and other travel hubs, and while riding public transit.

ABC News' Amanda Maile contributed to this report.

Related Topics

• Coronavirus

Top Stories

Exclusive: Mom speaks out after Air Force rescued son from cruise ship

• May 9, 7:36 AM

Forecast reveals where you might see the northern lights in the US this weekend

• May 10, 2:14 PM

What led to DNA match, arrest of minister two decades after murders of 2 teens

• May 10, 6:03 AM

Judge warns Michael Cohen to stop talking about Trump hush money case

• May 10, 4:11 PM

Barron Trump declines Florida GOP delegate position due to 'prior commitments'

• May 10, 6:58 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Do I need a COVID test? What to know before travelling to the U.S.

On April 1, Canadian officials eased some COVID-19 restrictions at the border and no longer requires inbound travellers to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test of any kind taken prior to entry into Canada.

But for travellers heading south of the border, the U.S. still has several restrictions in effect, including mandatory pre-departure COVID-19 tests for those flying into the country.

Planning on heading down to the States? Here's what you need to know before crossing the border:

COVID-19 TEST, VACCINE PROOF REQUIREMENTS

All travellers entering the U.S. by air are still required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of travel, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship.

The U.S. accepts the use of rapid antigen tests administered by a lab or health-care provider for entry, although more expensive molecular tests such as PCR tests can also be used. At-home rapid antigen tests can only be used if the test is taken under the supervision of a telehealth provider through an audio and video connection. The test must also be approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or by the "relevant national authority where the test is administered," such as Health Canada.

• Newsletter sign-up: Get The COVID-19 Brief sent to your inbox

Individuals who have recently recovered from COVID-19 can use their positive test result to enter the U.S. for up to 90 days after their infection. The test result doesn't have to be from a PCR test and can be from any test that satisfies the U.S.'s entry requirements. Travellers with a positive test result must also have a signed letter from a health-care provider or public health official stating that they've been cleared for travel.

Unlike Canada, which requires all travellers to submit their proof of vaccination and other information through the ArriveCAN app, the U.S. does not have a mandatory app for inbound travellers.

For travellers entering the U.S. from Canada or Mexico through land borders crossings or ferry terminals, no COVID-19 tests of any kind are required.

In addition, all non-immigrant and non-U.S. citizen travellers must present proof of being fully vaccinated. All of the vaccines approved for use in Canada are accepted by U.S. authorities. Unvaccinated foreigners are not permitted to enter the U.S. unless they've been granted an exemption.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY CALLING FOR FEWER RESTRICTIONS

Leaders in the U.S. travel and tourism industry have been calling on U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration to consider easing some of its health measures at the border, to bring them in line with the looser requirements seen in the U.K. and the EU.

Last month, the U.S. Travel Association sent an open letter to the White House, requesting the administration remove the pre-entry testing requirement for all fully vaccinated travellers.

"Removing the pre-departure testing requirement will incentivize vaccination, increase demand for international travel to and from the U.S., and better align passenger aviation entry requirements with those at U.S. land border points of entry and other major travel-trade partners abroad," the letter states.

The Biden administration last month also extended its mask mandate on airplanes through April 18. The U.S. Travel Association is asking the White House to let the mandate expire.

During a press briefing last Wednesday , White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said "conversations are underway" when asked whether the White House is prepared to ease travel restrictions.

"Certainly, when we have news to make on this, we’ll come back to you," she told reporters.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night

A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.

Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire

The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.

Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.

McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment

McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.

Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?

Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.

Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto

A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.

Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise

When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.

Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate

Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.

Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night

An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.

Sask. teachers set to vote on renewed sanctions mandate

Next week, teachers in Saskatchewan will vote on a renewed mandate that would implement sanctions beyond the current school year.

Roughly 250 people forced to evacuate Winnipeg apartment building deemed unsafe

Approximately 250 residents of a St. James area apartment building will have to leave their homes immediately, as the City of Winnipeg issued a vacate order over unsafe conditions.

Eastern P.E.I. looks for smooth sailing this ferry season

The ferry between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia is back on the water for another season and many are hoping issues which plagued the service are a thing of the past.

As summer wildfire season nears, Quebec forest fire workers vote for strike mandate

Workers with Quebec's forest fire agency have voted 99 per cent in favour of a strike mandate as the summer wildfire season approaches.

Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report

A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.

Biden jokes Trump should have injected himself with bleach

U.S. President Joe Biden joked on Friday that he wished former president Donald Trump had injected himself with a little bleach.

U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete

The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.

Here's what to know about conservatorships and how Brian Wilson's case evolved

A judge put Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson under a court conservatorship to oversee his personal and medical affairs after the legendary songwriter's doctor reported that he has a major neurocognitive disorder.

Peru president's brother arrested in graft probe as Rolex scandal spreads

Peruvian police detained President Dina Boluarte's brother and lawyer on Friday amid a probe into alleged influence peddling, ramping up pressure on the Andean country's leader already being investigated over how she got pricey Rolex watches and jewelry.

Amish youth experience a rite of passage called Rumspringa. It’s not what you might think

The idea of “Rumspringa” has a specific spot in the American imagination. A rite of passage for young people in some Amish communities, Rumspringa is seen by most outsiders as a wild time away from strict Amish rules, when teenagers can experiment with the modern vices of the world.

Trudeau points to fire fight, says Meta news ban degrades safety as it makes billions

Justin Trudeau says Meta is making billions off people, but taking no responsibility for the well-being of communities they profit from.

Canada pitches in $76 million for 'faster' German air-defence systems in Ukraine

Canada is putting $76 million towards a German-led effort to help Ukraine defend itself from Russian missiles and aircraft, Defence Minister Bill Blair announced Friday.

Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy

Canada's longstanding blood donation policy that prohibited sexually active men who have sex with men, as well as some trans people, from donating blood and plasma was harmful and discriminatory, Canadian Blood Services acknowledged on Friday, in issuing an apology to the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER

A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.

Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting

Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.

Italy updates IVF rules to allow access for widowed or separated women

Italy's Health Ministry has updated its guidelines on medically assisted reproduction, allowing access for women who requested the procedure with their male partner but who have since become separated or widowed.

'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas

A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.

Entertainment

Sean 'Diddy' Combs asks judge to dismiss 'false' claim that he, others raped 17-year-old girl

Sean 'Diddy' Combs on Friday asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that he and two co-defendants raped a 17-year-old girl in a New York recording studio in 2003, saying it was a 'false and hideous claim' that was filed too late under the law.

Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday

Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.

How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest

Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.

WestJet Encore pilots reject tentative deal; airline says no impact on operations

The union representing WestJet Encore pilots says its members rejected the tentative deal reached last month, with just over half voting the agreement down.

Ontario government endorsing $600M refurbishment plan for Cornwall power generating station

The Ontario government says it will be supporting Ontario Power Generation's plan to refurbish the R. H. Saunders Generating Station on the St. Lawrence River.

Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan

Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.

Popular vacation islands in Spain crack down on partying

Spain's Balearic Islands are further cracking down on public drinking and party boats as part of modifications to a 2020 decree that addressed 'excess tourism.'

Rothesay, N.B., woman ready to break barriers at Miss Universe Canada 2024

Lorraine Peters from New Brunswick looks forward to sharing her message on a national stage for women to have the confidence, and courage to pursue whatever they choose no matter their age

Guelph, Ont. man gains millions of YouTube views by helping people work espresso machines

If you’ve ever had a tough time figuring out an espresso machine, a Guelph, Ont. man has you covered.

Toronto tops Minnesota 2-0 to sit one win away from PWHL final

Jesse Compher scored the go-ahead goal with 1:25 left in the third period to give Toronto a 2-0 win and 2-0 lead in its best-of-five semifinal series against Minnesota in Professional Women's Hockey League playoff action on Friday.

Twins beat Blue Jays for 16th win in 18 games

Carlos Santana hit a tiebreaking home run in the fifth inning, Joe Ryan pitched seven innings and the Minnesota Twins won for the 16th time in 18 games by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 on Friday night.

Tickets still available as 'Messi Mania' visits CF Montreal; club expects a sellout

Tickets are still available for 'Messi Mania' in Montreal -- if you're willing to pay up. Montreal hosts Lionel Messi's Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer action Saturday at Stade Saputo as the global icon makes his first professional trip to Canada.

After layoffs, Musk says Tesla to spend US$500M on charging network

Tesla will spend more than US$500 million to expand its fast-charging network, CEO Elon Musk said on Friday, days after abruptly laying off employees who were running the business.

Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back

Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.

Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it

If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.

Local Spotlight

From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field

A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.

Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life

A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.

Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint

A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.

'Oh Crap!' New exhibit at Canada Science and Technology Museum explores human waste

The Canada Science and Technology Museum is inviting visitors to explore their poop. A new exhibition opens at the Ottawa museum on Friday called, 'Oh Crap! Rethinking human waste.'

Regina police hope new biometric monitoring system will save lives in detention facility

The Regina Police Service says it is the first in Saskatchewan and possibly Canada to implement new technology in its detention facility that will offer real-time monitoring of detainees’ vital health metrics.

Vancouver and Edmonton's mayors bet on who will win Round 2 of the playoffs. Here's what's at stake

The stakes have been set for a bet between Vancouver and Edmonton's mayors on who will win Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

'No other life taken': Mother leads ATV helmet drive to honour daughter's legacy

A grieving mother is hosting a helmet drive in the hopes of protecting children on Manitoba First Nations from a similar tragedy that killed her daughter.

Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find

A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.

P.E.I. lighthouse, N.B. river spotlighted in Canada Post series

A P.E.I. lighthouse and a New Brunswick river are being honoured in a Canada Post series.

'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks

The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.

B.C. woman's lifelong birthday wish comes true after unexpected message from elementary school classmate

Karen Harrison made the same birthday wish every year from age six to age 50. When she had given up hope, it finally came true.

Aurora Borealis could be in view in Toronto tonight. Here’s how a solar storm is making that possible

The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are expected to illuminate the sky in Canada tonight, including in Toronto, thanks to a rare and severe solar storm.

15-year-old boy stabbed during fight at Brampton park 'fighting for his life' in hospital

A 15-year-old boy is in critical condition after an apparent stabbing during a fight at a park in Brampton Friday afternoon.

'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary

The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.

City of Chestermere inspection reveals ‘irregular, improper and improvident’ financial management: province

A third-party examination of the City of Chestermere revealed “significant gaps” in the financial management, the province said Friday.

Calgary says goodbye to Eau Claire Market as expropriated residents fight on

These are the final hours for Eau Claire Market, and the final days for residents of a nearby townhouse complex.

Ottawa's 3-container limit for curbside garbage takes effect this fall

The City of Ottawa's new three-garbage item limit for household waste will take effect on Sept. 30, with a three-month phase-in period for the limit. As of December, collection staff will only collect three garbage items from households every two weeks.

Tiny Home Show showcasing miniature spaces

In the midst of soaring living expenses and spiking interest rates, the dream of owning a traditional home seems to be slipping away for many residents in Ottawa.

Motorcycle driver in critical condition after crash in Barrhaven

Ottawa paramedics say a man in his 20s is in critical condition after a crash in Barrhaven Friday afternoon.

Man charged after truck strikes and kills driver changing flat tire on side of Montreal-area highway

A 43-year-old man has been charged after a driver was struck and killed while changing a tire on the side of a Highway 15 near Montreal on Thursday.

Montreal comic book artist among those honoured with Canada Post stamp

Montreal graphic novelist Michel Rabagliati is among four artists Canada Post honoured with stamps that went on sale on Friday.

'Violent, despicable and unbelievable': Family of murdered 7-year-old speak at David Moss sentencing Friday

David Moss, the man who murdered seven-year-old Bella Rose Desrosiers, broke down in court Friday as the girl's family spoke about the toll her death has taken on them.

Man in hospital after crashing into light post on Anthony Henday Drive Friday night

A man is in hospital in serious condition after he crashed into a street light on Anthony Henday Drive in southwest Edmonton Friday night.

Seven people charged following kidnapping, assault in Tobique First Nation: N.B. RCMP

RCMP say seven people have been arrested and charged in connection with a kidnapping and assault in Tobique First Nation, N.B.

EHS helicopters to land in new spot in Halifax

Emergency Health Services (EHS) LifeFlight helicopters will soon be landing at Canadian Forces Base Windsor Park in the Halifax's west end.

'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say

Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.

'Devastating': Clear Lake watercraft ban will have an impact, business owners say

Businesses in the Clear Lake area are concerned about the future following a temporary ban on watercraft from entering the lake.

Solar storm could produce highly visible northern lights in Manitoba

An unusually large solar storm could produce northern light shows that may be visible across most of Canada on Friday and Saturday.

Healthcare divide between Alberta, Sask. persists post-pandemic: Doctor

Easier access to certain types of medical care has become more difficult for some residents in southwestern Saskatchewan, according to a Swift Current doctor.

Regina police charge 3, seize drugs, ammunition after 'months long investigation'

Regina police say three people have been charged after they seized more than 1,100 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine along with suspected meth and ammunition following a “months long investigation.”

'A total write-off': Kitchener resident asks for thousands from city, after driving over 'faulty' manhole cover

One driver wants the City of Kitchener to cover the thousands of dollars in damage to his car after he ran over a “faulty” manhole cover.

Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital in critical condition after Cambridge crash

A motorcyclist was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries after a crash in Cambridge on Friday afternoon.

Search for new K-W hospital location narrowed down to two

We’re one step closer to finding out the new location of Kitchener-Waterloo’s newest hospital.

Dump truck heavily damaged after crash on Circle Drive North

A dump truck was heavily damaged following a crash Friday afternoon on Circle Drive North.

Nutrien CEO wants fully automated or tele-remote operations in all 6 mines

Improved mine automation helped fertilizer giant Nutrien Ltd. increase potash production in the first quarter amid strong demand for its products, the company's chief executive said.

Northern Ontario

Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern ontario highway.

There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.

Twenty defendants fined $222K for northern Ont. moose hunt violations

A large group of Canadian and U.S. defendants have been fined $178,400 plus $44,525 in surcharges for a variety of moose hunting violations in northwestern Ontario.

Lambton County teen dies in farm accident

OPP in Lambton County are investigating what is being described as a, “sudden death.” Police responded to the call at a farm on Churchill Line in Watford around 9:30 a.m.

Suspicious fire being investigated in London

A suspicious fire in London is under investigation by police and fire officials. According to London fire, crews knocked down the scene in an “offensive strategy.”

Sarnia police searching for stabbing suspect

The Sarnia Police Service has issued a warrant for a 30-year-old female in connection to a stabbing incident.

Barrie men charged with fraud in OPP investigation into pool installation scam

Two Barrie men have been charged with fraud in connection with a lengthy OPP investigation after several customers seeking pool installations were allegedly scammed out of thousands of dollars.

Wasaga Beach assault turns into murder investigation after victim's death

The charge against a Wasaga Beach man has been upgraded to second-degree murder after police say the victim died more than two months after an alleged assault.

Here's why your yard waste may have been sitting at the curb for days

A recent change in curbside collection has left some green-thumbed enthusiasts scratching their heads as bags of yard waste linger by the curb, awaiting pickup.

New president elected for Unifor Local 444

On Friday, the union announced that James Stewart will fill the role of president, following the May 8-9 election.

Godfather of powerlifting celebrating half century in the sport

Jerry Marentette has broken well over 400 records through 11 different weight classes.

Carjacking suspects arrested: Windsor police

The Windsor police have arrested two suspects in connection with a carjacking.

Vancouver Island

Police launch assault investigation at UVic protest encampment

Police in Saanich, B.C., say an assault investigation is underway following two alleged incidents at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the grounds of the University of Victoria.

Suspect fled in 2-door Fiat after convenience store robbery, Merritt RCMP say

A suspect is at large after robbing a convenience store at gunpoint in Merritt, B.C., Friday, according to local police.

Kamloops RCMP issue public warning about 2 men allegedly at centre of 'organized crime conflict'

After four targeted shootings in four days, Mounties in Kamloops are taking the unusual step of warning the public about two men they believe are likely to be targeted in future violent incidents.

Community mourns thousands of fish lost as B.C. drought risk looms again

Images of steelhead and trout flicker over long sheets of paper, brought to life in blue and green crayon rubbings by the thousands.

Medicine Hat, Alta., police arrest local man in child luring case

Thousands of messages were sent between a teenage girl in the U.S. and an Alberta man posing as a young boy, a police investigation has revealed.

Southern Alberta farmers optimistic after recent rainfall

After a dry winter, southern Alberta farmers were expecting it to be another tough growing season.

Rural crime in decline: southern Alberta RCMP

Rural crime is on the decline, the RCMP said in a media statement released by the Southern Alberta District (SAD) late Wednesday afternoon.

Sault Ste. Marie

Moose Hide campaign begins in Sault Ste. Marie

A campaign designed to encourage Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys to stand up against violence against women and children in their lives is getting underway.

Pathway in place to save Sault YMCA

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is no longer heading for closure, but it’s going to take a community effort to ensure the facility stays operational.

No injuries after drugged driving suspect crashes into residence in the Sault

Residents of a home on McNabb Street in the Sault received a scary wake-up call this week when a vehicle crashed into their residence.

Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland

Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.

Trucker's body found in trailer in Newfoundland after failed police search in Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police are facing tough questions about their search for a missing Newfoundland trucker whose rig was found two weeks ago in Ontario, then sent back to Newfoundland, where his body was found Monday in the trailer.

Shopping Trends

The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop.  Read about us.

Editor's Picks

13 blackout curtains for anyone who needs complete darkness to fall asleep, 17 backyard decor and furniture pieces you need before summer arrives, 20 affordable amazon beauty and skincare products you'll probably repurchase over and over again, mother's day, 20 last-minute mother's day gifts from amazon canada that'll arrive on time, 22 of the best mother's day gifts to give in 2024, 17 unique mother's day gifts your mom definitely wants, but probably won’t buy herself, this key box could prevent your car from being stolen, our guide to the best gas grills in canada in 2024 (and where to get them), these patio and balcony products from amazon canada will make you want to spend even more time outside this spring, 15 birthday gifts that prove good things come in small packages, 15 brilliant gift add-ons that cost less than $15, 14 of the best cream and liquid bronzers you can get online right now, if you're on the hunt for a volumizing mascara, here are 12 that reviewers are loving right now, 15 hydrating facial toners that reviewers actually swear by, stay connected.

International travelers to the US will be able to skip proof of COVID vaccine, WH says

The Biden administration will lift the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for inbound international air travelers on Friday.

"As we continue to monitor the evolving state of COVID-19 and the emergence of virus variants, we have the tools to detect and respond to the potential emergence of a variant of high consequence," President Joe Biden said in a proclamation Tuesday. "Considering the progress that we have made, and based on the latest guidance from our public health experts, I have determined that we no longer need the international air travel restrictions that I imposed in October 2021."

Biden announced the change last week , along with the end of vaccine requirements for federal employees and contractors, foreign nationals at the land border and others. The requirement for air travelers will lift at midnight Thursday as the coronavirus public health emergency ends. Biden previously  signed a bill ending the COVID national emergency  in April.

So, what does that mean for travelers? Here's what we know.

Summer travel is expensive: Here's why flight prices heat up when the weather does

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Why are travel refunds taking so long? Here are some tips to get your money back

Is there still a vaccine requirement for international travelers coming to the US?

Not as of later this week.

Currently, all "non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants traveling to the United States by air" must show proof of vaccination with limited exceptions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's  website .

Industry group the U.S. Travel Association, which had called on the Biden administration to  end the vaccine requirement  for inbound international visitors and argued the rule was an impediment to tourism, applauded the change when it was announced last week.

“Today’s action to lift the vaccine requirement eases a significant entry barrier for many global travelers, moving our industry and country forward," Geoff Freeman, the organization's President and CEO, said in a statement last week. He also called on the federal government to "ensure U.S. airports and other ports of entry are appropriately staffed with Customs and Border Protection officers to meet the growing demand for entry."

The U.S.  lifted a requirement  that air travelers coming from China show proof of a negative COVID test in March. The policy took effect in January amid a surge of cases in China.

The U.S.  dropped its COVID testing rule  for international flyers in June.

Do travelers need a vaccine to cross the Mexico or Canada borders to the US?

The Department of Homeland Security also said in a news release that it will no longer require non-U.S. travelers coming into the country by land or at ferry terminals to be fully vaccinated or show proof of their vaccination status.

Do US travelers need to be vaccinated against COVID to travel internationally?

That depends. Many destinations have dropped their vaccination and testing requirements for travel, though some still have rules in place. The Philippines, for example, still requires travelers to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID test in order to visit, according to the  U.S. Embassy in the Philippines .

AI, self-service are taking over travel: Will everything become a DIY experience?

The CDC also recommends travelers be up to date on their COVID vaccinations before leaving the country. The agency defines up to date as having one updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for people age 6 and up, which "protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5," according to its  website .

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

New COVID-19 variant FLiRT detected in US. Here's what to know

A   new set of COVID-19 variants , nicknamed FLiRT, has been detected in wastewater surveillance, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From April 14 through April 27, the variant, labeled KP.2, makes up about 25% of the cases in the United States, according to the CDC. That makes it the new dominant variant in the country, overtaking JN.1. The  JN.1 variant , which spread globally over the winter, made up 22% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. in the same two-week span.

KP.1.1, another FLiRT variant that is circulating, made up about 7.5% of COVID-19 cases in that two-week span, according to CDC data.

Megan L. Ranney, dean of the Yale School of Public Health, told WebMD that FliRT has some concerning features, like changes in the spike protein, which play a role in helping SARS-CoV-2 colonize the body and make people sick.

According to the CDC, only 22.6% of adults reported having received an updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine since September 2023. Data also shows that vaccination coverage increased by age and was highest among adults 75 and older.

“We’ve got a population of people with waning immunity, which increases our susceptibility to a wave,” Thomas A. Russo, chief of infectious disease at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo, told WebMD.

USA TODAY has reached out to the CDC for more information on the "FLiRT" variant but have not heard back.

COVID variants FLiRT symptoms

The "FLiRT" variant reportedly has similar symptoms to those from JN.1 which include:

• Fever or chills
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Muscle aches
• Difficulty breathing
• New loss of taste or smell
• "Brain fog" (feeling less wakeful and aware)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, mild diarrhea, vomiting)

The CDC notes that the list does not include all possible symptoms and that symptoms may change with new variants and can vary by person.

In general, the agency says, people with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe illness. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure.

Latest COVID guidance from the CDC

In March 2024, the  CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance  so people who test positive for the virus will no longer be directed to isolate at home for five days.

Health officials announced a new policy focusing on actions people can take to reduce spreading a variety of common respiratory viruses, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Those actions include staying home when sick, staying up to date with vaccines, practicing good hygiene and improving indoor air quality.

The change marked the first time the agency has revised its coronavirus guidelines since 2021. It is intended for people and employers, not for hospitals or nursing homes that have separate guidance, the CDC said.

CDC officials called the change a streamlined approach that’s easier for people to understand and more in line with circulating respiratory viruses that spread the same way and have similar symptoms.

More: How to manage spring allergies in El Paso amid dusty winds

Source: USAToday. 

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: New COVID-19 variant FLiRT detected in US. Here's what to know

New COVID-19 FLiRT strain detected in Arizona. Here's what you need to know

A new set of COVID-19 subvariants has been significantly increasing in prevalence but the strains, known as FLiRT, are not expected to cause more serious illness than prior versions of the virus.

David Engelthaler, who leads the infectious-diseases division of the Arizona-based Translational Genomics Research Institute, says the FLiRT strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 are "definitely the latest sequel to omicron."

People at high risk should still be on alert, but FLiRT does not appear to pose a higher threat than other strains of the COVID-19 virus, he said.

There have been a "couple of instances of FLiRT variants" detected in Arizona but it's difficult to have a good gauge on how much is here because sequencing of the virus strains has significantly declined from the levels of sequencing that happened during the pandemic, Engelthaler said.

"We do know it's here. We've seen it and that's not a surprise," Engelthaler said of the FLiRT strains. "It is likely showing up in every state."

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking the KP.2 and KP.1.1 strains of the COVID-19 virus, which are sometimes referred to as FLiRT, officials told The Arizona Republic in an email. KP.2 is right now the dominant COVID-19 variant in the U.S., but laboratory testing data indicate low levels of transmission of the virus at the moment, a CDC spokesperson wrote.

"That means that while KP.2 is proportionally the most predominant variant, it is not causing an increase in infections as transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is low," the spokesperson wrote. "Based on current data there are no indicators that KP.2 would cause more severe illness than other strains. CDC will continue to monitor community transmission of the virus and how vaccines perform against this strain."

Will FLiRT will cause a summer surge of COVID-19?

There is not enough evidence to say whether FLiRT strains will cause a summer COVID-19 surge, Engelthaler said.

The latest estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that the FLiRT subvariant KP.2 was 25% of the strains in circulation across the U.S. for the two-week period ending April 27, up from 11% from the prior two-week period ending April 13.

KP.1.1, another of the FLiRT strains, went from 3% of the estimated strains in circulation to 7.5% in the reporting period ending April 27, CDC data shows.

"Clearly it's becoming the more common set of variants that are out there now but it doesn't mean that we are really seeing increases in cases," Engelthaler said. "In fact, when you look at the numbers pretty much everywhere it looks like it is trending down. So this is just the most efficient version."

Similarly, Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and executive vice president at Scripps Research who writes a popular newsletter about the latest COVID-19 research, on April 18 predicted that there could be a "wavelet but not a significant new wave of infections as a result of the FLiRT variants over the next couple of months."

Topol believes it will take a much bigger challenge to our immune response than what the FLiRT subvariants are showing to cause a big new wave, but "we can't necessarily count on that optimistic perspective" and "time will tell."

Why is it significant that FLiRT is related to the omicron variant?

Like other strains of the COVID-19 virus, the FLiRT versions are descendants of the omicron subvariant. Omicron subvariants have the same characteristics: They seem to spread easily and evade antibodies built up from vaccinations and previous infections which is why new subvariants keep emerging.

"It's a couple of variants that are additional subvariants of the original omicron," Engelthaler said of FLiRT. "This will likely spread around a little easier but right now we're not seeing any indications that it's causing a real uptick. It's possible we see that, but I don't know that that risk is very high."

FLiRT earned its nickname because of mutations in the spike protein on the COVID-19 virus, one where an F amino acid turned into an L and one where an R turned into a T.

"Pretty much every infection in the world and every form of this virus we see is all omicron, just different variants of omicron," Engelthaler said.

"It is possible that there are some that are circulating out in some animals. ... It could be a different version, a non-omicron version and that might be cause for concern and that is why we are continuing to test animals and watching this out in the environment, as well as seeing what is still spreading between humans."

Why is the COVID-19 virus still circulating?

The COVID-19 virus has settled into an evolutionary strategy, Engelthaler explained. The virus is making minor tweaks in the spike protein just enough to get away from the antibodies people have built up from the previous versions, he said, and that way it can survive and move around.

"This is still the same omicron virus. By and large for most people, it could be a nasty cold. Some people could still have a serious outcome from it, but those are the people that we know are the highest risk," Engelthaler said. "And if they haven't had a previous infection or vaccination or a recent one, they would be at higher risk."

Engelthaler compared the subvariants of omicron to the "Fast & Furious" action film franchise.

"Every six months it feels like there's a new sequel coming out. There's a bit of hype around it and it is a little bit different from the last one," Engelthaler said. "But in the end you really can't tell the difference between them and this is pretty much how this virus is going to keep moving around."

Reach health-care reporter Stephanie Innes at   [email protected]  or at 480-313-3775. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter,   @stephanieinnes .

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Diet & Nutrition
• Supplements
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

What You Need to Know About the KP.2 'FLiRT' COVID Variant

BlackJack3D / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

• The KP.2 variant is steadily spreading in the U.S.
• Also known as a ‘FLiRT’ variant, KP.2 does not seem to be more infectious than JN.1.
• KP.2 is expected to become the most common variant in the U.S.

It’s common for viruses to mutate, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is no exception. A slew of variants have developed since the start of the pandemic, and some have been more noteworthy than others.

A new variant gaining attention is KP.2, part of a larger group known as the FLiRT variants. These variants are offshoots of Omicron and get their name from their spike protein mutations: The amino phenylalanine (abbreviated as F) replaces the amino acid leucine (abbreviated as L), while the amino acid arginine (R) is replaced by threonine (T).

As KP.2 appears around the world, here’s what you need to know.

Where KP.2 Has Spread

It’s not clear where the KP.2 variant originated. However, it’s been detected in the U.S., United Kingdom, and Canada. It is not currently the dominant strain anywhere, but it’s quickly becoming more common in several countries.

“It makes up about 20% of the infections in the U.K. and about 25% of the infections here,” William Schaffner, MD , an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, told Verywell. “It wouldn’t be surprising if this becomes the most common variant in the next month or two in the U.S.”

Spread in the U.S. 

The KP.2 variant has quickly spread in the U.S. This variant made up less than 4% of COVID cases in the country in late March and has steadily caused a greater proportion of infections each week.

Why Do Viruses Mutate?

It’s normal for viruses to mutate. “There will always be new variants arising for all respiratory viruses,” Amesh A. Adalja, MD , senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told Verywell. “This is how evolution works.”

Given that the general population now has a high level of immunity against COVID, the virus needs to mutate in order to survive.

Is KP.2 More Contagious?

Preliminary data show that while KP.2 is more transmissible, it has a 10.5-fold lower level of infectiousness than JN.1, which is currently the dominant strain in the U.S.

Still, “it’s expanding in the population, which means it must have some advantage over JN.1,” Thomas Russo, MD , professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, told Verywell. This particular variant has four new mutations, including three in the spike protein, which is what the virus uses to latch onto your cells and infect you.

Currently available information also does not suggest that KP.2 is more severe than previous variants, Schaffner said.

Risk of Reinfection

There is no hard and fast data on the risk of reinfection from KP.2 if you’ve already had COVID. However, doctors said you’re likely to be reinfected if it’s been a while since you last had the virus.

“Protection wanes over time and it wanes more rapidly in older people, as well as those who are frail,” Schaffner said. “That’s why the program in the U.S. is to get everyone re-vaccinated at least on an annual basis.”

Most people can expect protection for up to six months after an initial infection, Russo said.

Will Vaccines Work Against KP.2?

  The KP.2 variant “could be more immune evasive” than previous strains, Schaffner said. He cites early lab data that show this variant is more evasive of antibodies that people have developed.

“KP.2 is a little more distant from the protection we get in the vaccines, although the vaccines in the lab have been shown to provide protection,” he said.

Russo also pointed out that many people haven’t had the updated vaccine. “The uptake of the vaccine was less than excellent this fall,” he said. “It’s imperfect against preventing infection but pretty good at preventing hospitalization and severe disease.”

What This Means For You

Experts are not particularly worried about the KP.2 variant and more than other forms of COVID. “This is not a cause for concern,” Schaffner said. However, Russo said that this is a reminder that COVID is still around. “The virus continues to evolve and is trying to be immune evasive,” he said.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our  coronavirus news page .

Faraone JN, Qu P, Goodarzi N, et al. Immune evasion and membrane fusion of SARS-CoV-2 XBB subvariants EG.5.1 and XBB.2.3 . Emerg Microbes Infect . 2023;12(2):2270069. doi:10.1080/22221751.2023.2270069

Scarpa F, Sanna D, Benvenuto D, et al. Genetic and structural data on the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BQ.1 variant reveal its low potential for epidemiological expansion . Int J Mol Sci . 2022;23(23):15264. doi:10.3390/ijms232315264

Kaku Y, Uriu K, Kosugi Y, et al. Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 KP.2 variant . bioRxiv . Preprint posted online April 26, 2024. doi:10.1101/2024.04.24.590786

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID data tracker: summary of variant surveillance .

By Korin Miller Miller is a health and lifestyle journalist with a master's degree in online journalism. Her work appears in The Washington Post, Prevention, SELF, Women's Health, and more.

COVID-19 symptoms and what to do

Symptoms of covid-19.

COVID-19 symptoms can include:

• a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• shortness of breath
• feeling tired or exhausted
• an aching body
• a sore throat
• a blocked or runny nose
• loss of appetite
• feeling sick or being sick

The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.

Most people feel better within a few days or weeks of their first COVID-19 symptoms and make a full recovery within 12 weeks. For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer.

What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19

You may be able to look after yourself at home if you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19 .

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either:

• have a high temperature
• do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities

You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.

If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.

If you are eligible for treatments for COVID-19, you should take a rapid lateral flow test as soon as you get symptoms.

Find out more about treatments for COVID-19 and who can have them

What to do if you have tested positive

You are no longer required to do a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test if you have symptoms.

But if you or your child have tested positive for COVID-19:

• try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day the test was taken if you or your child are under 18 years old – children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults
• try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your test if you are 18 years old or over
• avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test

Find out more about who can get a free COVID-19 test

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• you're worried about your or a child's COVID-19 symptoms or are not sure what to do
• the symptoms are getting worse or are not getting better
• you or a child have other signs of illness, such as a rash, loss of appetite, or feeling weak
• you or a child have a high temperature that last 5 days or more or does not come down with paracetamol
• a child under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
• a child 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature

It's particularly important to get help if you're at increased risk of getting ill from COVID-19, such as if you're pregnant, aged 60 or over, or have a weakened immune system.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if you or a child:

• seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there's something seriously wrong – children and babies in particular can get unwell very quickly
• get sudden chest pain
• are so breathless you're unable to say short sentences when resting or your breathing has suddenly got worse – in babies their stomach may suck in under their ribs
• start coughing up blood
• collapse, faint, or have a seizure or fit for the first time
• a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis

More information

Read full guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19 on GOV.UK

GOV.UK guidance for people whose immune system means they are at higher risk from COVID-19

Page last reviewed: 21 March 2023 Next review due: 21 March 2026

Advertisement

Supported by

What to Know About Testing and Vaccine Requirements for Travel

Do you need to be vaccinated or have a negative Covid-19 test for your next trip? Check this guide before traveling domestically or abroad.

• Share full article

By Concepción de León

As vaccinations ramp up and regulations loosen for people in the United States, many are planning travel for summer and beyond, with experts predicting that July 4 will be the biggest travel weekend since the beginning of the pandemic.

But with regulations shifting, people might have questions about testing or vaccination requirements for their trips. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently eased travel recommendations to more than 100 countries. On June 18, the European Union added the United States to its “safe list” of countries , meaning that both vaccinated and unvaccinated American travelers should now be able to visit the 27 member countries, but these member states are allowed to set their own requirements and restrictions for travelers.

In the United States, the C.D.C. has advised that vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in most places and released new travel guidelines that said domestic travel is safe for them. But travelers must take note of local advice and regulations, as these can vary state by state.

Here’s everything you need to consider about testing and vaccinations before you travel within the U.S. or internationally.

Are there testing and vaccination requirements for domestic travel?

For most places, no. You do not need to be vaccinated for any domestic travel. Hawaii is the only state that requires a negative test for travel.

In Hawaii, the test must be administered within 72 hours of arrival and the results uploaded to its Safe Travel platform to avoid a mandatory quarantine when entering the state.

Alternatively in Hawaii, you can also provide proof that you’ve recovered from Covid-19 in the past 90 days, including both a positive test result and a letter from a doctor clearing you to travel.

The state’s governor, David Ige, said this month that people who received their vaccination in the state of Hawaii may bypass testing and quarantine requirements starting on June 15, and that anyone vaccinated in the U.S. will be able to enter Hawaii without testing once the state has reached a 60 percent vaccination rate.

If you are unvaccinated, you should continue to adhere to social distancing and mask-wearing protocols while traveling domestically, the C.D.C. said . You can use the C.D.C.’s Travel Planner to check guidelines by state.

What are the testing and vaccination rules for international travel?

While testing and vaccination requirements vary by destination country, everyone arriving in the U.S. — even vaccinated Americans — must present a negative test result upon entry .

Many nations are still closed to American travelers. Those that are open may require a negative test, proof of vaccination or evidence of recovery (or a combination of these) to enter.

The United Kingdom , for instance, requires that American travelers, regardless of vaccination status, provide proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours of departure, quarantine upon arrival and take two additional tests during their stay. Children under 11 are exempt from these requirements, as are some other people depending on their reason for travel.

Some European countries have been allowing in Americans who are vaccinated or who can show a negative test. Americans are on the European Union’s “safe list” of countries, but while the bloc aims to take a coordinated approach to travel this summer, member states will be allowed to set their own requirements for travelers from individual countries, which could include testing and vaccination.

The E.U. “safe list” also applies to Europe’s border-free Schengen Zone, which includes non-E.U. countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Lichtenstein.

Canada is still closed to Americans , with few exceptions, and will remain so until at least early July, said Patty Hajdu, the country’s minister of health, in a news conference in June.

The U.S.-Mexico land border is closed for nonessential travel until at least June 21, but air travel is allowed and the country does not require a negative test for entry. Because of its high risk level, the C.D.C. recommends that travelers be fully vaccinated before traveling to Mexico.

Consult the C.D.C.’s inventory of international travel health notices for more information on regulations by country.

“Travelers should always check with their airline and the embassy of the country they are visiting to ensure they have the proper documentation required to enter the country,” said Perry Flint, a spokesman for The International Air Transport Association, a global airline industry group.

What test should I take, and where and when?

To enter the U.S., travelers must show a negative result to a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) — PCR is a type of NAAT test — or an antigen test, also known as a rapid test, taken in the three days before departure, according to the C.D.C .

Some airports offer on-site testing, such as Heathrow Airport in England, or Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport in Italy.

Josh Alexander, a New York-based luxury travel agent for Protravel International, said that many international hotels, including most Four Seasons hotels and resorts , are offering on-site rapid tests for free or at a nominal cost.

Testing at local clinics is also available in many places, though you should check availability at your destination ahead of time and book if you can. It may also come at a high cost. Mr. Alexander said that PCR tests abroad can range from $50 to $150.

The C.D.C. said that it allows for a three-day time frame rather than 72 hours to allow flexibility in the time of day the test can be taken. For instance, if you are flying out on a Friday, the test may be taken at any time on Tuesday.

But, when it comes to international destinations, Mr. Alexander recommends erring on the side of caution when timing your test by calculating it based on time of arrival at your destination.

“Rules are constantly changing,” he said, “so we’re just trying to always tell people they should always be as conservative as possible to eliminate any gray area.”

What are the requirements for minors?

The C.D.C. testing recommendations apply to all children 2 years and older, which means your toddler also needs to deliver a negative Covid-19 test to enter the U.S. from abroad. When traveling, children should wear masks, practice social distancing and wash hands often, the C.D.C. said .

“If the kids are age 12 and older, get ’em vaccinated,” said William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, in an email.

If you’re traveling to a country within the European Union that is open to travelers from the U.S., children who cannot be vaccinated should have a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival at your destination, and additional testing may be required upon arrival.

Travelers should check with their airline or destination country website for relevant requirements.

What if I want to go on a cruise?

Rules vary from one cruise line to another, with some planning to require that all passengers and crew be vaccinated, and others adopting a hybrid model.

But recent laws passed in Florida and Texas banning businesses from requiring proof of vaccination to use their services may complicate this plan.

Celebrity Cruises, set to be the first U.S. cruise ship to restart operations on June 26 from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said it’s optimistic that a resolution would be reached in time . It is requiring that guests 16 years and older be vaccinated, while children will be tested at the terminal.

Carnival Cruises said on Monday that its first ship would set sail from the Port of Galveston, in Texas, on July 3 and would be available only for vaccinated passengers. Norwegian, which will begin to operate cruises from Miami in August, said it will require the same through October 31 and has threatened to skip Florida ports if the state does not allow cruise lines an exemption from the law banning vaccine requirements.

Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement on June 7 that “the current CDC requirements for cruising with a guest base that is unvaccinated will make it very difficult to deliver the experience our guests expect, especially given the large number of families with younger children who sail with us.”

“As a result, our alternative is to operate our ships from the U.S. during the month of July with vaccinated guests,” she said.

But even if you are vaccinated, you must also consider the requirements of the country where the cruise is disembarking. The Caribbean island of St. Maarten, for instance, where Celebrity Cruises started sailing on June 5, requires a negative test in addition to proof of vaccination.

What documents should I bring with me if I travel?

This will also depend on where you’re going, but a good rule of thumb is to carry your physical vaccine card, if you have it, and proof of a negative test, if it is required.

Mr. Alexander, the travel agent, recommends people bring the original documents. While a number of digital health certificates — which show vaccine status and test results — are in the works, he said, they are not yet widely accepted. You should check, also, that your document is in the correct language. The United Kingdom , for instance, requires that test results be in English, Spanish or French.

CommonPass , from the Geneva-based nonprofit the Commons Project Foundation, and the I.A.T.A. Travel Pass are two apps providing digital access to vaccine and testing records for travel. The European Union will be releasing its own digital Covid certificate for E.U. citizens by July 1, though it is unclear whether Americans will be able to use it.

You should check with your airline to see if the app you want to use will be accepted at your destination. Both the CommonPass and I.A.T.A. websites list destinations and airline partners accepting the digital health certificates.

Mr. Alexander added that some countries, such as Croatia, may also require proof of a return flight or confirmation of your hotel booking or other accommodation, though this is rare. In South Africa, which has implemented a curfew, travelers may need to show their flight ticket to law enforcement officers to show they are allowed to be in transit.

But these shifting regulations should not dissuade people from traveling, Mr. Alexander said.

“If you’re vaccinated and you’re following safe precautions, you can still have a great experience,” he said.

Concepción de León is a travel reporter based in New York. More about Concepción de León