The Biden administration on Thursday announced tightening travel rules to and within the U.S. over fears of the spread of the Omicron variant.
Starting on Monday, all in-bound international passengers are required to test for Covid within 24 hours of departure.
The tightened pre-departure testing protocols will apply to all in-bound international travelers regardless of vaccination status.
Previously, the U.S. required proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of departure, though this was tightened to only vaccinated travelers last month. Unvaccinated travelers had to have a negative Covid test within one day of departure.
The Biden administration is also extending its mask requirement on planes and public transportation through March 18. It was supposed to expire in January. Fines will remain doubled from their initial levels for noncompliance with the requirement, starting at $500, and going up to $3,000 for repeat offenders.
