As you may have heard, starting Jan. 26 all travellers flying into the US will need to present proof of a negative covid test. According to the CDC order, it can be a PCR, NAT, or antigen test, but must be taken within 72 hours of your flight’s departure. If you have tested positive for covid in the previous three months, you can submit a note from a health provider or public health official authorising you to travel.
- Read about the CDC order in detail here: Special Report: New CDC Requirements
What You Need to Know: the CDC Order
Naturally, your first question might be, “How am I going to get results back in time to board my flight?” Fortunately, airlines and many of my preferred resort and tour partners are making strides to ensure travellers are able to comply with the CDC order
For example, American Airlines is making its VeriFLY app available to all passengers starting Jan. 23. Passengers can upload proof of a negative test in the app.
Where will you be able to get tested so you can get those results promptly?
Several Caribbean destinations and resorts are already putting testing sites in place to make things easy and convenient for their guests. Aruba has expanded testing centres near resort areas. These offer appointments so visitors can meet the requirements without spending too much of their vacation working. Average turnaround time for test results is 24 hours.
The Bahamas already requires visitors to take a test on the fifth day of their stay, so guests staying between five and eight days already meet the CDC’s requirements. Testing centres are already set up if you don’t fit in that category.
Most resorts on St. Lucia already have testing facilities, and others are setting them up. All are working to ensure their guests can get test results within the 72-hour time frame. Jamaica is working to expand its testing infrastructure to meet the rising demand, as are Belize and Costa Rica.
Resort Specifics
Sandals Resorts will make on-site complimentary tests available to guests through March 31. Karisma Hotels & Resorts will do the same for guests at its Riviera Maya, Dominican and Jamaica properties. AMResorts has the same offer at most locations. Palace Resorts in Mexico and Jamaica will have complimentary tests for up to two guests per room, with a charge of $19 per test for additional guests. The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar offers appointments for RT-PCR tests ($134.40 per person, results within 6 hours) or rapid antigen tests ($16.80 per person, result within an hour). Playa Resorts will offer complimentary on-site testing through April 30 in Mexico and the Dominican Republic ($49 per person in Jamaica).
Grace Bay Resorts in Turks & Caicos will make RT-PCR testing available to guests for $150 per person. Testing will be at Grace Bay Club, with complimentary transportation for guests at West Bay Club, Point Grace and the private villas. Appointments will be scheduled based on departure date. Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic will offer PCR testing on-site for $150 per person with same-day results and a VIP testing lounge.
Other Destinations
If you’re not staying at a resort, you may be wondering “how/where can I get tested?” If you’re travelling with one of my preferred suppliers like A&K or Big Five, they’re already on it. In Egypt and Kenya, for instance, Big Five will arrange for a doctor to come to your hotel or lodge. Some cruise ships have labs on them already.
I will keep you updated on further developments of this CDC order, as travel rules continue to change by the week (and sometimes day).