What type of tests are accepted?<\/h4>\n
Compared to some countries, the US rules are pretty flexible, with most types of Covid test accepted:<\/p>\n
- \n
- PCR \u2013 the gold standard everywhere. Brace yourself for a stick up the nose and a longer wait for the results.<\/li>\n
- RT-LAMP tests<\/li>\n
- TMA tests<\/li>\n
- NEAR tests<\/li>\n
- HAD tests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ever wonder why the US entry rules are based on days, not hours?<\/h4>\n
It is to provide more flexibility for passengers \u2013 things get can pretty specific when you\u2019re counting minutes.<\/p>\n
Do pax need to quarantine on arrival?<\/h4>\n
This one has come up quite often. It\u2019s never been mandated – the CDC recommends<\/a>\u00a0that international arrivals self-isolate for 7 days if you\u2019re not vaccinated with additional testing. If you don\u2019t want to be tested this is extended to ten days.<\/p>\n
Mask up<\/h4>\n
Yep, at all times on an airplane. This mandate has just been extended<\/a> until March 18, 2022. So, it\u2019s not going anywhere in a hurry. Be careful too, hefty fines apply<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ops.group\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Darth-Vader_6bda9114.jpg\")
He was ahead of his time, but Covid safe – the rules say pax need to keep masked up until at least March next year….<\/p><\/div>\n
New travel bans<\/h4>\n
The Omicron Covid variant was first detected<\/strong> in South Africa, with cases observed in several other southern African countries which is why the majority of the world jumped to implementing travel restrictions from this area. These countries include South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe.<\/strong><\/p>\n
The US is no exception \u2013 non-US citizens who have been in one of these places in the last 14 days cannot enter<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Crew rules<\/h4>\n
There have been no indications that the new rules will affect crew. For these, you can read the CDC guidelines here<\/a>. Essentially, if you\u2019re operating or positioning then you should be good. To dispel any confusion, it might be helpful to carry a letter from your employer along with a declaration of your exemption \u2013 the folk at NBAA prepared a form<\/a> earlier this year which may be useful to get the message across.<\/p>\n
Remember though that the exemption rules don\u2019t apply to deadheading crew or those travelling for training, such as recurrent sims. You\u2019ll need to meet the same requirements as pax.<\/p>\n
Looking for official guidance? The CDC is where you need to start.<\/h4>\n