Health

COVID testing guidelines tightened for international travelers, mask requirements on planes extended

BOSTON — The new COVID variant is turning into new rules at airports, especially if you are flying into the country. The United States is now requiring everyone flying into the country to produce a negative test within 24 hours of getting on the plane. It used to be three days.

Also, masks for all flights are sticking around through at least March.

At Logan International Airport, people heading out of the country found the changes somewhat confusing.

“Found out yesterday we needed a test to go. It has been very difficult at best,” said one traveler.

We found many trying to update themselves on the changes to travel.

“We scurried around to try to get a test yesterday and couldn’t book anything until today. She could only get one that was rapid and I could only get a PCR, it’s not available for 24-to-48 hours,” the traveler said.

The United States is now requiring all people flying into the country to get a negative COVID test before getting on an airplane. The mask mandate is also being extended past January 18. Fines for not wearing one in an airport or on a plane are also being increased.

Anya Sorensen goes to Dartmouth College but her family lives in France. She’s heading home for the holidays and knows the changes are causing confusion.

“If they have to be done 24 hours ahead, I’m sure places will adapt to make sure they can get that done,” Sorensen said.

Many airports do testing right on site, but with the tighter window, the lines could get longer. Phoebe Yogbassi was trying to time out her test before her flight to Amsterdam.

“If you do it ahead of time you can do it. I had to do mine the day before yesterday [...] because by the time I get to Amsterdam it will be 48 hours so I can not take a chance not to board the flight,” Yogbassi said.

The new 24-hour COVID test rule is for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

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