Health Alert: CDC Waiver of Pre-Flight Testing in Extremely Limited Circumstances

LOCATION:  Worldwide

EVENT:  Waivers to the testing requirement may be granted by the CDC on an extremely limited basis when extraordinary emergency travel (like an emergency medical evacuation) must occur to preserve someone’s health and safety, and testing cannot be completed before travel.  There are no waivers available for individuals who test positive for COVID-19.  Individuals – or air carriers seeking to allow boarding by potentially qualifying individuals – who believe they meet the criteria for a waiver should contact the U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa and provide the information below.  The U.S. Embassy will then submit the request to the CDC for consideration.

The following information must be provided for each passenger:

  1. Name (family name/surname, given name), passport number and country
  2. Cell phone number including country code of passenger or head of household if family unit
  3. Email address of passenger or head of household if family unit
  4. U.S. destination address
    1. Is U.S. destination home address?
  1. Departure date
  2. Flight itinerary
  3. Name of submitting entity if different from passenger
  4. Name of company submitting on behalf of passenger(s) (if applicable)
  5. Name of point of contact submitting on behalf of passenger(s) (if applicable)
  6. Phone and email address for POC submitting waiver request on behalf of passenger(s) (if applicable)
  7. Purpose of travel to the U.S. (provide brief explanation of why urgent travel is needed and how travel will contribute to health and safety of passengers(s))
  8. Justification for testing waiver (e.g. no testing available, impact on health and safety)
  9. Documentation to support justification for test waiver, if available (e.g. medical records or orders for medical evacuation).

Actions to Take:   

  • Monitor the CDC website for latest guidance regarding testing requirements.
  • Check with your air carriers or travel representative prior to departure for the United States.
  • Check COVID-19 Country Specific Information updated information on COVID-19 related information including availability of testing.
  • Visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
  • Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
  • Click  here for our COVID FAQs Search Tool.

Assistance:  

State Department – Consular Affairs    
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444    
 
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