The United States has issued new directives for passengers aged two years and older who wish to enter the country amid the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement on Wednesday, the United States Mission in Nigeria said that effective January 26, airline travellers who wish to enter the US must present a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three days of their flight’s departure, even if the traveller had already been vaccinated for COVID-19.
The new directive signed by the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also includes American citizens.
“Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide either a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel or provide a positive test result and documentation from a licensed health care provider or public health official of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.
“Passengers must also attest, under penalty of law, to having received a negative qualifying test result or to recovery from COVID-19 and medical clearance to travel,” the statement posted to its website reads.
It also urged US citizens to depart countries where adequate COVID-19 testing is not available or prepare to be unable to return to the US until such time as they can meet the requirements.
“Airlines must deny boarding to passengers who do not meet these requirements,” it further said.
