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Health Alert: COVID-19 Testing Requirement for Air Travel
10 MINUTE READ
January 19, 2021

Location: Bogotá, Colombia 

Event: COVID-19 Testing Requirement for Air Travel 

The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor the rapidly changing conditions due to COVID-19 in Colombia and in other locations worldwide.  The most current information regarding the impact of COVID-19 may be found at our COVID Information Page 

COVID-19 Testing Requirement for Air Travel 

Effective January 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days.  Airlines must confirm the negative test result or proof of recent recovery for all passengers prior to boarding and must deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery. 

Please see CDC’s FAQ and the Embassy’s COVID Information Page for more information on the new requirement. If you are planning to return to the United States, contact your airline for specific information about testing requirements for travelers.  Because airlines may adopt and modify their own specific policies to implement CDC’s new rule, you should contact the carrier for your U.S.-bound flight and not rely on information from other carriers or information or experience from previous trips. 

Testing Resources 

The Colombian Health Ministry maintains a list of facilities that provide COVID-19 tests here.  Many local hospitals, clinics, and laboratories offer private testing for travel purposes.  Travelers are responsible for the costs of their own tests and any associated medical care.  Please ensure that the test provider you choose will provide test results that comply with CDC guidelines and those of your airline.   

Travelers visiting Colombia should contact their tour provider or hotel for more information on local testing options.  The U.S. Embassy is not able to administer or pay for COVID-19 tests.  Potential travelers should carefully consider that availability of tests and timeliness of results cannot be guaranteed. 

Further Information

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