The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that certain travelers departing from Shanghai, China, are exempt from the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement.

 Key Points:

  • The following individuals are temporarily not required to have proof of a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test or previous recovery from COVID-19 to enter the U.S. when departing from Shanghai, China.
    • U.S. citizens.
    • U.S. nationals.
    • Lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
    • Noncitizens who have a valid U.S. immigrant visa.
    • Noncitizen nonimmigrants who are traveling with a U.S. citizen or LPR and possess valid travel documents allowing them to travel to the U.S.
  • The CDC has waived the COVID-19 testing requirement for such individuals through at least May 11.

Additional Information: The CDC said it implemented the exemption at the request of the U.S. State Department and after it determined “that the current exigent circumstances in Shanghai, China may preclude individuals from meeting the requirements of CDC’s amended Testing Order.” The U.S. State Department recently ordered the departure of nonemergency employees and their family members from the Consulate General Shanghai district. The U.S. has advised against travel to Shanghai at this time due to “COVID-19-related restrictions, including the risk of parents and children being separated.”

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com. 

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