Following a new order from the Centers for Disease Control, Delta is helping customers around the world obtain approved COVID-19 tests prior to their travel to the U.S. Starting Jan. 26, 2021, all customers over the age of two entering or transiting through the U.S. from any location outside of the U.S. must obtain a negative test result from a viral test taken within three days of departure.

Delta has developed a dedicated COVID-19 testing resource available on delta.com, highlighting testing locations across our international network that offer one or more of the approved tests. Customers can also use any laboratory or test provider offering one of the following tests: molecular test, nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), RT-PCR test, LAMP test, or antigen test. Antibody tests are not accepted. For those taking connecting flights to the U.S., the test must be taken within three days of the initial flight and the connection time must not exceed 24 hours. 

“We are focused on creating innovative solutions for our customers and have developed a new online tool that will make it easier for our customers to find approved testing centers at convenient locations prior to their travel to the U.S.,” said Perry Cantarutti, S.V.P. - Alliances & International. “Alongside this dedicated resource, we are working with our alliance partners around the world to leverage their local test providers as another way to support our customers ahead of the CDC order coming into effect.”

All travelers must also sign an attestation certifying that they have received a negative test result prior to flying. Customers are encouraged to complete this in advance and bring the signed document to the airport, although copies will also be available at check-in. Anyone who does not provide a negative result or meet the specific exemption criteria (such as recent recovery from COVID-19 verified by a letter from a healthcare provider or public health official that states they are cleared to travel) will be denied boarding. Delta’s Health Acknowledgment, which requires customers to wait at least 14 days from receipt of a positive test result before commencing travel, also still applies.  

All customers flying on Delta must continue to follow the entry requirements for international travel and are advised to check these prior to departure. Delta also issued a waiver allowing customers to rebook international travel to the U.S. purchased on or before Jan. 12 for travel through Feb. 9, if their rebooked travel begins on or before Jan. 25. 

For more information on the CDC requirement, please click here. 

Since the start of the pandemic last year, Delta has put in place a number of initiatives under the Delta CareStandard. These include blocking middle seats through March 30, 2021, requiring masks throughout the travel experience and providing wellness kits and hand sanitizer on board.