Travellers who plan to fly to the United States will soon need to have a negative Covid-19 test before they are allowed to depart.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said yesterday it would introduce rules to require air passengers travelling to the US to provide a negative Covid-19 result or documents to show they have recovered from the virus as of January 26.

The test must be taken within three days of the departure, and airlines will not be allowed to let passengers board without the documents.

The CDC said in a statement: "Variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continue to emerge in countries around the world, and there is evidence of increased transmissibility of some of these variants.

"With the US already in surge status, the testing requirement for air passengers will help slow the spread of the virus as we work to vaccinate the American public.“

The statement added that those who travel to the US are advised to get a new Covid-19 test three to five days after they arrive and “stay home” for seven days after travelling.

Robert Redfield, CDC director, added: “Testing does not eliminate all risk, but when combined with a period of staying at home and everyday precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, it can make travel safer, healthier, and more responsible by reducing spread on planes, in airports and at destinations.”

Earlier this week the UK announced similar restrictions requiring all travellers to England – including those coming from Bermuda – to show a negative test for Covid-19.

The Bermuda Government’s London Office said the requirement for a clear test, taken up to 72 hours before departure, would start this week.

Visitors to Bermuda are required to have a negative Covid-19 test five days or less before departure. Residents are not required to have the test but must pay a $300 fee if they do not.