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New COVID-19 restrictions in place for anyone flying into the United States

ORLANDO, Fla. — Beginning on Tuesday, there will tighter COVID-19 restrictions for anyone flying into the United States.

The new restrictions will require that anyone arriving by plane must show a negative test result for the virus within three days of flying. These restrictions apply to U.S. citizens. Those coming here can also show documentation proving they recovered from COVID-19 within the last 90 days.

“It starts tomorrow. And it’s caused a ruckus, obviously in the industry, a lot of people are concerned about it,” said President of The Travel Box International, Mo Noubani.

Emmanuel Maurette and his wife Claudia recently took a month-long trip to France and had to get the test before leaving.

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“So, we have to get the full nasal swab, then we just have to show the results for your boarding,” Maurette said.

Maurette and his wife arrived back in the U.S. a few days ago and are thankful they got back before the new restrictions began.

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Noubani said his travel agency is actively helping clients who are already oversees, and is making arrangements for testing for people booking travel now.

Noubani, who is currently in Columbia, said at his hotel and many others around the world, they have experience helping their guests get tested before flying.

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“They have a registered medical staff that will come to the hotel, and do your COVID-19 test and provide it within the time needed for your flight,” Noubani said.

According to Noubani, Americans are doing more domestic travel, and those booking international flights this summer are looking at closer destinations like the Caribbean.

But they have seen other international travel demand pick up at the end of summer and fall.

Jeff Deal

Jeff Deal, WFTV.com

I joined the Eyewitness News team as a reporter in 2006.