@natwesty
We're hoping to travel to California next month - both fully vaccinated UK citizens with our unvaccinated 8 year old (also UK citizen).
I can see we all need to do a supervised test up to 3 days before (although found the CDC information very confusing and only confirmed we didn't need a 1 day test for my 8 year old in the FAQs!!).
It appears the 3-5 day test once we're there is only recommended rather than compulsory, but I can't find any official source that confirms that is the case for my daughter.
Can anyone else find official confirmation that the 3-5 day test isn't compulsory for u 18's accompanied by fully vaccinated adults?
The CDC info is really confusing isn't it?
I believe the main thing you have to do is complete and sign an attestation form - which right now looks like this.
www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/combined-passenger-attestation-p.pdf
The relevant bits if you have kids
SECTION 1 PART 4
4. [ ] On behalf of [_], I attest that this person is between 2 and 17 years of age, is not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and received a negative pre-departure test result for COVID- 19. The test was a viral test that was conducted on a specimen collected from the person no more than 3 days before the flight’s departure and this person is traveling with a fully vaccinated parent(s) or guardian(s).
SECTION 2 PART 2
Tick this bit
Child under 18 years of age (complete section 4 and sign the form to complete the Attestation).
SECTION 2 PART 4
4. [ ] I attest that I have made the following arrangements (must check all boxes).
To be tested with a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after arriving in the United States, unless I have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days; and
To self-isolate if the result of the post-arrival viral test is positive or if I develop COVID-19 symptoms.
Form OMB Control No.: 0920-1318 Expiration date: 05/31/2022
[ ] On behalf of [___], I attest that such person is excepted from the requirement to present Proof of Being Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 and has made or has had the following arrangements made on their behalf (must check all boxes).
Testing with a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after arriving in the United States, unless such person has documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days;
and
Self-isolation if the result of the person’s post-arrival viral test is positive or if the person develops COVID-19 symptoms.
The usual warnings are at the top of the form:
The information provided below must be accurate and complete to the best of the individual’s knowledge. Under United States federal law, each passenger must complete the applicable portion of the attestation and provide it to the airline or aircraft operator prior to boarding a flight to the United States from a foreign country. Failure to complete and present the applicable portion of the attestation or submitting false or misleading information, could result in delay of travel, denial of boarding, denial of boarding on future travel, or put the passenger or other individuals at risk of harm, including serious bodily injury or death. Any passenger who fails to comply with these requirements may be subject to criminal penalties. Willfully providing false or misleading information may lead to criminal fines and imprisonment under, among others, 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Providing this information can help protect you, your friends and family, your communities, and the United States. CDC appreciates your cooperation.
So... personally I'd fill it in and book those test, then complete the tests after arriving as instructed. But if you didn't complete the tests it might be fine - it may be that no one ever actually checks. My experience with US immigration is that it's by far best always to jump through the hoops they present.
Of course, between now and when you travel the rules could and probably will change.