ORLANDO, Fla. — Starting Monday, new CDC guidelines will require international travelers coming into the U.S. to have a negative COVID-19 test within one day of their arrival.

This comes on the heels of the new Omicron variant, which has now been identified in several U.S. states.

Officials at Orlando International Airport say they’re making changes because of the newly-detected variant. It’s out of precaution, especially since the CDC still has not yet confirmed whether or not the vaccines adequately protect against this new variant.

What You Need To Know

  • New CDC guidelines require international travelers coming into U.S. to have a negative COVID-19 test within one day of arrival

  • Orlando International Airport officials said changes are out of precaution

  • More coronavirus headlines

A negative test required within one day of travel is a slight change from previous guidelines, which required a negative test within three days of travel.

This will apply to everyone, regardless of whether or not they’ve been vaccinated.

The only exemption is for people who have recovered from COVID-19 within 90 days of travel but they have to show documentation to prove that, in place of a test.

Foreign travelers are also required to be fully vaccinated before they arrive here. Some travelers though, are worried this new requirement will make traveling much more challenging.

"To expect somebody to come back with a result of the high standard they want within 24 hours, I think it's asking a bit much," said Cumi Tran. "And it's going to force people to stay home and not travel."

Some experts agree. 

Dr. Kevin Murphy, with the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, says it’s not the new testing requirement itself that may deter people from booking flights. But, he says, it’s the fact that it’s the NEWEST ingredient added to the already complicated recipe for COVID-19 approved travel.

“Everything becomes cumulative, the announcement of the new variant of the virus has stopped a couple of my friends who were going to travel," Murphy said. "Having to jump through a few more hoops in terms of testing…24 hours is a pretty tight window.”

The Biden Administration also announced the extension of the federal mask mandate, which requires travelers to wear masks in airports and on planes. That has now been extended through March 18, 2022.

The Omicron variant has now been identified in at least 12 US states but not in Florida.