The 1-day period is 1 day before the flight's departure. The Order uses a 1-day time frame instead of 24 hours to provide more flexibility to the air passenger and aircraft operator. By using a 1-day window, test acceptability does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test sample was taken. For example, if your flight is at 1pm on a Friday, you could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Thursday.The White House statement about this change is quoted below.
Strengthening global pre-departure testing protocols: Early next week, the United States will tighten pre-departure testing protocols by requiring all inbound international travelers to test within one day of departure globally, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. This tighter testing timeline provides an added degree of public health protection as scientists continue to assess the Omicron variant.All travellers aged 2+ are required to take an observed pre-departure LFT/antigen COVID-19 test. These generally cost around £30-£40 each. You can also use the UK government's find a test provider service to shop around, but the test each traveller will need will be the "Observed Lateral Flow Antigen Fit to Fly Test". This test costs £32 each through Project Screen.
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To view our full UK to USA travel guide, view our article: The Full UK To US Travel Guide - Including All Forms And Testing Requirements.
