Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing COVID testing US citizens and travel back to the United States of America. 

I had some questions on this. Folks have been asking me about COVID testing: "Is it mandatory even for US citizens?" I did another video on this. I have quoted this before but let's do this in the context of US citizens. 

In a recent Health Alert from the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs dated January 15th, 2021, it is titled: Health Alert: Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs January 15th 2021. Quoting directly "Location Worldwide: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director has signed an order requiring all airline passengers traveling to the United States including US citizens and lawful permanent residents, to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test or recovery from COVID-19." I am not going to go any further with respect to this. I made another video on this channel regarding the testing protocols but long story short, you have to be able to show that you have either been tested or have recovered from COVID-19. The question as to “do US citizens have to have this?”, "yes it appears that they do based on this order from the Head of the CDC". 

Now this situation could evolve and we could see this change. I don't know exactly how this is going to work longer term but long story short, and let's be clear they also know within this announcement "effective January 26th, 2021" so beginning January 26th, 2021. So those who are watching this video you probably have a little bit of time to perhaps get on a flight and get home if you are really worried about it. 

Long story short, I suspect moving forward most folks are just going to be stuck with this requirement. It is also notable that it is required 72 hours before boarding. Those who have come to Thailand are probably pretty used to these protocols at this point because we have been dealing with this for about 9 months now. Folks coming into Thailand need "fit to fly" documentation as well as COVID testing that is valid 72 hours before boarding a flight to come to Thailand. Now that appears to be the case for going back to America. I am sure that this will have ramifications with respect to US Immigration, with respect to foreign nationals getting a Visa but the thrust of this video is US citizens and yes folks who have US citizenship it appears this is going to apply to you as well just as it has been applying even to Thai citizens who have been coming to Thailand notwithstanding the fact they have a Thai passport, they have had to get COVID-19 testing so this appears to be the case in the United States as well.