On June 10, 2022, the U.S. announced it is eliminating the COVID testing requirement for air travelers to enter the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that such a measure is no longer necessary, citing that the pandemic has shifted to a new phase because of the effectiveness of vaccines, therapeutics and high rates of immunity at the population level in the U.S. The testing requirement will lift at 12:01 EDT on Sunday, June 12, 2022.
Therefore, effective immediately, Viking will discontinue all on board COVID testing fleetwide. However, we will continue to provide testing if a guest reports symptoms, requests a test, or if our Medical Team deems necessary. Our vaccine requirement for all guests and crew remains in place—and for the time being, our crew will keep testing as needed and will wear masks at all times.
Additionally, Viking highly recommends, but no longer requires, a pre-departure COVID-19 test—unless one is required by the destination. As of June 10, 2022, select ocean voyages on the Viking Orion and expedition voyages on the Viking Octantis in the United States and Canada will continue to require a pre-departure COVID-19 test.
Viking’s extended Medical Team—including our Chief Health Officer, Dr. Raquel C. Bono—will continue to assess our protocols in view of the requirement in the destinations we visit. At Viking, our top priority has always been—and will continue to be—the safety and wellbeing of all those on board our ships. It is why we established the Viking Health & Safety Program—and we are proud that since Viking resumed operations in May 2021, we have successfully prevented any outbreak of COVID on board our ships—thanks to our protocols.
Please note that Viking is in the process of notifying guests about these changes to the Viking Health & Safety Program, as well as updating specific requirements for all voyages across documents channels, including on MyVikingJourney.com. Berwick Travel will be individually notifying upcoming travelers with specific information relevant to their cruise.
