Biden reportedly to announce stricter COVID requirements for travelers to U.S.

President Joe Biden is expected to announce plans Thursday requiring anyone entering the United States to be tested for COVID-19 a day before travel amid concerns over the new Omicron variant.

The Washington Post reported Tuesday that the administration may also require travelers to get retested three to five days after arrival. Another more contested proposal would order all travelers to self-quarantine for seven days.

These rules would apply even if a traveler tests negative, regardless of citizenship, vaccination status or country of departure.

The possible new rules are "part of an enhanced winter covid strategy," according to the Post. 

Current CDC rules require travelers to show a negative test result or proof of recovery from COVID, with timing of the test dependent upon "vaccination status and age."

All travelers are recommended by the CDC to get tested days after arriving in the U.S. Unvaccinated travelers are also recommended to self-quarantine.

Three federal officials told the Post that the proposed requirements are in response to Omicron. So far, the variant's symptoms are reported to be "extremely mild."