"This is actually good for international travel, because it may, when the time is right, encourage more people to consider visiting the US," says Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst for Atmosphere Research Group.
In a statement, the CDC's director, Robert R. Redfield, M.D. said, "Testing does not eliminate all risk, but when combined with a period of staying at home and everyday precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, it can make travel safer, healthier, and more responsible by reducing spread on planes, in airports, and at destinations."
RELATED: 'Travel shaming' becoming new social media trend amid pandemic
At SFO, ABC7found several passengers already choosing to get tested before traveling.
"I had to make a COVID test 72 hours before departure," said Paul Rybinski, who said the company he works for required the test.
"It was actually pretty simple for us, we just came from an international flight and we had no problem getting a COVID test ," said Trask Court, who was traveling from Istanbul with his family.
"It's all for everyone's safety, I think that should be standard," said Taulib Ikharo.
One passenger said he doesn't think the new order is realistic.
"I'm not quite sure about the negative test, I think the health questionnaire is probably plenty. The testing facility could get overwhelmed."
Harteveldt says while he believes the CDC order is the right move, it could hurt the travel industry even more.
RELATED: 'Mom's worth it': US holiday travel surges despite COVID-19 outbreak
"The risk, however, is that Americans who are thinking of traveling abroad may think twice, because if they have to get a test to prove their COVID status before returning, they may say, you know what, I don't want to do that. I'll just travel somewhere within the US instead."
His advice to fellow travelers, do even more research than usual.
"So for anyone considering an international trip, before you go, I would encourage you to explore options to get the test before you return. If you can't find it, you may want to rethink your travel plans," he added.
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- From COVID-19 to Black Lives Matter, these 13 people defined the Bay Area in 2020
- Map: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
- CALCULATOR: Find out how many people may get a COVID-19 vaccine before you
- VIDEO: When will I get the COVID-19 vaccine? We explain who goes 1st
- COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season
- Want to get a COVID-19 test in time for the holidays? Here's what you need to know
- Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area
- Map shows everywhere you can get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during pandemic
- California EDD: The most commonly asked questions we get about unemployment and PUA
- Health experts urge flu shots in effort to avoid 'twindemic'
- How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and coronavirus symptoms
- Here's which mask is better to protect from COVID-19
- First COVID-19 vaccine volunteers in US describe experience as Bay Area launches vaccine trials
- Coronavirus origin: Where did COVID-19 come from?
- What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic