Trevor James
As of November 8, 2025, the United States requires all non-citizen, non-immigrant air travelers to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status before boarding a flight to the US. This mandate was introduced by President Joe Biden and marked a shift from the previous 18-month ban on most inbound travel. While airlines have implemented various safety measures, such as mask mandates, enhanced cleaning, and air purification systems, the US has also focused on measles vaccination, with the CDC recommending that travelers consult their doctors at least six weeks before departure to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination requirement for flying domestically in the US | Not required |
| Vaccination requirement for international travel to the US | Required as of November 8, 2025 |
| US airline policies during the pandemic | Mask mandates, extra cleaning, prepackaged food, touchless devices, plexiglass shields, etc. |
| US airline incentives for employees | American Airlines offered an extra vacation day and $50 to employees who got the COVID-19 vaccine |
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What You'll Learn
The US will open its borders to vaccinated travellers
The US has had tough Covid-19 restrictions in place for travellers arriving by air for over twenty months. The rules prevented almost all non-US citizens who had been in the UK, Ireland, Europe, China, India, South Africa, Iran, and Brazil from entering. However, the US is now lifting these restrictions and reopening its borders to vaccinated travellers. From 8 November 2024, travellers from 33 countries, including the UK and Europe, will be able to visit the US without applying for a National Interest Exemption. This means that people will once again be able to visit the US as tourists or to visit friends and family. The new rules will apply to all travellers, regardless of origin, and will be based on vaccination status rather than country of origin. Only fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to enter the US by air, although there is an exception for children under 18 due to the inconsistent availability of paediatric and adolescent vaccines. Vaccinated travellers will also need to present a negative Covid-19 test taken within three days before travel.
To cope with surging demand, airlines have increased the number of transatlantic flights and are using larger planes. Inflight food and beverage services are also returning, although flights under 60 minutes still do not offer refreshments. Masks continue to be mandatory, and there is plenty of extra cleaning and hand sanitiser available. Airlines have also implemented plexiglass shields and social distancing floor stickers to enhance safety.
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Airlines implement COVID-19 safety measures
Airlines have implemented a variety of COVID-19 safety measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members. These measures are based on guidelines provided by public health officials and organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here are some of the key measures that have been put in place:
Mask and Face Covering Requirements
Many airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Allegiant, require all passengers and crew members to wear masks or face coverings during the entire journey, from check-in to landing. This is in line with recommendations from organizations like IATA, which emphasizes the importance of face coverings as a critical part of a layered approach to biosecurity. Some airlines, like American Airlines, have also installed plexiglass shields at various points to further reduce direct contact between individuals.
Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitization
Airlines have increased their cleaning and sanitization protocols. For example, United Airlines has partnered with Clorox to implement new cleanliness standards across its operations. American Airlines has also been recognized for its enhanced safety precautions, including providing access to hand sanitizer through its partnership with Purell.
Social Distancing Measures
Some airlines are encouraging social distancing by notifying passengers in advance if their flight is expected to be full. For instance, United Airlines will inform passengers 24 hours before departure if their flight is 70% full, giving them the option to rebook on a less crowded flight. However, it's important to note that IATA does not support mandating social distancing measures that would leave middle seats empty, citing evidence that suggests a low risk of transmission on board aircraft.
Temperature Checks and Health Screening
Airlines like American Airlines have implemented temperature screening for their employees before they start work. Additionally, some airports and governments are conducting health checks for travelers before they board their flights.
In-flight Service Adjustments
Airlines have made adjustments to in-flight services to minimize contact and reduce the risk of transmission. For instance, Allegiant offers prepackaged and factory-sealed food and beverage options, and all orders are placed through their smartphone app. American Airlines has resumed in-flight food and beverage services, but with modifications, such as pre-packaged "Fresh Bites" on domestic flights.
Flexible Cancellation and Change Policies
During the pandemic, many airlines, including American Airlines, have offered flexible cancellation and change policies. American Airlines even waived change fees for international flights originating in North or South America, demonstrating their understanding of the uncertainties surrounding travel during this time.
These measures showcase the airline industry's commitment to adapting to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and prioritizing the health and safety of their passengers and staff. While the specific protocols may vary slightly between airlines and airports, the overall goal is to restore confidence in air travel and ensure a safe journey for all.
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CDC calls for measles vaccinations
The CDC has recently updated its guidelines, recommending measles vaccinations for all travellers going to other countries. This update comes in response to a Colorado outbreak that stemmed from an international flight that landed in Denver. The CDC travel notice advises two doses for all Americans aged one and older, with an early dose for infants aged six months to 11 months.
The CDC recommends that separate MMR and varicella vaccines be given for the first dose in children aged 12-47 months. However, MMRV may be used if parents or caregivers express a preference. The MMRV vaccine is only licensed for children aged one to 12 years old. Doctors recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine as the best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is also important for healthcare professionals, international travellers, and other specific groups.
The CDC continues to recommend vaccination as the best way to protect against measles. With recent measles outbreaks, many Americans are reassessing their vaccination status. The CDC states that if you had the vaccine as a child or if you ever had measles, you are protected for life and do not need a booster vaccine. However, if you don't have proof of immunity, you might need to get vaccinated.
While the CDC has not explicitly stated that Americans must be vaccinated to fly, their recent update calling for measles vaccinations for all travellers suggests that vaccination may be important for those considering air travel, especially international travel.
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The US eliminates its vaccination requirement
The US is eliminating its vaccination requirements, with some states choosing to ban the use of COVID vaccine passports. This includes using the passports for travel, with businesses banned from requiring vaccination for entry. However, this has not been a unanimous decision across the country, with some states, like Hawaii, choosing to maintain mask mandates and vaccination requirements for large gatherings.
The shift in policy comes as the US is experiencing a measles outbreak, with over 1000 cases reported so far this year. This has led to discussions about vaccine requirements for schools and daycares, with some states loosening vaccine rules and allowing for religious exemptions. The CDC has also updated its guidance, calling for vaccinations for all Americans aged 1 and older who are travelling internationally.
The US is not alone in its decision to eliminate vaccination requirements, with several European nations, including Denmark and Switzerland, also treating COVID-19 more like a respiratory virus than a seasonal flu. The FDA has announced that most people in the US will still qualify for updated COVID-19 vaccines, but there is concern that this new guidance will undermine vaccination campaigns and put immunocompromised people at risk.
The decision to eliminate vaccination requirements has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing worry that it will impact trust in US public health and reduce COVID vaccine uptake. However, others argue that it is necessary to restore trust and that at-risk Americans will still be covered by vaccine approvals.
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The CDC updates its guidance for vaccinations for travellers
The CDC has updated its guidance on vaccinations for travellers, recommending that all Americans aged 1 and older receive two doses of the measles vaccine before travelling internationally. This update comes in response to a Colorado outbreak that occurred last month, stemming from an international flight that landed in Denver. The CDC's travel notice highlights the shift from localized outbreaks to transmission in transit, emphasizing that people can be exposed to measles not just in countries where it is spreading but also on airplanes and during travel.
Ashley Darcy-Mahoney, a researcher at George Washington University's nursing school, has called this update significant. She notes that the CDC's travel notice change reflects a recognition of the shift from localized outbreaks to transmission during travel. The update is a proactive measure to protect travellers and prevent the further spread of measles.
The CDC recommends that travellers make an appointment with their healthcare provider or a travel health specialist at least 4-6 weeks before their trip. During this appointment, travellers can receive destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. It is advised to bring a copy of your official immunization records when travelling. The CDC also emphasizes that some vaccines require multiple doses, so it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Additionally, the CDC provides Travel Health Notices (THNs) to inform travellers about global health risks, including disease outbreaks, sporadic cases in new geographic locations, natural and human-made disasters, and mass gathering events that can lead to disease outbreaks. Currently, there are no active THNs, but travellers are advised to stay updated and take necessary precautions.
While there is no explicit mention of a mandate requiring Americans to be vaccinated to fly, airlines have implemented various safety measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include mask mandates, enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing, and the availability of hand sanitizers. Some airlines have also introduced incentives for vaccinated employees and flexible cancellation policies. As travel restrictions continue to evolve, travellers are advised to stay informed about the latest updates and recommendations from official sources.
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Frequently asked questions
As of November 8, 2025, non-citizen, non-immigrant air travelers to the United States must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status before boarding a flight to the US. However, this mandate does not apply to US citizens or immigrants.
No, there is no vaccination mandate for Americans flying within the US.
No, there is no vaccination mandate for Americans flying out of the country. However, the CDC recommends that Americans consult their doctors at least six weeks before international travel if they are unsure about their vaccination status.
Yes, as of November 8, 2025, all international travelers to the US by air must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination before boarding.
Yes, in addition to being fully vaccinated, you must also present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of traveling to the US.
