Madison Clarke
Whether or not children need to be vaccinated to fly depends on several factors, including their age, the country they are travelling to or from, and the vaccination policies of the airline they are flying with. While some countries and airlines may require children to be vaccinated before flying, others may have different requirements, such as providing a negative COVID-19 test or a fit-to-fly letter from a doctor. It is important for parents or guardians to research the specific requirements of their destination country and chosen airline before booking their travel. Additionally, it is recommended to consult a doctor or paediatrician to ensure the child is safe to travel and to follow guidelines from organisations such as the CDC to minimise the risk of infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination requirements for children flying domestically in the US | No vaccination or proof of vaccination required |
| Vaccination requirements for children flying to the US | Non-citizens must show proof of vaccination before boarding. Children are exempt from this rule. |
| Vaccination requirements for children flying from the US to other countries | Varies based on the destination country |
| Airline requirements for infants | Most airlines do not fly infants younger than 7 days old. Some airlines require infants under 2 weeks old to have a fit-to-fly letter from a doctor. |
| CDC recommendations | All flyers should be fully vaccinated before traveling. |
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What You'll Learn
Country-specific vaccination requirements
Whether or not your child needs to be vaccinated to fly depends on where you're headed. The number of vaccines needed for travel varies depending on your destination, duration of stay, and individual factors.
United States
US citizens travelling on domestic flights within the country do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination to fly. However, foreign nationals travelling to the United States must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination status before boarding the plane. There are limited exemptions to this policy, which may include children.
Canada
If you're flying to Canada, you will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding your flight.
Australia
Australia may require a yellow fever vaccination if you are travelling from or have recently visited a yellow fever-endemic country.
Brazil
Brazil mandates the yellow fever vaccination for travellers coming from or visiting certain areas.
China
Some regions in China may require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from an endemic country. It is recommended to consult with a medical practitioner or travel clinic for specific advice regarding other vaccinations, such as polio and Japanese encephalitis, depending on your itinerary and activities.
South Africa
Travellers to South Africa should check the latest vaccination requirements, as some vaccines (e.g., yellow fever) may be needed depending on your country of origin and travel history.
Asia and Japan
The specific vaccinations needed for Asia and Japan can vary depending on your itinerary, length of stay, and individual factors. It is recommended to consult with a travel clinic for personalised advice.
European Countries
Many European countries have specific definitions for "fully vaccinated." They may not consider travellers fully vaccinated if more than 270 days have passed since the last dose of the initial vaccination series, and a booster shot may be required to qualify as fully vaccinated.
In addition to country-specific requirements, it is always recommended to consult with your child's doctor or paediatrician before booking travel, especially if your child has any underlying health conditions or was born prematurely. Some airlines may also have their own infant travel policies and minimum age criteria, so it is essential to check with your airline before booking.
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Pre-travel health checks for newborns
Whether or not children need to be vaccinated to fly depends on the country they are travelling to. For instance, foreign nationals travelling to the United States by air must be fully vaccinated and must show proof of vaccination status before boarding. However, there are limited exemptions to this policy, including for children.
When planning to fly with a newborn, it is important to consult your baby's doctor, especially if your baby has chronic heart or lung problems or upper or lower respiratory symptoms. It is also crucial to check the airline's infant travel policy, as there is no standard regulation, and the minimum age criteria vary. Most airlines do not fly infants younger than seven days old, and some set the minimum age at 14 days. If your baby was born prematurely, you must count their age from their due date rather than their birth date. Some airlines may require a fit-to-fly letter from your doctor if your baby is less than two weeks old.
It is recommended to wait until your baby is at least four to six weeks old before flying, as this will allow you to identify any underlying health problems that could make travel unsafe. If you gave birth via caesarean section, it is advisable to wait until after your six-week postnatal check-up before flying and only do so once you have received the all-clear from your doctor.
Before travelling, it is essential to be aware of the health risks at your destination and take necessary precautions. For instance, in countries with a tropical climate, clothing or diapers dried in the open air should be ironed before use to prevent fly larvae infestation. Additionally, in areas endemic with schistosomiasis, children should avoid bathing, swimming, or wading in fresh, unchlorinated water to prevent infection.
To prevent dehydration during travel, it is important to know the signs and symptoms and how to use oral rehydration solutions (ORS). ORS packets are typically available in stores and pharmacies in most countries. Breastfed infants should continue breastfeeding while travelling.
Lastly, ensure that your child is safely restrained during the flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends using a government-approved child safety restraint system (CRS) for the duration of the flight. Check with your airline about specific restrictions and approved child restraint options.
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Minimising infection risk
The risk of acquiring a respiratory infection while on board an aircraft is quite small. However, there are several measures you can take to minimise the risk of infection while flying with children. Firstly, consult your child's doctor before flying, especially if your child has any chronic heart or lung problems, upper or lower respiratory symptoms, or was born prematurely. It is also recommended to check with the airline in advance, as some carriers may have specific infant travel policies or requirements for travelling with newborns. For example, some airlines may require a fit-to-fly letter from your doctor if your baby is less than two weeks old.
It is important to ensure that your child has received all their recommended childhood vaccinations before travelling. While vaccines do not prevent all infections, they help to reduce the risk of hospitalisation. In addition to vaccinations, you can take other precautions such as using a small, portable air purifier and practising good hygiene. This includes sanitising hands and surfaces, wearing masks, and encouraging your child to maintain physical distance from other passengers as much as possible.
When flying with children, it is recommended to use a child restraint system (CRS) or a travel cot/bassinet for infants on long-haul flights. These devices must be approved by the relevant aviation authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, and suitable for the specific aircraft. It is also important to be aware of the potential risk of rebreathing CO2 when using a car seat cover or similar restraint system. To mitigate this risk, consider using a HEPA air purifier to circulate clean air and reduce the build-up of CO2.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the risk of infection may vary depending on your destination and the current disease outbreak situation. Check ahead if you are travelling to an area with specific vaccination requirements or a higher exposure risk for certain diseases. For example, measles is a highly contagious virus that has been spreading in the United States, and travellers are advised to be aware of the symptoms and take precautions such as wearing masks and practising good hygiene. Similarly, if you are travelling to an area with insect-borne diseases, such as malaria, be aware that aircraft may be treated with insecticides, and while these are generally considered safe, the risk to children may be unknown.
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Proof of vaccination
Whether or not children need to be vaccinated to fly depends on where they are travelling. For example, US citizens travelling on a domestic flight within the country do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination to fly. However, foreign nationals flying to the US must be fully vaccinated and must show proof of vaccination status before boarding a plane to the US. Children are exempt from this policy.
Children under 18 do not need to be vaccinated to fly. However, those between the ages of two and 17 must take a pre-departure Covid test and another test three to five days after arrival. Children under five are exempt from these requirements. Children under 12 do not need to be vaccinated if travelling with a fully vaccinated parent. Unvaccinated children between 12 and 17 need to take a PCR test at an approved venue when they arrive.
Children under 18 years of age travelling to the US are exempt from Covid entry requirements. However, those under 18 must show a negative PCR or antigen test before entry. Children under five are exempt from Covid entry requirements. Children under 12 are exempt from Covid entry requirements and unvaccinated travellers above that age are allowed in if they can show evidence of recent recovery from Covid or a negative test.
If you are planning to travel with a newborn, it is important to consult your baby's doctor beforehand, especially if your baby was born prematurely or has chronic heart or lung problems. It is also recommended that you check the airline's infant travel policy, as there is no standard regulation. Most airlines do not fly infants younger than seven days old, and some require a fit-to-fly letter from a doctor if the baby is less than two weeks old.
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COVID-19 entry requirements
The COVID-19 entry requirements for flying vary depending on your destination and country of residence. Here are some key points to note:
For US Citizens:
US citizens travelling on domestic flights within the country do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination. However, if travelling internationally, vaccination requirements will vary based on the destination country. For instance, as of December 2021, all travellers entering the US by air, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of travel to the US.
For Foreign Nationals Travelling to the US:
Foreign nationals travelling to the US by air must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status before boarding the plane. There may be limited exemptions for children.
For Travel to Liberia:
As of January 2024, travellers to Liberia aged 18 and over must show proof of vaccination upon arrival. A negative COVID-19 test is not required for entry, but may be needed for exit if the next destination country requires it.
General Recommendations:
Regardless of the official rules, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) recommends that all flyers be fully vaccinated before travelling. It is important to check with your airline and review the requirements of your specific destination before departure. Fit-to-Fly certificates, which often include a negative COVID-19 test result, may be required for some destinations.
Additional Considerations for Infants and Children:
When travelling with infants and children, it is important to consult with a paediatrician or the child's doctor before booking. This is especially crucial if the child has any underlying health issues or was born prematurely. While COVID-19 vaccination is typically not required for infants, some countries may have specific vaccination requirements for entry, so it is essential to check ahead. Additionally, infants under two years old usually do not get a separate seat and need to sit on a parent's lap.
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Frequently asked questions
No, children do not need to be vaccinated to fly domestically in the US. However, the CDC recommends that all flyers be fully vaccinated before traveling.
No, children are exempt from the rule that non-US citizens must be fully vaccinated to fly into the US. However, all travelers over the age of 2 must present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding a flight to the US.
Yes, infants under the age of two will need to sit on their parent's lap for the flight. If your child has any health issues, it is recommended to consult their doctor before flying. Additionally, it is important to check the airline's infant travel policy, as some airlines have minimum age criteria for infants.
