Chloe Ramirez
As vaccination rates increase globally, many countries and airlines are requiring proof of vaccination to fly. While international airlines do not require vaccination to fly, they may require you to upload necessary travel documents, such as a negative COVID test, to check in for your flight. Some countries, such as Canada, require proof of vaccination to waive mandatory quarantine. Other countries, such as the United States, do not have a vaccination mandate for non-residents traveling for non-essential reasons, but they require proof of a negative pre-travel test or recent recovery. Some U.S. states may have their own requirements for travel.
Do I have to show vaccination to fly?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | As of May 2023, a COVID vaccination is no longer required to fly into or out of the United States. However, individual countries may have their own requirements. |
| Domestic Flights | US citizens travelling on domestic flights within the country do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination. |
| International Flights | International travel is more likely to require proof of vaccination. However, most countries allow visitors to arrive with a qualifying pre-travel test or proof of vaccination. |
| Boarding Requirements | Some countries/regions may not allow you to check in for your flight if you don't upload the necessary travel documents, including proof of vaccination, if required by your destination. |
| Quarantine Requirements | Many countries require proof of vaccination to waive a mandatory quarantine. |
| Indoor Activities | Some countries/regions may require proof of vaccination to participate in certain indoor activities, such as dining or tourism activities. |
| Standardization | The European Union is still rolling out a standard set of travel guidelines across the Schengen Zone. |
| Digital Solutions | Travelers may use digital solutions, such as the "Green Pass" app, to store their travel credentials when visiting multiple destinations. |
| Dynamic Nature | It's important to note that travel requirements can change frequently, so checking the latest information before your travel date is essential. |
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What You'll Learn
Domestic flights in the US
Currently, there is no federal mandate for air travelers to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative test result for domestic flights in the US. However, individual states like Hawaii have implemented stringent travel restrictions, including testing and vaccination requirements for visitors. All children aged 5 to 12 must present a negative test result to avoid quarantine in Hawaii, and unvaccinated individuals from outside the US or its territories must also test negative to be exempt from quarantine.
While there is no uniform policy for domestic travel, discussions and proposals regarding vaccination requirements for domestic flights have emerged. Senator Dianne Feinstein introduced the US Air Travel Public Safety Act, a bill that would require domestic flyers to provide proof of vaccination, undergo COVID-19 testing, or show recovery from the virus before boarding. This proposal aims to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through air travel, as Feinstein noted that the 2020 holiday season's air travel contributed to the previous winter's COVID-19 surge.
However, the proposed bill has faced opposition from the airline industry and travel associations. They argue that enforcing vaccination checks for millions of passengers would be logistically challenging and time-consuming, potentially slowing down the check-in and security screening processes. Additionally, there are concerns about the financial impact on airlines, as a reduction in unvaccinated passengers could hurt their recovery from the financial crisis caused by the pandemic.
Despite the opposition, some supporters advocate for vaccination requirements on domestic flights to improve public health and address passengers' safety concerns. Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden's top infectious disease adviser, stated that requiring vaccination for domestic flights is "reasonable to consider." He emphasized that mandating vaccination could incentivize more people to get vaccinated and potentially reduce the chances of another winter surge.
It is important to note that TSA agents are trained to work with photo IDs and verify their authenticity, but vaccine cards present a different challenge. One suggested solution is to have passengers upload proof of vaccination to an online portal during check-in, although not all airlines may have the necessary capabilities to handle this efficiently. As of now, there is no federal mandate for vaccination or testing requirements for domestic flights in the US, but the ongoing dialogue and proposed legislation indicate that this topic is still under consideration and subject to change.
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International flights to the US
When it comes to international flights to the US, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding vaccination requirements. Firstly, the vaccination requirements for inbound travel to the US are determined by the US government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is important to stay updated on the latest requirements before your travel dates.
As of August 2025, there is no consistent requirement to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry into the United States. However, all travelers, regardless of citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19. This requirement applies to all air passengers two years of age or older. It is recommended to check the CDC website for the latest testing requirements before your trip.
In addition to COVID-19 testing, the CDC recommends that all travelers are fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to any international destination, including the United States. This is because measles cases are increasing globally, and unvaccinated individuals are at higher risk of infection during international travel.
It is also important to consider the vaccination requirements of your departure country. Some countries may require proof of vaccination for specific diseases, such as yellow fever or polio, to exit their borders. Additionally, certain countries may have specific medication laws that you should be aware of when packing your travel medications. Therefore, it is essential to research the requirements of both your departure and destination countries to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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European flights
As of June 1, 2022, European countries do not require vaccination or COVID testing to gain entry. However, it is recommended that travellers to Europe update certain vaccines, such as the combined tetanus/diphtheria/whooping cough vaccine if it has been more than 10 years since their last vaccination. Other recommended vaccines include measles, meningococcal, influenza, and pneumonia. The CDC and WHO also recommend hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies vaccines for travellers to Western Europe. It is important to be aware of the health risks associated with travel and to take the necessary precautions.
For those travelling to Spain, it is mandatory for individuals over the age of 12 to present a vaccination certificate (with the last dose administered at least 14 days prior to travel) or a negative COVID-19 test. Vaccinated Americans can currently travel to several European countries, including Italy, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, and Greece. While vaccination is not required for entry into these countries, it is recommended to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions before planning a trip.
When travelling to Europe, it is advisable to review the CDC's travel website or download the TravWell app to obtain recommended vaccines and stay informed about potential health risks. Additionally, it is worth considering travel insurance that covers medical emergencies while abroad.
While there are no current entry restrictions in Mexico, travellers returning to the United States should be aware of specific requirements, such as presenting a passport and a resident card. Similar to Mexico, Dubai no longer requires COVID-19 vaccination certificates or negative PCR test results for entry. However, travellers should always refer to the latest official guidelines as these requirements are subject to change.
Overall, while vaccination requirements for European flights are not currently mandatory, staying updated with health advisories and taking necessary health precautions is essential for safe travel.
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Canadian flights
As of September 9, 2021, Canada requires proof of vaccination for non-essential travel to waive the mandatory quarantine. However, this mandate is not enforced by the airlines themselves. Instead, they may not allow you to check in for your flight if you do not upload the necessary travel documents, including proof of vaccination if your destination requires it. Therefore, it is essential to check the requirements of your specific destination within Canada.
When flying to Canada, you may need additional travel documents to board the plane and enter the country. It is recommended to check with your airline to confirm if you need specific documents, such as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Additionally, before entering Canada, a border services officer will check your identity and citizenship to determine your admissibility.
To obtain your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination, you can access it through various portals or apps, depending on your province or territory. For example, residents of Ontario can access their proof of vaccination through the COVID-19 vaccination portal, while residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can use the province's portal. It is important to note that the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination only shows your vaccination history and does not include any other health data.
When travelling outside of Canada, it is essential to be aware of the vaccination requirements of your destination country. Some countries, like those in the Caribbean, may require proof of vaccination or a negative test before granting entry. It is recommended to consult official government sources for the most up-to-date information on the specific requirements for your destination.
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Hawaiian flights
As of March 2022, Hawaii no longer requires incoming travellers to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. However, masks are still required in classrooms, on public transportation, and in public spaces.
Previously, in September 2021, the city of Honolulu required those entering gyms, entertainment venues, and restaurants to show a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination. This mandate also applied to employees and volunteers at those venues, who were required to show full vaccination or provide weekly negative tests. The island of Oahu implemented a similar mandate, requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test taken within 48 hours to enter establishments. Children under 12 were exempt from this rule.
Hawaii has also led the way in vaccine requirements for resorts. In September 2021, the 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach became the first resort in the state to require employees and guests aged 12 and older to show proof of vaccination. Exemptions were made for medical and religious reasons.
If you are planning to fly to Hawaii, it is always a good idea to check the latest travel advice and guidelines for the state, as well as any specific requirements that the airline you are travelling with may have in place.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where you are flying to and from. International airlines don't require passengers to be fully vaccinated, but you may not be able to check in for your flight if you don't upload the necessary travel documents, which may include proof of vaccination.
No, you do not need to be fully vaccinated to fly within the US. Individual states may have their own requirements, however, so it is important to check the latest guidelines.
No, the US does not have a vaccination mandate for non-US residents flying into the country for non-essential travel. However, you must show proof of a negative pre-travel test or recent recovery.
It depends on where you are flying to. A growing number of international travel destinations require full vaccination to enter the country without quarantining. However, most countries allow visitors to arrive with a pre-travel qualification test or to show proof of vaccination.
Yes, some airlines may have their own policies regarding vaccination proof. For example, Qantas Airways has stated that they will likely require international travelers to show proof of vaccination before boarding.
