Sarah Bennett
As of June 2021, vaccination is not a requirement for flying domestically in the United States. However, the CDC recommends delaying travel until individuals are fully vaccinated. For international travel, some countries may require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. All travellers entering the US from a foreign country, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before travel. Additionally, US-bound air passengers are required to provide proof of vaccination or documentation of recovery from COVID-19. While there is no federal mandate for vaccination to fly within the US, some state and local governments may have more restrictive testing requirements for air passengers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination requirement for flying domestically in the US | Not required |
| Vaccination requirement for flying to the US from a foreign country | Required for non-US citizens who are nonimmigrants |
| Exceptions to the above rule | Persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel, children under 18 years of age, persons with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials, persons issued a humanitarian or emergency exception, persons with valid visas (excluding B-1 and B-2 visas) who are citizens of a foreign country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, members of the US Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age), sea crew members traveling with a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa, persons whose entry is in the national interest |
| Testing requirements for flying to the US | All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 3 days before travel |
| Mask requirements for flying in the US | Required by the TSA mandate until at least Sept. 13, 2021 |
| State and local requirements for air travel in the US | May have similar or more restrictive testing requirements for air passengers |
| Legislation regarding vaccination requirement for flying | A bill (H.R. 4980) was filed to make it a law but faced opposition |
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What You'll Learn
Flying to the US as a non-citizen
As a non-US citizen, you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before travelling by air to the US from a foreign country. This requirement has been in place since November 8, 2021, and applies to anyone entering the US via land ports of entry (POE) or ferry terminals.
If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will not be allowed to board a flight to the US unless you meet the criteria for an exception under the Proclamation and CDC's Order. The CDC outlines that some of the vaccines that are required are specifically listed in INA section 212(a)(1)(A)(ii). In addition to these, the statute also requires that an individual receive any other vaccinations recommended by the ACIP. The criteria for a vaccine to be required for immigration purposes are that it must be age-appropriate and recommended by the ACIP for the general US population, and it must protect against a disease that has been or is in the process of being eliminated in the US.
Some categories of non-citizens that meet the criteria for an exception include:
- Persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel
- Children under 18 years of age
- Persons with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
- Participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials
- Persons issued a humanitarian or emergency exception
- Sea crew members travelling pursuant to a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa
If you are admitted to the US as a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you generally have the right to live and work in the country permanently. A nonimmigrant visa, on the other hand, is usually for short-term visitors and does not permit permanent residence or work in the US.
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Flying domestically in the US
Currently, there is no vaccination requirement for flying domestically in the US. While the CDC recommends delaying travel until individuals are fully vaccinated, vaccines are not a prerequisite for flying within the country. The CDC has issued guidelines for unvaccinated individuals, including recommendations for testing and self-quarantining before and after travel. It is important to note that these guidelines are not mandatory but are intended to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
For domestic flights within the US, individuals are generally not required to provide proof of vaccination. However, it is still essential to stay informed about state or local travel restrictions, as these may vary across different states and regions. For example, Hawaii previously had specific travel restrictions, including requiring a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination to avoid a traveler quarantine.
While vaccination is not mandated for domestic air travel in the US, other safety measures are typically in place. The CDC and other health authorities strongly recommend wearing face masks on planes and in airports, following social distancing guidelines where possible, and adhering to any additional protocols implemented by individual airlines or airports.
The discussion around requiring vaccination for domestic air travel in the US is ongoing. Some experts, like Dr. Anthony Fauci, have suggested that the federal government should consider implementing vaccination mandates for domestic flights. This proposal aims to incentivize more people to get vaccinated and potentially enhance protection against COVID-19 transmission during travel. However, President Biden has stated that, while vaccine requirements for domestic air travel were considered, the recommendation he received was that it was not necessary.
It is worth noting that the landscape of travel restrictions and recommendations can change rapidly. While vaccination may not be required for domestic air travel in the US at present, individuals should stay updated with the latest guidelines and regulations from official sources, such as the CDC, to ensure they are compliant with any evolving requirements or recommendations.
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Flying internationally from the US
If you are flying internationally from the US, you do not need to be vaccinated to board your flight. However, the CDC recommends delaying travel until you are vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated, the CDC recommends getting tested for COVID-19 three to five days after your trip and self-quarantining for seven days, even with a negative test result. Without a test, the CDC recommends self-quarantining for 10 days.
For international travel, some countries may require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. It is important to check the requirements of your destination country, as these may include testing and quarantine rules. For example, Spain requires vaccinations except in limited situations. The US Department of State provides COVID-19-related travel information for each country, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization has a tool showing current travel regulations for each country.
When returning to the US from a foreign country, regardless of vaccination status, you will need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before traveling. Alternatively, you can show proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
Several airlines, including American Airlines, United, and JetBlue, are testing digital passports or health apps that allow travelers to upload vaccination documents or test results. These apps can then verify if the user meets the requirements of their destination.
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State and local testing requirements
India
As India recovers from its second wave of COVID-19, states have begun easing domestic testing requirements. Vaccinated travellers can now enter several Indian states without testing or quarantine. For instance, Karnataka does not require testing for travellers from any state except Maharashtra and Kerala. Bihar allows passengers to enter Patna and Gaya without a test, but requires testing for arrivals in Darbhanga. Assam allows fully vaccinated travellers to avoid on-arrival testing but still requires a pre-departure test. However, rules vary by city for several states, making it extremely important to check the requirements before flying.
United States
For international flights to the United States, foreign travellers who are fully vaccinated must show a negative test administered no more than 3 days before boarding. Testing requirements include all travellers: US citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), and foreign nationals. Unvaccinated travellers will need to show documentation of a negative test administered no more than 1 day before boarding.
European Union
On June 18, 2021, the European Union added the United States to its "safe list" of countries, meaning that vaccinated and unvaccinated American travellers could visit the 27 member countries. However, these member states are allowed to set their own requirements and restrictions for travellers. The CDC advises that vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in most places, but travellers must take note of local advice and regulations, as these can vary from state to state.
In general, state and local governments may have their own testing and vaccination requirements for entry into public spaces. For example, some states or localities may require members of the public to provide proof of vaccination or recent COVID-19 testing to enter restaurants, bars, or other public spaces.
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Proposed laws for vaccination to fly
While there are no laws currently in place that mandate vaccination for air travel, there have been proposed bills supporting this. In 2021, Senator Dianne Feinstein proposed the U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act, also known as H.R. 4980, which would require all domestic flyers in the United States to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative test result for COVID-19 before boarding. This bill was introduced to prevent another outbreak of COVID-19, especially during the busy holiday season, and to ensure the safety of both travellers and their destination communities.
The bill would also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop national vaccination standards and procedures related to COVID-19, in consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration and the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Feinstein's proposal faced opposition from those who believed it infringed on their freedom to travel and personal liberty, with petitions being circulated to block it from becoming law.
In addition to this bill, there are existing requirements for certain travellers entering the United States by air to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This applies specifically to non-U.S. citizens who are nonimmigrants, unless they meet specific criteria for exemption outlined by the CDC. These exemptions include medical contraindications, participation in vaccine trials, humanitarian reasons, and certain visa holders.
While the proposed legislation by Feinstein did not pass into law, it sparked discussions and highlighted the ongoing efforts to balance public health and safety with individual freedoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether future legislation will introduce vaccination mandates for air travel, particularly in response to new surges or variants of the virus.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to be vaccinated to fly in the US. However, wearing a mask is still required, regardless of vaccination status.
Non-US citizens who are nonimmigrants will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated before flying to the US. Additionally, all travellers flying to the US must present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recovery.
Yes, there are some exceptions to the rule. This includes children under 18, people with medical contraindications, participants in certain vaccine trials, and people issued with a humanitarian or emergency exception.
This depends on the country and their specific requirements. Some countries may require visitors to be vaccinated, while others may only require a negative COVID-19 test or no additional requirements. It is important to check the specific requirements for your destination.
In some cases, proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days may be accepted as an alternative to vaccination or a negative test. However, this may vary depending on the specific requirements of your destination or airline.
