Trevor James
As of 2021, there is no universal requirement for travellers to be vaccinated to fly. However, some countries may require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and certain airlines may also have their own requirements. For example, people travelling to the United States from another country must show proof of full vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than three days before travel. There was an attempt to pass a bill in the US that would require vaccination to fly, but it was met with significant opposition.
Do you have to be vaccinated to fly?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | United States |
| Vaccination Requirements | Non-US citizens who are nonimmigrants must show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before flying to the US from a foreign country. |
| US citizens do not need to be vaccinated to fly domestically. | |
| International travellers arriving in the US must show a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recovery. | |
| Some states and local governments may have additional testing requirements for air passengers. | |
| Exceptions | 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 or B-2 visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability | |
| Members of the US Armed Forces or their spouses/children (under 18) | |
| Sea crew members travelling with a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa | |
| Persons whose entry is in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, or Secretary of Homeland Security | |
| Unvaccinated travellers must submit a negative COVID-19 test to avoid a 10-day quarantine in Hawaii. | |
| Spain no longer requires Americans to be vaccinated to enter the country. | |
| Legislative Opposition | A bill (H.R. 4980) was proposed to make vaccination mandatory for air travel in the US, but it faced significant opposition and did not pass. |
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What You'll Learn
Flying to the US as a non-citizen
As of November 8, 2021, non-citizen travellers flying to the US must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination. This rule applies to all inbound foreign national travellers entering the United States via land ports of entry (POE) or ferry terminals, whether for essential or non-essential reasons. Non-citizen travellers must also verbally attest to their reason for travel and COVID-19 vaccination status during a border inspection. It is important to note that any non-citizen attempting to enter the United States without appropriate documentation, including proof of vaccination, may be subject to expulsion or removal.
Travellers flying to the US should be prepared to present any other relevant documents as requested by a CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) Officer during the border inspection. For example, U.S. citizens are typically required to present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document, such as a valid U.S. passport, Trusted Traveller Program card, Enhanced Driver's License, or Enhanced Tribal Card.
It is essential to stay updated with the latest travel restrictions and requirements, as policies may change over time. Travellers are advised to refer to official government websites or consult with their local embassy or consulate for the most current information regarding vaccination requirements for flying to the US as a non-citizen.
Additionally, it is worth noting that vaccination requirements for entry into the US may differ from the requirements for other activities within the country. For example, certain states or local jurisdictions may have their own rules regarding vaccination mandates for specific venues or activities. It is recommended to review the guidelines for your destination state or city to ensure compliance with any additional vaccination requirements or recommendations.
Furthermore, travellers should be mindful of the potential for extended wait times and long lines at US land border crossings due to increased travel volumes. Planning for longer than normal wait times and exercising patience during the border inspection process is advised.
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Flying domestically in the US
As of May 2022, vaccines are not a requirement for flying domestically in the US. While the CDC recommends delaying travel until people are fully vaccinated, this is not mandatory. The CDC also recommends that unvaccinated people get tested for COVID-19 one to three days before flying, and three to five days after returning. Additionally, the CDC advises unvaccinated people to self-quarantine for seven days, even with a negative test result, or for 10 days without a test.
Some states and local governments have their own travel restrictions. For example, as of June 2021, Hawaii required either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to avoid a 10-day quarantine.
The US government has considered mandating vaccines for domestic air travel. Dr Anthony Fauci has stated that this would incentivise more people to get vaccinated. However, President Biden has said that, while it was considered, he has been advised that it is not necessary.
The US already requires passengers entering the country from abroad to show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test or recent recovery. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already provides vaccination cards, and there has been discussion of immunity passports, which could take the form of a paper document, an electronic document, or an international database.
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Flying from the US to other countries
Vaccination is not a requirement for flying domestically within the United States. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) recommends that all flyers be fully vaccinated before travelling. For those who are unvaccinated, the CDC has additional recommendations for domestic air travel.
If you are flying from the US to another country, vaccination requirements will vary based on your destination. Some countries may require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For example, as of August 9, 2021, Spain required visitors from the US to be vaccinated, except in limited situations. However, as of June 2021, Spain no longer requires Americans to be vaccinated to enter the country.
Other countries may have different requirements. For instance, Canada requires proof of vaccination before boarding a flight from the US. It is important to check the latest entry requirements and regulations of your destination country. The US State Department website provides country-specific information on entry, exit, and visa requirements, including any vaccination mandates.
In addition to COVID-19 vaccination, other vaccinations may be required or recommended for travel to certain countries. For example, some African countries require a yellow fever vaccination, and the type of vaccination and frequency of doses can vary by country. The CDC provides information on recommended and required vaccines for specific destinations, and travellers can also seek advice from travel health specialists.
Regardless of vaccination status, people entering the US from a foreign country are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before travelling. Exceptions are made for those who can show proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
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Exemptions for non-vaccinated travellers
United States
Non-US citizens who are nonimmigrants (not a US citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident, or travelling to the US on an immigrant visa) must show proof of full vaccination before flying to the US from a foreign country. However, there are exceptions to this rule, including:
- 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 travelling pursuant to a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa
- Persons whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by specific government officials
Canada
Previously, unvaccinated Canadians were banned from boarding planes and trains by the federal government. However, in June 2022, the Liberal government dropped its vaccination requirements for air and rail travellers, citing an improved public health situation. During the time that the mandate was in effect, there were roughly 3,600 requests for exemptions under four categories:
- Religious beliefs
- Medical exemptions
- Emergency exemptions
- National interest
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Opposition to vaccination mandates for flying
There has been significant opposition to vaccination mandates for flying, with some pilots and airline employees protesting and taking legal action against the mandates. Pilots at Southwest and American Airlines have gone to court to block their employers' vaccine mandates, citing concerns about potential side effects and career-ending health issues. Some pilots have reported their colleagues dying, suffering strokes, or experiencing cardiovascular events after vaccination, leading to fears about flying with abnormal health conditions exacerbated by high altitudes. These concerns have been echoed by groups like Advocates for Citizens' Rights, which claims that vaccine mandates for pilots violate federal regulations and endanger pilots and passengers.
Labor unions have also been vocal in their opposition to corporate vaccine mandates, arguing that they could lead to labor shortages and service disruptions. Southwest Airlines' pilots' union, for instance, warned of potential labor shortages if the mandate was enforced, and Senator Ted Cruz criticized vaccine mandates, pointing to Southwest's cancellations as a result of the mandate. Additionally, online petitions have been created to oppose bills like H.R. 4980, which would require vaccination for air travel, with Americans expressing their disapproval of forced vaccination as a condition for flying.
While some have argued that vaccine mandates are essential for the airline industry's recovery, enabling freer travel and the reopening of borders, others have pushed back, prioritizing personal liberty and the potential impact on marginalized communities. The opposition to vaccination mandates for flying highlights the complex balance between public health, individual freedoms, and the practical considerations of the aviation industry.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to be vaccinated to fly in the US. However, the CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. Masks are mandatory on flights, regardless of vaccination status.
Non-US citizens travelling to the US from another country need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. They must also show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than three days before travel. There are exceptions for certain visa holders, children under 18, and people with medical contraindications to the vaccine.
This depends on the country. Some countries may require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Check the requirements for your destination before travelling.
