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, and a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery is required for all passengers entering the US from a foreign country. International travel requirements may vary depending on the destination country, with some countries mandating vaccination for visitors. Additionally, specific state and local governments may have their own testing requirements for air passengers. While vaccination is not mandated for flying within the US, wearing a mask is still required by the TSA regardless of vaccination status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination requirement for flying domestically in the US | Not required |
| Vaccination requirement for flying to the US from a foreign country | Required |
| 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 would be in the national interest |
| Mask mandate for flying domestically in the US | Required |
| Recommendation by CDC for flying domestically in the US | Delay until fully vaccinated |
| Recommendation by Dr. Fauci, Chief Medical Adviser to President Joe Biden | Should be considered for domestic flights |
| Opposition to vaccination requirement for flying | Violation of freedom to travel, negative impact on families with young children |
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What You'll Learn
- There is no vaccination requirement for flying domestically in the US
- International travel to the US requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test
- Vaccination requirements for other countries vary
- Travel vaccinations are available for diseases like typhoid, malaria and yellow fever
- Bills have been proposed to make vaccination mandatory for flying in the US
There is no vaccination requirement for flying domestically in the US
As of August 11, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine is only mandatory for international travel to some countries. Some countries require proof of vaccination on arrival, while others do not. Even if a country does not require vaccination, it may still enforce other rules such as quarantine or a negative COVID-19 test.
The CDC recommends that you do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. The CDC also recommends that all travelers get fully vaccinated against measles before traveling internationally.
There is currently no vaccination requirement for flying domestically in the US. However, White House officials have hinted at the possibility of mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for domestic air travel. President Biden has stated that he is "assessing the feasibility" of using immunity proof for pandemic travel.
Democratic Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia has proposed legislation that would require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours of travel for domestic flights or Amtrak trips. This legislation aims to make travel safer and more comfortable for Americans by minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
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International travel to the US requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test
The tourism sector is in flux as governments continuously update travel guidance and coronavirus vaccination rates fluctuate globally. Currently, there are very few countries that allow only vaccinated travellers to enter, but this could change as more people become immunised.
For international travel to the US, there is no requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, all travellers entering the US from a foreign country, regardless of vaccination status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken no more than three days before travelling. Alternatively, travellers can provide proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days. This should include documentation of a recent positive viral test and a letter from a healthcare provider or public health official stating that the patient was cleared to travel.
It is important to note that individual states or localities within the US may have their own travel restrictions, even for domestic flights. For example, as of June 21, 2021, Hawaii requires a negative COVID-19 test to avoid a 10-day traveller quarantine.
Digital Passports
Several airlines, including American Airlines, United, and JetBlue, are testing digital passports or health apps that can be used to upload and verify vaccination documents or test results. These apps will check the requirements of your destination to ensure you are authorised to travel.
The CDC recommends delaying travel until individuals are fully vaccinated. However, if travel is necessary, it is essential to plan ahead and check the latest COVID-19 entry requirements and restrictions for arriving travellers. This information can be found on the State Department's website or the @TravelGov Country Information page.
Please note that this answer is based on information retrieved on March 2, 2021, and the situation may have changed since then. It is always advisable to refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date information.
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Vaccination requirements for other countries vary
While there is no universal requirement to be vaccinated to fly, some countries have implemented specific regulations regarding vaccination for air travel. For example, the United States requires non-U.S. citizens who are nonimmigrants to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 before boarding a flight from a foreign country. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as for individuals with medical contraindications or those participating in COVID-19 vaccine trials.
The need for boosters can depend on the specific vaccine and the time elapsed since the last dose. Travel doctors can help determine if a booster is necessary for your travel plans. Additionally, some countries may require proof of vaccination upon entry, so it is advisable to carry your vaccination card or certificate.
It is worth noting that some countries may have proposed or considered bills mandating vaccination for air travel. For instance, there was opposition to H.R. 4980, a bill in Texas, which aimed to make it a law that individuals must be vaccinated to fly. However, such bills have faced significant resistance, with petitions emphasizing the importance of freedom to travel and opposition to forced vaccination requirements.
Staying up-to-date with the latest information from official sources, such as government websites and health authorities, is crucial when planning international travel. By prioritizing your health and well-being, you can ensure that your journey is both safe and enjoyable.
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Travel vaccinations are available for diseases like typhoid, malaria and yellow fever
Vaccinations are not required for all flights or travel. However, it is essential to prioritise your health and well-being while travelling, including being aware of the necessary vaccinations for your destination. Vaccinations are available for diseases like typhoid, malaria, and yellow fever.
Typhoid fever is a serious illness caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria, which is often found in areas with poor sanitation. It is spread through contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. The best form of protection is vaccination, which can be obtained from healthcare providers or travel clinics.
Malaria prevention typically involves taking anti-malarial medication before, during, and after travel to high-risk areas. Mosquito avoidance measures, such as insect repellent, insecticide-treated nets, and protective clothing, are also recommended.
Yellow fever vaccine requirements vary by country and are typically based on the risk of virus transmission. The CDC and WHO provide country-specific information on yellow fever risk and vaccination requirements. Authorised yellow fever vaccine centres offer vaccinations and other pre-travel health services.
While there is no universal requirement for vaccinations to fly, specific countries or territories may have their own regulations. For example, the United States requires non-citizen nonimmigrants to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination before entering the country by air, with some exceptions. Additionally, proposed bills, such as H.R. 4980, have suggested mandating vaccination for air travel, but these have faced opposition.
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Bills have been proposed to make vaccination mandatory for flying in the US
As of 2025, Florida's top leaders have pledged to cancel all vaccine mandates in the state, including those for diseases like polio and measles for children to attend public schools. The DeSantis administration has pushed to eliminate all vaccine mandates in Florida, with Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo stating that "your body is a gift from God" and that the government does not have the right to dictate what people put into their bodies.
However, in 2021, there were proposed bills at the state and federal levels to make vaccination mandatory for air travel in the US. At the state level, Assemblymember Rosenthal proposed a bill in the New York State Assembly that would make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for New Yorkers if the state did not develop sufficient immunity from the virus. The bill also aimed to provide the vaccine at no cost to all New York State residents. Rosenthal's statement expressed concern about the increasing anti-science and anti-vax rhetoric, which could endanger public health, damage the economy, and delay a return to normalcy.
At the federal level, H.R. 4980 was a proposed bill that would have made it mandatory to be vaccinated to fly. This bill faced significant opposition, with petitions stating that Americans do not want forced vaccination to fly and emphasizing the importance of freedom to travel as a fundamental right.
While there have been efforts to make vaccination mandatory for flying in the US, it is important to note that these were proposed bills, and the current direction in states like Florida is towards eliminating vaccine mandates across the board.
When it comes to international travel, the US has implemented requirements for non-US citizens who are nonimmigrants to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before travelling by air to the country. However, there are exceptions to this rule for specific categories of individuals, such as those on diplomatic or official foreign government travel, children under 18, and persons with documented medical contraindications to the COVID-19 vaccine.
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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're fully vaccinated.
Non-US citizens who are non-immigrants need to show proof of being fully vaccinated before flying to the US from a foreign country. There are exceptions for certain groups, including children under 18, diplomats, and people with documented medical contraindications to the vaccine.
Yes, all travellers to the US, regardless of vaccination status, are required to show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before travel. Alternatively, they can show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
Yes, Hawaii has specific entry requirements. Visitors who are not fully vaccinated must submit a negative COVID-19 test to avoid a 10-day quarantine.
There was an attempt to pass a bill (H.R. 4980) that would have made vaccination mandatory for air travel in the US. However, this bill faced significant opposition and did not become law.
