Madison Clarke
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, and certain categories of non-citizens entering the US must be fully vaccinated. All travellers to the US, regardless of vaccination status, are required to present a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery. While being vaccinated is not mandatory for flying within the US, wearing a mask is still required.
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 within the US. | |
| The CDC recommends delaying international travel until travellers are fully vaccinated. | |
| Some countries may require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. | |
| Testing Requirements | All travellers flying to the US must show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than three days before travel. |
| Exemptions are made for those who show proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days. | |
| Testing requirements may vary for air passengers arriving in different state or local jurisdictions within the US. | |
| Mask Requirements | Wearing a mask is required on flights within the US, regardless of vaccination status. |
| The TSA's mask mandate is in effect through at least September 13. | |
| Legislation | A bill (H.R. 4980) was proposed to make it law that travellers must be vaccinated to fly, but it faced significant opposition and did not pass. |
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What You'll Learn
- Flying to the US: Non-US citizens must be fully vaccinated
- Flying in the US: Vaccination is not required
- Flying from the US: No testing needed if travelling to another US state
- Opposition to H.R. 4980: A bill that would make vaccination mandatory to fly
- Recommendations: The CDC recommends delaying travel until vaccinated
Flying to the US: Non-US citizens must be fully vaccinated
While there is no vaccination requirement for flying domestically in the US, there are rules in place for those travelling to the country from abroad. Non-US citizens who are nonimmigrants (not a US citizen, US national, lawful permanent resident, or travelling to the US on an immigrant visa) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before travelling by air to the US from a foreign country. This does not include the following:
- 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 (business) or B-2 (tourism) 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 the Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, or Secretary of Homeland Security (or their designees)
All travellers flying to the US must show either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than three days before travel. Vaccinated travellers are also advised to get a SARS-CoV-2 viral test 3-5 days after arriving in the US.
It is worth noting that some individual US states or territories may have their own testing requirements for air passengers arriving in their jurisdiction. It is always best to check and follow state and local recommendations or requirements.
There was a bill proposed to make it a legal requirement to be vaccinated to fly, but this was opposed and did not pass.
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Flying in the US: Vaccination is not required
As of June 2021, vaccination is not required to fly within the United States. While the CDC recommends delaying travel until individuals are fully vaccinated, it is not mandatory when travelling domestically. However, wearing a mask is still required on flights and in airports, regardless of vaccination status. This mandate is in effect until at least September 13, 2021.
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 travelling. Alternatively, they can show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days. Fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from self-quarantine upon arrival in the US but are advised to take a SARS-CoV-2 viral test 3-5 days after travel.
There was an attempt to introduce a bill that would make vaccination mandatory for air travel in the US, but it did not pass. Petitions were signed by Americans to oppose this bill, citing the importance of freedom to travel and the potential impact on marginalised communities.
It is worth noting that individual state and local governments may have their own testing requirements for air passengers arriving in their jurisdictions, so it is important to check and follow these guidelines in addition to federal recommendations.
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Flying from the US: No testing needed if travelling to another US state
As of June 2021, vaccination is not a requirement for flying domestically in the US. 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.
If you are travelling within the US, you do not need to get tested before, during, or after your trip. However, you must wear a mask, regardless of your vaccination status. The TSA's mask mandate was in effect until at least September 13, 2021.
If you are a US citizen, you do not need to show proof of vaccination to board a flight within the US. However, if you are a non-US citizen travelling to the US from a foreign country, you will need to show proof of vaccination. Additionally, all travellers entering the US from another country are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before travel. Exemptions are made for those who show proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
It is important to note that individual state and local governments may have their own testing requirements for air passengers arriving in their jurisdictions. Therefore, it is always recommended to check and follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel, in addition to federal requirements.
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Opposition to H.R. 4980: A bill that would make vaccination mandatory to fly
H.R. 4980, a bill that would make vaccination mandatory for air travel, has faced significant opposition from those who argue that it infringes on Americans' freedom to travel and other fundamental rights. The bill, introduced by Mr. Torres of New York, aims to ensure that individuals travelling by air within or to the United States are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, critics argue that such a mandate would disproportionately affect marginalized communities, who are among the least vaccinated Americans, thereby entrenching socioeconomic disparities. Additionally, the bill is seen as an imposition on individual liberty and a potential hindrance to those whose livelihoods depend on the airline industry.
The opposition to H.R. 4980 emphasizes the belief that freedom to travel is a fundamental right, which underpins other rights such as who we visit, where we go, and how we express ourselves. By requiring vaccination as a condition for air travel, the bill is perceived to restrict this freedom and limit individuals' ability to make their own medical choices. Opponents argue that Americans should not be subject to forced vaccination as a prerequisite for flying, and that showing strong opposition to the bill early in the legislative process is crucial to preventing it from progressing further.
The potential impact of H.R. 4980 on marginalized communities has also been a central concern for opponents. The bill could disproportionately affect those who are least vaccinated, often due to limited access to healthcare or systemic barriers. As a result, the legislation may contribute to widening socioeconomic disparities and further marginalize vulnerable groups. Opponents argue that defending the economic livelihoods and Constitutional rights of these communities is a critical reason to reject H.R. 4980.
Additionally, the bill has faced resistance from those concerned about the practical implications for the airline industry and its workers. H.R. 4980 could significantly affect airline employees and those whose livelihoods depend on the industry. Opponents argue that mandating vaccination as a requirement for air travel could disrupt the industry and have unintended consequences for those who work within it or rely on it for their economic well-being.
In conclusion, the opposition to H.R. 4980 centers around concerns regarding individual liberty, the entrenchment of socioeconomic disparities, and the potential impact on the airline industry. Critics argue that mandating vaccination as a requirement for air travel infringes on fundamental rights and disproportionately affects marginalized communities, while also raising practical concerns for those involved in the airline industry. Strong opposition to the bill is intended to prevent it from progressing further in the legislative process and protect the rights and freedoms of Americans.
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Recommendations: The CDC recommends delaying travel until vaccinated
While the CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated, it is not a requirement for travelling within the United States. However, if you are travelling to the United States from a foreign country, you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than three days before travel. Alternatively, you can show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days. Vaccinated travellers are still advised to take a SARS-CoV-2 viral test 3-5 days after arriving in the United States.
For those who are unvaccinated, the CDC has specific recommendations for flying domestically. Regardless of vaccination status, wearing a mask is still mandatory on flights in the United States.
If you are a non-US citizen who is a nonimmigrant, you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before travelling by air to the United States from a foreign country. However, there are exceptions to this rule. These include persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel, children under 18 years of age, and those with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
State and local governments may have their own testing requirements for air passengers arriving in their jurisdictions, so it is important to check and follow these recommendations or requirements.
While vaccination is not a requirement for flying, it is important to prioritise your health and well-being while travelling. Travel vaccinations can lower your risk of diseases like typhoid, malaria, and yellow fever. Consulting with a travel doctor can provide tailored advice and guidance on staying healthy during your trip.
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Frequently asked questions
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 Amended Order. People entering the US from a foreign country, regardless of vaccination status, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test that was taken no more than three days before travelling.
No, being vaccinated is not a requirement to fly on a plane in the US. However, wearing a mask is still required, regardless of vaccination status.
Generally, the recommendations for flying domestically also apply to flying internationally. However, each country has its own requirements, and some may require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
