Trevor James
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted travel, with various countries implementing vaccination and testing requirements for incoming travellers. While some countries, such as the United States, previously mandated proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests for incoming international travellers, these requirements have since been lifted. As of May 12, 2023, non-citizen non-immigrant travellers to the US are no longer required to show proof of vaccination. However, individual airlines may have their own policies, with some urging travellers to delay travel until they are fully vaccinated. Additionally, countries like Canada advise against travelling if symptomatic and recommend wearing masks on planes and other forms of transportation. While vaccination requirements for air travel have evolved, staying informed about the latest guidelines for your destination is essential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination Requirements | Airlines are not requiring passengers to provide proof of vaccination. However, some countries may require it for entry. |
| Negative Test Requirements | Some countries may require proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before entry. The CDC no longer requires this for entry to the US as of May 12, 2023. |
| Mask Requirements | Masks are no longer required on flights in the US, but the CDC still recommends wearing them. Masks are also recommended but not mandatory in Canada. |
| Safety Recommendations | The CDC recommends staying in accommodations with fully vaccinated people and avoiding crowded places when travelling. |
| Medical Contraindications | If you have a medical reason for not being vaccinated, you must provide a letter from a licensed physician before boarding a flight to the US. |
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What You'll Learn
- Flying to the US: Non-citizens no longer need proof of vaccination
- Flying from the US: No vaccination proof required
- Safety tips: CDC recommends avoiding hotels and crowded areas
- Mask mandates: No longer required on flights, but recommended
- Medical exemption: A letter from a licensed physician is required
Flying to the US: Non-citizens no longer need proof of vaccination
As of 12:01 a.m. EDT on May 12, 2023, noncitizen, nonimmigrant air passengers are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine before boarding a flight to the United States. This means that noncitizen, nonimmigrant travellers to the US will not need to provide proof of vaccination under the same vaccine standards as air travellers. Until June 12, 2022, a separate CDC order required all air travellers, regardless of citizenship, to show a negative coronavirus test result from a sample taken the day before their flight's departure from a foreign country. This pre-departure testing order was also rescinded on June 12, 2022.
The CDC recommends that everyone delay travel until they are fully vaccinated, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) previously extended a federal mask mandate until January 2022, requiring everyone in airports and on planes to wear face coverings. While masks are no longer required on flights, the CDC still recommends wearing them.
The risk of contracting the virus is far less likely if you are vaccinated. However, keeping your distance on crowded flights can be difficult, and sitting within 6 feet of others for hours may increase your chances of getting COVID-19. The CDC also provides tips for safety regarding accommodations, food, and outdoor activities while travelling. They recommend staying in a house or cabin with people from your household or with fully vaccinated people, visiting fully vaccinated friends or family, and avoiding hotels, hostels, and densely populated areas. Regarding food, they suggest bringing and preparing your own meals, using drive-thru and contactless delivery options, and avoiding indoor dining and buffets. They also recommend avoiding camping with people outside your household or those who are not fully vaccinated.
Some US states, such as California and New York, have created official digital credentials that allow individuals to verify their COVID-19 immunization record and convert it into a scannable QR code on their phones. However, the paper card given at the time of vaccination is accepted as proof of immunization everywhere.
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Flying from the US: No vaccination proof required
As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before boarding a flight to the United States. This means that if you are flying from the US, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination.
However, it is important to note that this policy only applies to international air travelers entering the US. The vaccination requirements for US citizens or immigrants flying within the US or departing from the US are not explicitly mentioned in the current guidelines. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the relevant authorities or airlines for the specific requirements applicable to your situation.
While vaccination proof is not required for flying from the US, other safety measures and recommendations are in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission during air travel. For example, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) previously had a federal mask mandate that required everyone in the airport and on the plane to wear face coverings. Although this mandate has since been lifted, the CDC still recommends wearing masks while traveling to reduce the risk of infection.
Additionally, the CDC previously required all air travelers, regardless of citizenship, to show negative COVID-19 test results or documentation of recovery before boarding flights to the US. This requirement was rescinded on June 12, 2022, meaning that as of that date, passengers are no longer required to provide negative test results when flying to the US. However, individual airlines may still request passengers to provide negative test results or proof of recovery, depending on the specific country of departure and the airline's policies. Therefore, it is essential to check with your airline before traveling.
Furthermore, the CDC recommends several safety tips for accommodations, food, and outdoor activities while traveling. They suggest staying in vacation rentals with fully vaccinated individuals, visiting fully vaccinated friends or family, avoiding densely populated areas, and preparing your own food or utilizing contactless delivery options. By following these recommendations, travelers can reduce their risk of COVID-19 exposure and contribute to a safer travel experience.
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Safety tips: CDC recommends avoiding hotels and crowded areas
As of August 2023, airlines are not requiring passengers to provide proof of vaccination. However, the CDC urges everyone to delay travel until they are fully vaccinated. Airlines like American, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines have all told staff that they must be vaccinated against COVID-19 under the Biden administration's federal contractor rules. United Airlines has reported that over 96% of its staff is vaccinated.
The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel, as travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. However, if you do choose to travel, the CDC has provided several safety tips to follow:
- Stay in a house or cabin with people from your household or fully vaccinated people.
- Visit fully vaccinated family members or friends.
- Avoid hotels, hostels, and densely populated areas.
- Bring and prepare your own food or order takeout.
- Use drive-thru, contactless delivery, and curbside pick-up options.
- Avoid indoor dining and buffet-style eating.
- Avoid camping with people outside your household or those who are not fully vaccinated.
- Avoid face-to-face encounters and wear a face covering when outside your room.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Avoid common areas such as gyms, restaurants, and lobbies.
- Maintain a distance of at least six feet from others outside your travel party.
- Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and doors.
- Bring your own cleaning supplies and wipe down high-contact surfaces.
- Check if the hotel is following CDC and EPA guidelines, as well as state and local disinfection guidelines.
- Opt for facilities with reduced occupancy, contactless check-in/check-out, and a minimum vacancy period between guests.
- Avoid buffets, self-serve, and valet parking when dining in.
- Practice frequent handwashing, especially after touching high-contact surfaces.
- Wear a face covering and maintain social distancing when outside the pool or open water.
- Ask about the facility's safety protocols, such as enhanced cleaning and restricted capacity.
- Be aware of your surroundings, including large crowds, and work your way to the edge of the crowd when possible.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid bug bites by using insect repellent.
- Choose safe food and drinks to prevent travelers' diarrhea and other diseases.
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Mask mandates: No longer required on flights, but recommended
As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before boarding a flight to the United States. This change was implemented by the Biden administration, which also ended the COVID-19 public health emergency. Previously, the CDC had urged travelers to delay travel until they were fully vaccinated, and airlines were required to confirm passengers' vaccination status.
While mask mandates on flights have also been lifted, the CDC still recommends wearing masks, especially when sitting within 6 feet/2 meters of others for extended periods. The CDC also provides tips for safer air travel, such as staying in a house or cabin with vaccinated people, visiting fully vaccinated friends or family, and avoiding hotels and densely populated areas.
Some countries, like Canada, have also lifted mask requirements on planes and trains but strongly recommend wearing masks while traveling. In the past, Canada required symptomatic individuals to inform flight attendants or relevant staff and undergo a health assessment.
Although vaccination is no longer mandated for air travel, it remains essential to follow local guidelines and take necessary precautions to ensure safe and healthy travel. It is worth noting that the risk of contracting the virus while traveling is reduced if one is vaccinated.
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Medical exemption: A letter from a licensed physician is required
While some countries and airlines have strict vaccination requirements for entry, there are usually exemptions for those with a valid reason for not being vaccinated. One such exemption is a medical contraindication, which requires documentation from a licensed physician.
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from getting vaccinated, you will need to provide a letter from your doctor stating this. This letter must be signed and dated on official letterhead, including the doctor's credentials, patient details, and specific travel restriction dates. It must also include the contact information (name, address, and phone number) of the licensed healthcare provider. In addition, the letter should clearly state that you have a medical contraindication to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, specifying the vaccine product and the medical condition. This documentation must be presented to the airline or aircraft operator before boarding.
It is important to note that each airline may have its own specific requirements and timeframes for submitting medical documentation. For example, British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair require "not fit to fly" letters to be submitted at least 48 hours before departure. On the other hand, most UK airlines require medical documentation to be submitted at least 7 days before the scheduled flight, and 14-21 days in advance for complex medical cases. Therefore, it is essential to check with your airline well in advance of your travel date to ensure that you meet their specific requirements.
Additionally, some countries may have specific entry requirements regarding vaccination status and medical exemptions. For example, until June 12, 2022, the CDC required all air travelers to the United States to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recovery. As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers are no longer required to show proof of vaccination to enter the US. However, it is always recommended to check the latest travel advisories and requirements for your destination country to ensure compliance with any vaccination or testing mandates.
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Frequently asked questions
No, as of May 12, 2023, you no longer need to show proof of vaccination to board a flight to the US. However, the CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.
No, airlines are not requiring passengers to provide proof of vaccination. However, some countries may require you to show proof of vaccination upon arrival.
No, as of June 12, 2022, the CDC no longer requires air passengers traveling to the US to show a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery before boarding.
The CDC recommends staying in a house or cabin with people from your household or fully vaccinated individuals. It also suggests avoiding hotels, hostels, and densely populated areas, as well as indoor dining. Additionally, wearing a high-quality and well-fitted mask on the plane is recommended.
