Logan Reed
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed travel requirements, with many countries implementing new rules and restrictions. In the United States, federal testing requirements must be met to board a plane, and these may differ depending on the state. While vaccination status is not always a requirement for domestic travel within the US, it is necessary for foreign nationals flying to the country, who must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test. US citizens and permanent residents returning home from abroad are exempt from providing proof of vaccination but must show a negative COVID-19 test result.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination requirement for flying in the US | Non-US citizens and non-immigrants must show proof of full vaccination before flying to the US |
| Testing requirements | All travelers must show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery |
| Quarantine requirements | Travelers flying into certain states, such as New York, may be required to quarantine or follow specific state guidelines |
| Exemptions | Medical contraindications, humanitarian or emergency exceptions, and citizens of countries with limited vaccine availability may be exempt from vaccination requirements |
| Mask requirements | Masks are generally not required in outdoor settings, but recommended in crowded areas or when interacting with unvaccinated individuals |
| Digital passports | Some airlines and states are developing or using digital passports or health apps to store test results, vaccination records, and travel guidelines |
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What You'll Learn
Non-US citizens must be vaccinated to fly to the US
As of January 2022, all inbound foreign national travelers entering the US via land ports of entry (POE) or ferry terminals must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination. This requirement applies to both essential and non-essential travel. Non-citizen travelers 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 US without appropriate documentation, including proof of vaccination, may be subject to expulsion or removal.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) outlines the specific requirements for proof of COVID-19 vaccination on its website. US citizens returning to the country through these entry points are reminded to bring a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document, such as a valid US passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, Enhanced Driver's License, or Enhanced Tribal Card. They may be requested to present these documents to a CBP officer during a border inspection.
It is worth noting that the vaccination requirements for non-US citizens flying into the US may differ from those for land or ferry arrivals. While there may not be a mandatory vaccination requirement for air travel, it is advisable to check the latest guidelines provided by the US government and the CDC before planning your trip. Additionally, individual airlines may have their own policies and requirements regarding COVID-19 vaccination for international flights.
To summarize, while non-US citizens must be vaccinated to enter the US via land or ferry terminals, the requirements for air travel may vary. It is essential to stay informed about the latest guidelines and plan your travel accordingly.
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Exemptions for unvaccinated foreign nationals
- Children under 18 years of age.
- Certain COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial participants.
- Individuals travelling for emergency or humanitarian reasons.
- Travellers on non-tourist visas from countries with low-vaccine availability (as determined by the CDC).
- Members of the armed forces and their immediate families.
- Airline crew.
- Ship crew.
- Diplomats and their families.
Unvaccinated foreign nationals who qualify for an exception must adhere to specific requirements, such as providing proof of a negative viral test taken within one day of travel to the United States or furnishing evidence of recent recovery from COVID-19. Additionally, children between the ages of 2 and 17 travelling with a fully vaccinated adult are subject to the standard three-day testing requirement. It is important to note that unvaccinated individuals may encounter stricter testing protocols and are encouraged to refer to the CDC and official government sources for the most up-to-date information.
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US citizens don't need proof of vaccination to fly home
US citizens do not need proof of vaccination to fly domestically. The CDC recommends that unvaccinated people get tested with a viral test one to three days before embarking on a trip and get tested again three to five days after returning. The CDC also recommends that unvaccinated people self-quarantine for seven days, even if they test negative, or for 10 days if they don't get tested after traveling. However, these are only recommendations, not prerequisites.
Hawaii is an exception to this rule, as it does not require quarantining or pre-travel testing if travelers provide proof of vaccination. However, a negative COVID-19 test is required to avoid a 10-day traveler quarantine.
For international flights, non-US citizens who are non-immigrants (not a US citizen, US national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the US on an immigrant visa) need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling by air to the US from a foreign country. They also need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before traveling. However, US citizens do not need proof of vaccination to fly into the US from another country.
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Testing requirements for US-bound flights
As of May 2022, there is no requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to fly within the US. However, the CDC recommends that unvaccinated people get tested for COVID-19 three to five days after flying and self-quarantine for seven days, even with a negative test result. If you cannot or choose not to get tested, the CDC recommends self-quarantining for 10 days.
For those flying to the US from another country, the requirements are stricter. Non-US citizens who are non-immigrants (not a US citizen, US national, lawful permanent resident, or travelling to the US on an immigrant visa) must show proof of full vaccination before boarding a flight to the US. There is no requirement for a booster dose. However, all air passengers aged two and over, including US citizens and residents, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before departure, regardless of vaccination status or nationality. This test can be either a PCR or antigen test. If you have recovered from COVID-19 within the past three months, you must provide proof of a positive test taken in the past three months before your flight and a letter from your doctor stating that you are cleared to travel. If you recovered from COVID-19 more than three months ago, you must retest and show proof of negative results before boarding your flight.
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State-specific travel advisories
The US Department of State issues travel advisories for US citizens travelling abroad, which include four levels of increasing risk. These advisories are regularly reviewed and updated.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs. By enrolling in STEP, travellers can receive email updates and alerts about their destination country, as well as stay in direct contact with the local US embassy during an emergency.
New York State
Travellers flying into New York from a non-contiguous state must either quarantine for 10 days or test out. To test out, travellers must obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 3 days of departure and, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days. On the fourth day, another test must be taken. If both tests are negative, the traveller may exit quarantine. Travellers from contiguous states are exempt from this advisory but must complete a Traveler Health Form.
United States
All non-US citizens and non-immigrant passengers entering the United States by air must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. However, this rule does not apply to travel within the United States.
It is recommended that travellers get vaccinated for hepatitis B and seasonal influenza before travelling to the United States. While not required, vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, meningococcal disease, and others may also be considered based on individual travel plans.
Please note that travel advisories and requirements can change frequently. It is important to review official sources and consult local health authorities for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need to be vaccinated to fly within the US. However, you may need to follow state guidelines and regulations, such as quarantining or filling out a health form.
Yes, non-US citizens must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 before flying to the US. Exemptions are made for those with a valid medical reason or an emergency.
Yes, all travellers to the US must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 3 days before travel, regardless of vaccination status.
Yes, masks are still required on planes, even if you are fully vaccinated.
It depends on the requirements of your destination country. Some countries may require proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or even both.
