
As of 2021, vaccination is not a requirement for flying domestically in the United States. However, for international travel, some countries may require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. While the CDC recommends delaying travel until individuals are fully vaccinated, it is not mandatory for flying within the US. People travelling to the US from foreign countries must present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recovery, and some state and local governments may enforce additional testing requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination requirements for flying | No, you don't have to be vaccinated to fly in the United States. However, some countries may require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for international travel. |
| CDC recommendations | The CDC recommends delaying travel until individuals are fully vaccinated, but it is not a requirement for domestic travel within the US. |
| Mask requirements | Wearing a mask is still required when flying within the US, regardless of vaccination status. |
| Testing requirements | For international travel to the US, all passengers must present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recovery, in addition to proof of vaccination if applicable. Testing requirements may vary for different states and local jurisdictions. |
| Exemptions | Exemptions may be granted for emergency travel, diplomats, special visa holders, and certain categories of noncitizen nonimmigrants. |
| Side effects | Vaccinations are generally safe, but mild side effects may include soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever. Serious side effects are rare. |
| Booster shots | The need for a booster shot depends on the specific vaccine and the time since the last dose. A booster dose is not required for meeting the vaccination requirement for entry into the US. |
| Online resources | Websites like MyHealthcare Clinic offer guidance on travel vaccinations and allow users to book vaccinations online. |
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What You'll Learn
- Flying to the US: Non-US citizens must be fully vaccinated
- Flying from the US: No vaccination needed, but a negative test may be required
- Flying domestically in the US: No vaccination needed, but masks are mandatory
- Flying elsewhere: Check with your airline about vaccination and testing requirements
- Vaccination side effects: Typically mild, but serious side effects are rare

Flying to the US: Non-US citizens must be fully vaccinated
While there is no vaccination requirement for flying domestically within the US, there are rules in place for those flying to the US from another country. 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 flying to the US. There are some 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
- 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, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than three days before travel or provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19. Vaccinated travellers are also recommended to get a SARS-CoV-2 viral test 3-5 days after arriving in the US, but they do not need to self-quarantine.
It is worth noting that some US states and territories may have their own testing requirements for air passengers arriving in their jurisdictions, so it is important to check and follow any additional state and local recommendations or requirements.
There was a bill proposed to make it a legal requirement to be vaccinated to fly, but it was met with opposition and did not pass.
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Flying from the US: No vaccination needed, but a negative test may be required
As of June 2021, vaccinations are not required for flying domestically within the United States. However, the CDC recommends delaying travel until individuals are fully vaccinated. This is especially important for international travel, as some countries may require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
For those travelling to the US from another country, different rules apply. Non-US citizens who are non-immigrants (not a US citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident) must show proof of full vaccination before entering the country by air. However, there are exceptions to this rule, including for those with documented medical contraindications to the vaccine, children under 18, and participants in certain vaccine trials.
Regardless of vaccination status, all travellers entering the US from a foreign country are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before travel. Alternatively, they can provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days. These requirements may vary depending on state and local government regulations, so it is important to check the specific rules for your destination.
While being vaccinated is not a requirement for flying domestically in the US, wearing a mask is still mandatory, regardless of vaccination status. The TSA's mask mandate was in effect until at least September 13, 2021, and it is important to stay updated with any extensions of this mandate.
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Flying domestically in the US: No vaccination needed, but masks are mandatory
While the CDC recommends delaying travel until individuals are fully vaccinated, vaccination is not a requirement for flying domestically in the US. However, masks are mandatory for all passengers, regardless of vaccination status, and this mandate is in effect until at least September 13, 2022.
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, are required to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken no more than three days before travelling. Exceptions are made for those who show proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days. Fully vaccinated international travellers are still recommended to get a SARS-CoV-2 viral test three to five days after travel, but they do not need to self-quarantine.
There was an attempt to pass a bill that would make vaccination mandatory for air travel in the US, but it was met with opposition and did not pass.
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Flying elsewhere: Check with your airline about vaccination and testing requirements
While vaccination is not a requirement for flying domestically in the United States, it is recommended that you get vaccinated before travelling. The CDC advises delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated, and you must follow federal, state, and local recommendations or requirements.
If you are flying to the US from another country, you must show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than three days before travelling, or provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days. If you are fully vaccinated, you must also show proof of vaccination.
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 you travel by air to the US from a foreign country. However, there are exceptions to this rule, including for people on diplomatic or official foreign government travel, children under 18, and people with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Some countries may require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19, so it is important to check the requirements of your destination country. For example, people travelling to Hawaii from within the US must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to avoid a 10-day quarantine.
It is also important to check with your airline about vaccination and testing requirements, as these may vary depending on the airline and your specific circumstances. Some airlines may offer testing options or allow you to change your flight to transit through a location where you can get tested before boarding your final flight to the US.
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Vaccination side effects: Typically mild, but serious side effects are rare
While there is no universal rule that requires travellers to be vaccinated to fly, some countries do have specific regulations in place. For example, non-U.S. citizens who are non-immigrants must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 before flying to the United States. Similarly, a bill was proposed in Texas, which, if passed, would require travellers to be vaccinated to fly. However, this bill faced significant opposition.
When it comes to vaccination side effects, it's important to understand that they are typically mild and temporary. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and approval processes to ensure their safety. Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, redness, swelling, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and muscle or joint pain. These symptoms are usually short-lived and not cause for concern.
In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur. For instance, a small number of people may experience severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis, which can be treated if identified promptly. Additionally, there have been reports of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare condition where the immune system attacks the nerves, following certain vaccines. The risk of GBS is estimated to be around 10 cases per 1 million vaccinated adults aged 60 or older.
While these serious side effects are possible, they are extremely rare. The vast majority of people experience only minor side effects or none at all. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination, as vaccines provide essential protection against serious diseases. By consulting with healthcare professionals, individuals can make informed decisions about their vaccination needs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.
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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 against COVID-19 before flying to the US. There are some exceptions, including medical contraindications and emergency travel.
Yes, all travellers to the US need to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than three days before travel. Alternatively, you can show documentation of recovery from COVID-19.
Yes, wearing a mask is required on planes in the US, regardless of your vaccination status.
Yes, there was an attempt to pass a bill that would make it mandatory to be vaccinated to fly. However, this bill was opposed and did not become law.





































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