Chloe Ramirez
As of May 2024, you do not need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to fly domestically in the US. However, if you are travelling to the US from a foreign country, you may need to show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result from no more than three days before travel. This requirement applies to non-US citizens and non-US immigrants, but not to US citizens and permanent residents. It's important to note that requirements for air travel can change frequently, so it's recommended to check the specific requirements for your destination country before travelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination requirement for flying into the US | Not required, but proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test may be needed to waive mandatory quarantine. |
| Vaccination requirement for flying out of the US | Not required, but a negative COVID test or proof of recovery may be required. |
| Vaccination requirement for flying within the US | Not required. |
| Vaccination requirement for flying within the EU | Not required, but a "Green Pass" app is available to store travel credentials. |
| Vaccination requirement for flying to the UK | Not required, but unvaccinated travelers may need to self-quarantine. |
| Vaccination requirement for flying within the UK | Not required. |
| Vaccination requirement for other international flights | Depends on the destination country. |
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What You'll Learn
Flying to the US as a non-citizen
As of November 8, 2021, non-US citizens flying into the United States must be fully vaccinated. This requirement is part of a new international air travel policy introduced by the US government that applies to all foreign nationals. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires non-US citizens and non-immigrants aged 18 and over to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination before boarding a flight to the US, with only limited exceptions.
The CDC recommends that you do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. Even fully vaccinated travellers might be at increased risk of getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants. If you do travel, follow all CDC recommendations before, during, and after your trip.
If you are a non-US citizen who is a non-immigrant (not a US citizen, US national, lawful permanent resident, or travelling to the US on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before travelling by air to the US from a foreign country. 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 Order.
Individuals who fit the exception criteria described in the Presidential Proclamation and CDC's Amended Order may contact the US embassy or consulate in or nearest the country from which they are departing for the US. The embassy will then transmit the information to the CDC for consideration.
If you have a medical contraindication to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, you must show a letter from a licensed physician documenting the medical exemption to the airline or aircraft operator before boarding a flight to the US.
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Flying domestically in the US
As of April 2021, the CDC has stated that fully vaccinated people can travel safely within the US. This means that if you are more than two weeks out from receiving both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can fly domestically without quarantining. However, the CDC recommends adhering to social distancing guidelines and wearing masks while travelling. It is also advised that people wash or sanitize their hands frequently when travelling.
While being vaccinated is not a requirement for flying domestically in the US, the CDC recommends delaying travel until people are fully vaccinated. For those who are unvaccinated, the CDC recommends getting tested for COVID-19 one to three days before flying and three to five days after returning. They should also physically distance when possible and self-quarantine for seven days, even if they test negative for COVID-19. If people who are unvaccinated do not get tested after travelling, the CDC recommends self-quarantining for 10 days.
It is important to note that individual states or local governments may have their own travel restrictions in place, even for domestic flights. For example, as of June 2021, Hawaii requires either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to avoid a 10-day traveller quarantine. Therefore, it is recommended that travellers research any specific requirements for their destination or transit locations.
While vaccination is not required for domestic travel, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of oneself and others when flying within the US.
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Flying to Hawaii
As of July 2021, Hawaii had some of the strictest lockdown and travel measures of any US state. At the time, passengers faced different restrictions, with the relaxation of testing requirements for fully vaccinated Americans. However, as of March 26, 2022, the 'Safe Travels' program ended.
Currently, if you are planning to fly to Hawaii, you will need to take some precautions. Firstly, check the travel advisories for the state, and make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations. It is also advised that everyone aged 2 and above wears a well-fitting mask on public transportation.
If you are flying to Hawaii from outside the Hawaiian Islands, you must have a negative test result before your final departure. This test must be taken no more than 72 hours before the final leg of your trip and uploaded to the Safe Travels Hawaii website. Alternatively, you can upload your vaccination card to the Safe Travels website to bypass the quarantine requirement.
Once you arrive in Hawaii, you will need to follow local rules. For example, Honolulu has introduced the "Safe Access O'ahu" program, which requires patrons and employees of restaurants, bars, gyms, and theatres to be fully vaccinated to enter.
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Flying to Canada
As of October 30, 2021, all travellers aged 12 and older flying within Canada, to the US or another international destination from a Canadian airport must be fully vaccinated. However, there are certain exemptions to this rule. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals registered under the Indian Act are allowed to enter Canada without being fully vaccinated but must quarantine for 14 days and complete arrival and day eight COVID-19 tests. Exemptions also include immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens, certain foreign nationals, and international students, among others.
Foreign nationals who are not fully vaccinated may be permitted to enter if they can obtain a national interest exemption from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated due to a medical contraindication may also be allowed entry, provided they can supply evidence.
To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must have received a full series of a COVID-19 vaccine accepted by the Government of Canada (or a combination of accepted vaccines) at least 14 days before entering the country. Travellers must use ArriveCAN (available as a mobile app or online) to submit mandatory information digitally before boarding a flight to Canada. They must also submit their travel and contact information, quarantine plan, a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment, and proof of vaccination within 72 hours before arrival. Upon arrival in Canada, travellers will need to provide proof of vaccination and may be asked to complete an arrival test.
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Flying to Europe
When it comes to flying to Europe, the requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your vaccination status. Here are some key points to consider:
Country-Specific Requirements: Each European country may have its own specific entry requirements regarding vaccination and COVID-19 testing. For example, Greece, Iceland, Italy, and Croatia have been open to vaccinated travellers from the US, but they may also allow entry to unvaccinated travellers with a negative COVID-19 test. It's important to research the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit.
Vaccination Status: Many European countries consider travellers fully vaccinated if they have received a booster shot within a certain timeframe. This timeframe is typically 270 days (around nine months) since the last dose of their initial vaccination series. Without a recent booster, you may not be considered fully vaccinated, which could impact your entry requirements.
EU-Approved Vaccines: The European Union (EU) has stated that it will allow entry to vaccinated travellers who have received EU-approved vaccines. These include vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca. If you have received a different vaccine, you may need to check the EU's guidelines to understand how it may impact your travel plans.
Negative COVID-19 Test: Regardless of your vaccination status, some European countries may still require a negative COVID-19 test for entry. This is often required within 72 hours before departure. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit.
US-Specific Guidelines: For US citizens, the requirements may differ when travelling to Europe. While vaccinated Americans have been allowed to visit the EU, it is important to follow the specific rules and guidelines set by each European country. Additionally, when returning to the US by air, all travellers, regardless of vaccination status, need a negative COVID-19 test within three days of boarding the flight.
It is always recommended to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and guidelines provided by official government sources and health organizations. Requirements can change frequently, so it is essential to check for updates before planning your trip to Europe.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need to be fully vaccinated to fly domestically in the US. However, the CDC recommends that everyone be fully vaccinated before travelling.
Non-US citizens and non-immigrants are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before flying to the US. US citizens and permanent residents do not need to provide proof of vaccination to fly home from abroad, but they do need to present a negative COVID-19 test result.
It depends on the country. Many countries have lifted restrictions, but some may still require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. It's important to check the specific requirements for your destination country close to your travel date.
