Trevor James
As the world continues to battle COVID-19, travel restrictions and requirements have been changing rapidly. While some countries are opening their borders to vaccinated travellers, others are imposing stricter rules, such as proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry. In some cases, even full vaccination may not be enough for entry into certain countries. Additionally, airline professionals and passengers are taking a stand against vaccine passports, with groups like Free to Fly advocating for the freedom of choice and raising concerns about the rapid implementation of vaccine requirements. These changing requirements and opposing viewpoints leave travellers wondering if vaccine shots will become mandatory for air travel.
Do you have to have a vaccine shot to fly?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do you need to be vaccinated to fly? | It depends on where you are travelling. |
| US citizens travelling on a domestic flight within the country | Do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination to fly. |
| US citizens returning to the US | All COVID-19 entry requirements have been dropped. US citizens do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination. |
| Flying to Canada | Need to show proof of vaccination before boarding. |
| Flying to European countries | Most travellers must have received a booster shot to be qualified as fully vaccinated. |
| Flying to countries where vaccines are not easily available | May need to go to a designated vaccine centre, e.g. for the yellow fever vaccine. |
| Flying with United Airlines | Vaccination is mandated for employees. |
| Flying with Emirates, American, Delta, and Southwest | Vaccination is encouraged for employees but not mandatory. |
| Flying with El Al | All customer-facing staff, including check-in agents, security, and crew, are vaccinated. |
| Flying with Etihad | The first airline to vaccinate its entire onboard crew against COVID-19. |
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What You'll Learn
It depends on your destination
Whether or not you need to be vaccinated to fly depends on your destination. If you are a US citizen travelling on a domestic flight within the country, you do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination. However, vaccination requirements will vary depending on your destination if you are flying from the US to a foreign country.
For example, if you are flying to Canada, you will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding your flight. On the other hand, US citizens returning to the US do not need to be vaccinated and will not be asked to show proof of vaccination.
To find out the vaccination rules for your destination, you can look up the country-specific page on the US State Department website. The "entry, exit, and visa requirements" section will provide the information you need. It's important to note that the definition of "fully vaccinated" can vary by country. Many European countries, for instance, do not consider travellers to be fully vaccinated if more than 270 days have passed since the last dose of their initial vaccination series. As a result, most travellers must receive a booster shot to qualify as fully vaccinated.
Additionally, it is recommended that you bring a copy of your official immunization records with you when you travel. Some vaccines require multiple doses, so it is best to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible to ensure you are fully vaccinated before your trip.
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Vaccination rules for different countries
The vaccination rules for flying vary across different countries. Here are the rules for some countries:
United States
The CDC recommends that air travellers be fully vaccinated before flying, regardless of the risk level in the country they are visiting. They also suggest keeping track of the ever-changing guidelines and restrictions for your destination. Some states in the US, like Samoa, require a minimum 21-day quarantine for all incoming passengers.
Australia
Most international airlines flying into Australia are likely to accept only vaccinated passengers. Qantas, for example, announced it would only accept fully immunised travellers on its international services. However, the Qatar Airways policy is less clear, stating that it has been carrying passengers regardless of their vaccination status.
Egypt, Israel, and some European countries
These countries insist on a PCR test before flying into their airports. A positive result means the trip is off. Additionally, in Israel, you cannot leave Ben Gurion Airport after arriving in the country without taking a COVID test.
Namibia
Due to a high rate of cases, Namibia changed its visitor entry rules on June 1, requiring a laboratory test conducted before leaving your home country and not older than seven days.
It is important to note that the rules for international air travel are ever-changing, especially with the emergence of new variants. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official websites of the countries you are travelling to or from for the most up-to-date information.
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US citizens on domestic flights
The requirement for vaccine shots for US citizens on domestic flights depends on the airline and the destination country. While there is no federal mandate in the US for passengers to be vaccinated on domestic flights, individual airlines may have their own policies in place. For example, United Airlines has mandated vaccinations for its employees, while Emirates, American, Delta, and Southwest have strongly encouraged their staff to get vaccinated without making it mandatory.
It's important to check the specific requirements of the airline you plan to fly with. Additionally, when travelling internationally, the vaccination requirements for entry into a foreign country may differ from those in the US. Many countries have their own definitions of "fully vaccinated," which may include having received a recent booster shot. It is recommended to review the "entry, exit, and visa requirements" section of the US State Department website for your destination country to understand the specific vaccination requirements.
The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) recommends that all flyers be fully vaccinated before travelling, regardless of the official rules. This is particularly important for airline crew members, who are at high risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 due to frequent contact with passengers. Several airlines have recognised this risk and taken steps to vaccinate their crew members early in the vaccine rollout process.
It is worth noting that vaccination requirements can change over time, and it is the responsibility of the traveller to stay informed and comply with the latest guidelines. By staying up to date with vaccination recommendations, travellers can help ensure their safety and the safety of others while flying.
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Mandatory vaccination for airline employees
As of 2021, some airlines were making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for employees. Air Canada introduced a policy that required all employees to be fully vaccinated and to report their vaccination status by October 30, 2021. The airline also made full vaccination a condition of employment for new hires. Air Canada's policy was in line with the Canadian government's announcement that employees in federally regulated industries, including aviation, must be fully vaccinated by the end of October 2021.
The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC), which represents Canada's largest air carriers (Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP, and WestJet), welcomed the federal government's mandatory vaccination policy for airline employees. The NACC emphasized its commitment to protecting employee, passenger, and public health and supporting the safe restart of travel and tourism.
United Airlines' CEO, Scott Kirby, also expressed his intention to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for the company's employees and encouraged other companies to follow suit. Kirby's decision was based on his confidence in the safety of the vaccine and the recognition that airline workers are considered essential employees. However, he acknowledged the logistical challenges and the slow and chaotic rollout of vaccines at that time.
Other airlines, such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, had not mandated vaccines for their employees but strongly encouraged them to get vaccinated. American Airlines stated that they would only require vaccinations if they were mandated for entry to certain destinations. Delta Air Lines was actively working with states to prioritize their employees in vaccine distribution and offered additional pay to flight attendants who received the vaccine.
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Priority vaccination for airline crew
As of 2021, there has been a call for priority vaccination for airline crew. Dubai-based Emirates and Singapore Airlines started a mass vaccination programme for all their frontline crew. The UK vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, stated that while groups will continue to be prioritized based on age and vulnerability, the second phase of the rollout could include those most likely to come into contact with the virus at work. This includes airline crew. An easyJet spokesman supported this, stating that airline crew should have "some priority" in the next phase of the vaccine rollout.
Singapore set up two large vaccination centres, including one at Changi Airport, to vaccinate about 7,000 aviation workers. The Emirates Group also announced that it would operate a 12-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week vaccination programme for its staff across the United Arab Emirates, offering both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm vaccines. Ukraine International Airlines has also insisted on priority vaccination for its pilots and cabin crew.
A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority stated that in the first phase, only flight crews have been given priority, and after finalizing this issue, other departments will be addressed. While British Airways and Jet2 declined to comment on vaccines, the current evidence suggests that there is a strong case for airline crew to receive priority vaccination. This is due to their increased likelihood of coming into contact with the virus through their work.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where you're travelling. US citizens travelling on a domestic flight within the country do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination to fly. However, if you're flying from the US to a foreign country, vaccination requirements will vary based on your destination. For example, if you're flying to Canada, you will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding your flight.
The definition of being fully vaccinated can vary by country. Many European countries do not consider travellers fully vaccinated if more than 270 days have passed since the last dose of their initial vaccination series, meaning most travellers must have received a booster shot to qualify as fully vaccinated.
In addition to vaccination requirements, some countries may have specific entry and exit requirements. It is recommended to check the country-specific page on the US State Department website for the latest information.
Yes, some airlines have mandated vaccinations for their employees. For example, United Airlines has made it mandatory for its employees to be vaccinated. Other airlines, such as Emirates, American, Delta, and Southwest, have encouraged vaccinations but have not made it mandatory.
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