Sarah Bennett
The requirement for proof of vaccination to fly varies depending on the airline, the destination country, and the traveller's country of origin. While some airlines and countries may not require proof of vaccination, others may ask for it during check-in or before boarding a flight. It is recommended to check the latest guidelines and requirements from specific airlines, countries, and local governments before travelling. Additionally, some countries may have specific rules for travellers from certain areas, and the type of accepted vaccination proof can also differ.
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What You'll Learn
International travel destinations requiring full vaccination
As of 2024, several countries have mandated full vaccination against COVID-19 for international travellers. These include:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- France
- Japan
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
Some countries have set a time frame for vaccine validity, after which a booster shot is required for entry or to avoid quarantine or other restrictions. For example, Italy requires a vaccination certificate with the latest dose received no more than 270 days before arrival. Other countries that have set a limit of nine or six months include Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Ireland, and Latvia.
It is important to note that travel requirements can change frequently as vaccination rates and public health conditions evolve. Therefore, travellers should always check the latest official guidance for their destination country before planning their visit. Additionally, some countries may require additional measures, such as a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery, in addition to vaccination.
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Domestic travel requirements
As of October 2021, proof of vaccination is not required to board a domestic flight in the United States. However, certain states and localities may have their own requirements, so it is important to check the regulations of your specific destination. For example, Hawaii requires a 10-day quarantine for all visitors from the U.S. mainland unless they provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Similarly, California may have stricter requirements than Florida, so it is essential to review the vaccination and testing requirements for your specific destination.
Different airlines may also have varying requirements, so it is recommended to check with your airline before traveling. Some airlines may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, while others may not have any such mandates. It is important to review the latest guidelines specified by your airline, as well as any applicable state or local health regulations, to ensure you have the necessary documentation and avoid potential delays.
When traveling domestically within the United States, adult passengers (18 and older) must present valid identification at the airport checkpoint. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts various forms of ID, including REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, and passports. It is recommended to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date list of acceptable IDs before traveling. Additionally, the TSA may require you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address.
To obtain proof of vaccination for domestic travel, you can typically access your digital vaccination record, which is often the quickest option. If your state does not provide digital records or if you need a physical card, you can contact the provider that administered your vaccine or your local health department. It is important to note that the CDC does not keep immunization records or issue cards, despite their name appearing on inoculation cards.
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State and local regulations
Some states may require travellers to show proof of vaccination, especially if they are coming from certain areas. The type of vaccination accepted can also differ, so it is important to check which vaccines are recognised by the local government. For example, the CDC provided a list of acceptable vaccines that are sanctioned by the FDA and approved by the WHO, including Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca/Covishield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac.
In addition to state and local regulations, it is worth noting that different airlines may have varying requirements as well. While some may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, others may not have any such mandates. Therefore, it is crucial to check with the specific airline you are travelling with and stay informed about any updates to their policies.
For international travel, a growing number of destinations require full vaccination for quarantine-free entry. However, most countries allow alternative options, such as providing a negative pre-travel test result or, like in the case of Hawaii, proof of full vaccination to waive the mandatory quarantine. It is important to note that international airlines may prevent you from checking in if you do not possess the necessary travel documents, including proof of vaccination, if your destination requires it.
To summarise, when considering state and local regulations regarding proof of vaccination for air travel, it is essential to stay informed about any mandates that could affect your plans. This includes checking the regulations of your specific destination state or locality, being aware of any airline policies, and keeping up to date with any changes to requirements. By taking these proactive steps, you can help ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Accepted forms of proof
As of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on May 12, 2023, noncitizen, nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. However, each country has its own guidelines, and you may need to upload certain documents before travelling to facilitate entry.
Some countries that require proof of vaccination for non-essential travel include Canada and the US territory of Hawaii. Canada requires proof of vaccination to waive the mandatory quarantine period for incoming travellers. Similarly, Hawaii requires visitors to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test to waive the mandatory quarantine and avoid a non-compliance fine.
Several Caribbean countries, such as the Bahamas and Belize, waive mandatory quarantine requirements with a negative test before arrival or proof of vaccination.
To prove vaccination status, travellers can use a COVID-19 proof of vaccination credential, which is available in some jurisdictions. In the case of the NWT in Canada, residents can generate an NWT PVC (proof of vaccination credential) through an online self-serve tool. This tool provides a consistent format for proof of vaccination across Canada.
In addition to proof of vaccination, valid identification is typically required for air travel. For flights departing from US airports, TSA-accepted forms of ID include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued photo identity card, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), and a US passport. Expired IDs are accepted up to two years after expiration. For international flights, it is essential to check the specific requirements for the destination country and any countries where you may have a layover.
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Exemptions
While some countries and territories have mandated proof of vaccination to fly, there are certain exemptions to these rules. These exemptions vary depending on the region and the specific requirements of the airline. Here are some general categories of exemptions that may apply:
Medical Exemptions:
Some individuals may be exempt from vaccination requirements due to medical reasons. This typically requires certification from a licensed healthcare provider, who can attest that vaccination poses a health risk to the individual due to conditions like allergies or immunodeficiency. All states in the US provide medical exemptions.
Religious Exemptions:
In some cases, individuals may be exempt from vaccination requirements if they hold sincere religious beliefs or practices that conflict with vaccination. Most states in the US offer religious exemptions, except for California, Mississippi, West Virginia, Connecticut, New York, and Maine. In Canada, the National Airlines Council has stated that the government, rather than private companies, should be responsible for approving or rejecting faith-based travel exemption requests.
Philosophical Exemptions:
Certain jurisdictions may allow exemptions based on personal, moral, or ethical objections to vaccination. For example, Idaho's Medical Freedom Act bars vaccine requirements, allowing for philosophical exemptions.
Age-Related Exemptions:
Some countries, like the USA, exempt minors under a certain age from vaccination requirements for entry. This age limit can vary by country and may be subject to change as vaccine eligibility expands to younger age groups.
Transit Exemptions:
In certain cases, travellers may be exempt from vaccination requirements if they are only transiting through an airport or country. For example, if you are flying from a country that does not require vaccination to another country via a connecting flight in a country that does mandate vaccination, you may be exempt from that requirement as long as you remain in transit.
It is important to note that exemption policies can vary widely across different countries and airlines. It is always advisable to check the specific requirements and exemptions for your intended destination and carrier before making travel plans.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airline you choose and the regulations in the state or locality you are travelling to or from. It is best to check the latest guidelines specified by your airline and any applicable state or local health regulations before you travel.
Foreign nationals flying to the US must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding. US citizens and permanent residents do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter the US, but they must show a negative COVID-19 test result.
Yes, you will need to show proof of vaccination to enter Canada.
Yes, you will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Hawaii and waive the mandatory quarantine.
It depends on the country you are flying to. Many countries require full vaccination to enter without quarantine. However, most countries allow visitors to arrive with a qualifying pre-travel test or proof of vaccination. It is best to check the vaccination rules for your destination.
