Trevor James
As of November 8, 2021, the US requires non-citizen travellers to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to enter the country by air or land. However, some travellers have reported that they were not asked for proof of vaccination upon arrival at the US border. Instead, some airlines reportedly ask for proof of vaccination before boarding, and travellers may also be asked to verbally attest to their vaccination status during border inspection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who does this apply to? | Non-US individuals |
| Who is exempt? | US citizens, children under 18 |
| What is required? | Proof of vaccination, proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 3 days of departure, a CDC attestation form |
| When did this start? | 8 November 2021 |
| Where does this apply? | Land ports of entry, ferry terminals at the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders |
| What happens if you can't provide proof? | Non-US individuals will not be admitted and may be subject to removal or allowed to withdraw their application for entry |
| What about air travel? | All air travellers, including US citizens, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure |
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What You'll Learn
Air travel requires proof of vaccination, not land travel
As international borders reopen for travel, many countries are requiring travellers to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations before entering. This is especially true for air travel, where airlines and countries have implemented strict rules for incoming passengers.
In the United States, air travel requires proof of vaccination for non-US citizens. Since 8 November 2021, all non-immigrant international travellers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination to fly to the United States. This policy applies to all air travellers, including US citizens, who must also present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure.
However, for land travel, the US does not require proof of vaccination for its citizens. Non-essential international border travel by land, which includes tourism and personal visits, was banned from March 2020 until 8 November 2021, when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allowed vaccinated travellers to enter through land borders with Canada and Mexico. From 22 January 2022, non-US individuals entering the US via land borders with Mexico and Canada are required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination upon request. It is important to note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.
While the US does not currently ask all citizens for proof of vaccination at land borders, individual states or territories within the US may have their own requirements. Additionally, other countries may have different rules for land border crossings, and it is essential to check the regulations for each country before travelling.
The implementation of proof of vaccination for air travel, but not for land travel, reflects the efforts to balance public health concerns with the resumption of international travel and tourism. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, these requirements may change, and it is crucial to stay informed about the latest guidelines and regulations for each country and mode of transportation.
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Non-US citizens must provide proof of vaccination
As of 22 January 2022, non-US citizens travelling across US land borders must declare their vaccination status and provide proof of full vaccination to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon request. This applies to all foreign nationals, including those travelling for essential and non-essential reasons, such as truckers, students, and other essential workers. To be considered fully vaccinated, 14 days must have passed since the final dose of the traveller's vaccine.
It is important to note that returning American citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US are generally exempt from showing proof of vaccination when entering the country. However, individual airlines may have their own requirements for all passengers, including US citizens and non-citizens alike. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the specific airline before travelling.
While the CBP requires non-US citizens to carry proof of vaccination and be prepared to show it if asked, the decision to request such proof appears to be at the discretion of individual CBP officers. Some travellers have reported being asked for proof of vaccination, while others have crossed the border multiple times without ever being asked. To facilitate smooth travel, non-US citizens should keep their proof of vaccination readily available with their passport when crossing US land borders.
The type of proof of vaccination accepted by CBP officers may vary. Travellers have reported presenting a printed vaccination card, a digital card, or even a screenshot of the card. In some cases, a non-functioning QR code on a European vaccine certificate was accepted, as the other information on the certificate, such as the vaccine date and place, was still visible. Verbal declarations of vaccination status may also be accepted to keep traffic moving at the border.
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US citizens are exempt from providing proof
US citizens are not required to be fully vaccinated to enter the US. However, they are subject to testing requirements that are more rigid than those in place for fully vaccinated arrivals. Vaccinated Americans can take a COVID-19 test up to three days before their flight, while unvaccinated Americans must show proof of a negative test taken the day before their flight.
US citizens and permanent residents are exempt from providing proof of vaccination when entering the US through land ports of entry and ferry terminals. This exemption has been in place since January 22, 2022, when the US updated its vaccination requirements.
Additionally, children under the age of 18 are exempt from the vaccination requirement for international travel to the US. Foreign nationals flying from countries with a vaccination rate of 10% or less can also apply for a travel exemption. Individuals with certain medical conditions or those participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial are also exempt from providing proof of vaccination.
It is important to note that while US citizens may be exempt from providing proof of vaccination, they are still encouraged to keep their vaccination documents readily available when crossing the border, as there have been varying accounts of citizens being asked to present proof.
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Airlines are responsible for checking vaccination status
While there are differing rules for each country, many countries require evidence of a recent negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination. This has proven tricky for passengers and airlines, as rules are constantly changing.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is also working on its own Travel Pass app, which will hold authenticated health certificates, including proof of vaccination or test results. British Airways, American Airlines, and others are already trialling the app. IATA says the app will enable authorised labs and test centres to send results or vaccination certificates securely to passengers. Passengers can then choose to share those results with the airlines or authorities responsible for allowing their travel.
The Australian Government has launched an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, which features a Quick Response (QR) code generated using an individual's COVID-19 vaccination information and passport details. The QR code can be read by border control authorities and at check-in with airlines when departing or returning to Australia.
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CBP officers may ask for proof, but it's not guaranteed
As of 8 November 2021, non-US individuals entering the United States via land ports and ferry terminals at the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request. This mandate was extended on 22 January 2022.
However, it is not guaranteed that CBP officers will ask for proof of vaccination. Several travellers have attested to this, stating that they were never asked for proof of vaccination when crossing the border. One traveller commented that it "really depends on the CBP officer and his current mood".
The vaccination requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age. In addition, foreign nationals who are not fully vaccinated may be eligible to enter the United States in very limited cases. Depending on the exception, travellers may have to adhere to additional requirements, such as providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery from COVID-19, self-quarantining for 7 days, and self-isolating if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.
All air travellers, including US citizens, must also obtain a negative COVID-19 test within three calendar days prior to departure. They must also verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status during border inspection.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, since 8 November 2021, all non-immigrant international travellers have been required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.
Yes, since 22 January 2022, non-US individuals entering the US via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders have been required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination upon request.
If you cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, you will not be admitted into the US and will be subject to removal or allowed to withdraw your application for entry.
All air travellers, including US citizens, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. You may also be required to fill out an attestation form disclosing your vaccination status.
