Do I need to get tested for COVID-19 when traveling?

ALL Travelers

Get tested for current infection with a viral test if your travel involved situations with greater risk of exposure such as being in crowded places while not wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator. Follow additional guidance if you know you were exposed to a person with COVID-19.

Do I need to get a COVID-19 test before traveling to the United States?

When you travel to the United States by air, you are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before you board your flight.

When should I get tested for COVID-19 after traveling?

Get tested for current infection with a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after arrival.

Is it mandatory to get a COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the US during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines.

Can I travel during the coronavirus disease pandemic?

Make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel internationally. Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself from severe disease and slow the spread of COVID-19. People who are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines should follow additional recommendations after travel.

COVID-19: What to know about new testing requirements for air travel | JUST THE FAQS

What is the risk of getting coronavirus on a plane?

Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on airplanes. Although the risk of infection on an airplane is low, travelers should try to avoid contact with sick passengers and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contain 60%–95% alcohol.

For more information: Exposure Risk During Travel

Are there any travel restrictions to the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, avoid travel to the United Kingdom. Even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19. Anyone 2 years or older should properly wear a well-fitting mask in indoor public spaces.

Do I need to get a COVID-19 vaccination in order to enter the US by air?

If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.

Can I fly in the US if I do not qualify for a COVID-19 innoculation?

If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will NOT be allowed to board a flight to the United States, unless you meet the criteria for an exception under the Proclamation and CDC's Order.

Should I travel during the COVID-19 pandemic if I am vaccinated?

Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk before travel and consider delaying travel to areas with high COVID-19 levels. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.

How long does it take for the COVID-19 symptoms to start showing?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

How long does it take for antibodies to develop after exposure to COVID-19?

It can take days to weeks after an infection for your body to make antibodies.

How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?

- The incubation period for COVID-19. Given that the incubation period can be up to 14 days, CDC recommends conducting screening testing at least weekly.

How much does a COVID-19 test cost?

The cost for testing should be covered by most insurance plans or through government-sponsored programs.

For private pay patients, please contact your health care provider for cost to administer a COVID-19 test.

Do I need to get another COVID-19 test if I have a connecting flight?

If your itinerary has you arriving to the US via one or more connecting flights, your test can be taken within the 3 days before the departure of the first flight.

Can a COVID-19 test taken before departure from the US be used to return within the 1-day or 3-day time frame?

If a trip is shorter than 1 day, a viral test taken in the United States can be used to fulfill the requirements of the Order as long as the specimen was taken no more than 1 day before your return flight to the U.S. departs. If your return travel is delayed longer than 1 day after the test, you will need to be retested before your return flight.

If you are considering this option, you should additionally consider, as a contingency when making your travel plans, the availability of testing capacity at your destination and the time frame needed to obtain results.

What documentation do I need to fly if I am a member of the U.S. Armed Forces during the COVID-19 pandemic?

You will need to show a U.S. military identification document, such as a military ID or Common Access Card (CAC) or a DEERS ID Card, or other proof of status as a member or spouse or child (under 18 years of age) of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.

What do I need to show the airlines if I have a medical contraindication to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine?

What do I need to show if I have a medical contraindication to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine? You must show a letter from a licensed physician documenting the medical contraindication to the airline or aircraft operator before boarding a flight to the United States.

Do I qualify for an exception or can I apply for an exception to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement?

Categories of noncitizen, nonimmigrants that meet the criteria for an exception under the proclamation and CDC’s order include: 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 Persons with valid visas [excluding B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas] who are citizens of a foreign country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age). Sea crew members traveling 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)

What are the consequences of not getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

When we choose not to get vaccinated, we also choose to increase our odds of becoming sick and spreading the disease to others who are not able to protect themselves. And the longer COVID hangs around, the more variants we're likely to see.

What is the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States?

COVID-19 Vaccine is Provided at 100% No Cost to Recipients

What are some exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine?

Some people may be at risk for an adverse reaction because of an allergy to one of the vaccine components or a medical condition. This is referred to as a medical exemption. Some people may decline vaccination because of a sincerely held religious belief. This is referred to as a religious exemption.

Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic?

If both of you are healthy and feeling well, are practicing social distancing and have had no known exposure to anyone with COVID-19, touching, hugging, kissing, and sex are more likely to be safe.

Can you get COVID-19 from sex?

All close contact (within 6 feet or 2 meters) with an infected person can expose you to the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — whether you're engaged in sexual activity or not.

Can COVID-19 spread through sexual intercourse?

Although COVID-19 has been detected in semen and feces, currently we do not think that the virus is spread through the sexual act. But, given that the virus is spread through respiratory droplets—which are much more likely to be shared when in close contact with another person—many sexual acts will be considered high risk. So, as the New York City Department of Health details in its safer sex and COVID-19 fact sheet, minimizing risks by exploring other avenues of meaningful interaction is suggested and recommended.