Do you have to be vaccinated to fly internationally?

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.

Are foreigners required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel to the US?

Proof of Vaccination. Air Travel: All non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants traveling to the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Only limited exceptions apply.

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.

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.

Can I board a flight to the US during COVID-19 based on my child's citizenship status if I am not a US citizen?

Will I be able to board a flight to the United States based on my child's citizenship status? No, if you are not a U.S. citizen and are not an immigrant, you are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States.

Calls to drop all COVID-19 testing requirements for travel

Are children required to quarantine upon arrival in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Children ages 2 through 17 years (minors) who are noncitizen nonimmigrants do not have to quarantine after arrival in the United States; however, the attestation requires that they get a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after arrival.

What contact information must I provide to airlines before I board a flight to the US during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Air passengers are required to provide the following contact information, to the extent that it exists, within 72 hours before their flight’s departure: full name (as it appears on their passport), address while in the United States, primary contact phone number, secondary or emergency contact phone number, and email address.

Passengers must also:

• Acknowledge that the obligation to provide complete and accurate information is a U.S. government requirement and that failure to provide complete and accurate information may result in criminal penalties.
• Confirm the information they provided is complete and accurate.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

Who is considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in the US?

You are considered fully vaccinated on the 14th day after the vaccination series was completed. For example, if your last dose was any time on October 1st, then October 15th would be the first day that you meet the 14-day requirement.

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.

How can I get Paxlovid?

Right now, only people with certain medical conditions can be prescribed the drug. Experts say people who test positive for COVID-19 and are eligible for Paxlovid should ask their doctor to prescribe it.

Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 test up front?

The Biden-Harris Administration is strongly incentivizing health plans and insurers to set up a network of convenient locations across the country such as pharmacies or retailers where people with private health coverage will be able to order online or walk in and pick up at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free, rather than going through the process of having to submit claims for reimbursement. Consumers can find out from their plan or insurer if it provides direct coverage of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests through such a program or whether they will need to submit a claim for reimbursement. If you are charged for your test after January 15, keep your receipt and submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Does CVS offer COVID-19 testing?

CVS provides laboratory-based nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) and rapid point-of-care (POC) testing at no cost to consumers at over 700 locations in 44 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. Locations include community testing sites and some CVS pharmacies.

How many COVID-19 tests can I get reimbursed for?

Health plans must cover 8 individual at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per person enrolled in the plan per month. That means a family of four can get 32 tests per month for free.

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 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.

What is Paxlovid used for?

Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that can be taken at home to help keep high-risk patients from getting so sick that they need to be hospitalized. So, if you test positive for the coronavirus and a health care provider writes you a prescription, you can take pills at home and lower your risk of going to the hospital.

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.

What are the requirements for a noncitizen, nonimmigrant, to travel to the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Noncitizens who are nonimmigrants and seeking to enter the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States from a foreign country.

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