Attestation Forms: Airport Availability And Accessibility

As per CDC guidelines, airlines are required to provide an attestation form to their passengers before they embark on their journey. This form is to be provided at the airport when re-entering the US. However, some travellers have reported that they did not encounter this requirement at the airport. It is recommended that travellers print off the form themselves to save time at check-in.

Covid-19 attestation forms for US re-entry

Covid-19-related travel restrictions have been put in place by countries around the world. The US is no exception and has established new entry requirements for international travel. All travellers to the US must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test (NAAT or antigen) taken no more than one day prior to the last leg of departure to the US. All travellers aged two years and older need to complete this step.

In addition to the negative Covid-19 test, all travellers to the US must complete CDC passenger forms, which include an attestation and contact tracing form. These forms can be downloaded and printed prior to arriving at the airport, or they can be completed online. The forms are available on the CDC's website.

It is important to note that there may be additional requirements for entry to specific US states, such as Hawaii. For example, travellers flying directly into Hawaii from another country do not need to quarantine if they meet all US entry requirements. However, travellers who go to the US Mainland or a US territory before travelling to Hawaii will need to follow US domestic travel requirements under the Safe Travels program, which includes creating a Safe Travels account and providing proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test.

Some airlines, such as American Airlines, offer tools to help travellers determine their Covid-19 requirements, such as the Sherpa tool and the VeriFLY app. These tools can be helpful in ensuring travellers have the necessary documentation and attestations for their specific itinerary.

CDC guidelines for attestation forms

According to the CDC, all airline or aircraft operators must provide specific disclosures to passengers before boarding a flight from a foreign country to the United States. These disclosures are part of the CDC's Amended Orders, which include the Requirements for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Results or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for passengers arriving in the US. The CDC's guidelines for attestation forms are as follows:

Firstly, the forms aim to confirm non-citizen, non-immigrant passengers' COVID-19 vaccination status before they board a flight to the US. This confirmation process involves reviewing documents and approving or rejecting them. Passengers may be required to upload photos and relevant COVID-19 documents, such as test results or recovery records, to a smartphone app for verification.

Secondly, the attestation forms serve as a disclosure and passenger checklist. They provide important information to passengers regarding the requirements for entry into the United States. This includes the need for a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19. The forms also outline any applicable vaccinations that may be mandatory.

Additionally, the forms are available physically at some airports for passengers to fill out. However, it is recommended that passengers complete any necessary forms online, via smartphone apps, or through airline tools to streamline the process and avoid delays at the check-in counter. These tools and apps often provide a digital "pass" that can be shown to the airline staff, eliminating the need to present physical documents.

Lastly, the CDC's guidelines for attestation forms are designed to ensure that all passengers arriving in the United States from foreign countries comply with the necessary health and safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing this information before boarding, airlines and authorities can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the well-being of travellers and residents alike.

Verifly app for digital forms

The Verifly app is a useful tool for travellers to upload and store their COVID-related documents, such as vaccination status and test results, in one place. The app is available for free on both Apple and Google app stores. It is particularly useful for international travel, where different countries may have varying requirements for COVID-related documentation.

Once users have uploaded their documents, Verifly reviews and approves them. The user then completes any relevant attestations and the app provides "passes", which can be shown at the airport check-in counter. This streamlines the check-in process, as travellers do not need to present physical copies of their COVID-related documents, and airline staff do not need to analyse them.

While Verifly can be a helpful way to manage your digital forms, some users have reported issues with the app. Common complaints include glitches, a confusing user interface, and problems with uploading documents. For example, one user reported that their COVID test result was rejected, even though it was identical to their husband's, which was accepted. Another user described the app as "user-hostile", with "unbelievably misleading and just plain wrong instructions".

Despite these issues, other users have praised Verifly for making their travel experience smoother. One user shared that the app helped them navigate changing COVID restrictions in multiple countries, with all the necessary information readily available on the app. Another traveller noted that Verifly made checking into their flights a breeze, as they didn't need to present paper documentation to agents at the airport.

Paper forms at the airport

Paper forms are a common feature of air travel, and while the specific forms you need to fill out may vary depending on your destination and purpose of travel, it is generally recommended that you carry a pen and have your passport ready to fill them out. In some cases, you may be able to complete these forms online in advance and print them out to bring with you.

One common type of paper form that you may need to fill out at the airport is the customs declaration form. Customs forms are typically provided on the plane before landing, and you can fill them out while still in the air. However, it is worth noting that some flights or airlines might not provide these forms or may not have enough for all passengers. In such cases, you can usually find the forms inside the airport upon arrival. Customs forms may also be available at the airport before your departure, and it is a good idea to carry a spare form with you, as machines at immigration can malfunction, and having a completed form can save you time.

In addition to customs forms, you may also need to fill out immigration forms when travelling to certain countries. Like customs forms, immigration forms are typically provided on the plane before landing and can be completed using the information in your passport. However, it is important to note that some travellers have reported instances where the airline did not provide these forms or had an insufficient number. Therefore, it is advisable to check whether you can complete the immigration form online in advance and print it out, or if you can find the form inside the airport upon arrival.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional paper forms were introduced at some airports and by certain airlines, such as the COVID attestation form. These forms were provided at specific airports and by select airlines, and their availability varied. In some cases, travellers were able to complete these forms online or through smartphone applications.

Finally, it is important to remember that paper forms are not the only requirement for air travel. Most airports and countries require adult passengers aged 18 and above to present valid identification, such as a passport or driver's license, at various checkpoints. Therefore, it is crucial to carry the necessary identification documents and have them readily available throughout your journey.

Requirements for children

When travelling with children, it is important to always have a document that proves your relationship with your child. This can be a marriage certificate, a certificate of name change, or the child's birth certificate. Even though the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't require children under 18 years old to provide ID for domestic flights, some individual airlines do. It is recommended to carry a government-issued ID or birth certificate for children over 15 years old.

Children over the age of 15 may be able to use a school-issued ID or library card. However, a government-issued ID or birth certificate is the safest option. Children under two years old can fly within the US for free, but an airline may require proof of age at check-in. A birth certificate or other state-issued ID is acceptable for travel within the US.

If your child is travelling without all their parents or legal guardians, they will need a Child Travel Consent form, also known as a letter of permission to travel. This form should be signed by both parents or legal guardians and should include the child's basic information, such as name, gender, birthday, and place of birth, as well as both parents' contact information and the travel itinerary. If the child is travelling internationally and has a passport, the Child Travel Consent form should also include passport information and birth certificate number. It is highly recommended to have this form notarized to decrease the chance of travel authorities questioning its validity.

When travelling internationally with children, it is important to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure to allow for adequate time to check in. Each country has its own rules for the specific documents required for a child to be allowed to leave their home country without both custodial parents or with a guardian. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country to find out the specific requirements.

If a child is travelling alone by air, the airline may require submission of an unaccompanied minor form and payment of a fee for unaccompanied minor service. This service provides an airline employee escort for the child at the airport and on board the plane. The adult picking up the child at their destination may also need to provide identification and contact information.

Frequently asked questions