Roberta Aguirre
As of mid-2023, most countries, including the United States, no longer require proof of vaccination for entry. However, some countries, such as the Philippines, Bolivia, and Cameroon, still have mandatory COVID testing requirements for unvaccinated travellers. Thus, it is advisable to carry your physical CDC card or an official digital version as proof of vaccination when travelling. Additionally, some countries, such as those requiring proof of yellow fever vaccination, may ask for an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). This certificate can be obtained from yellow fever vaccination clinics and must be validated with the uniform stamp of the centre where the vaccine was administered.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is needed as proof of vaccination? | The physical CDC card |
| Is a digital version of the vaccination proof enough? | Yes, but it is recommended to carry the physical card as well |
| How to get a digital version? | Upload your ID and vaccination card to apps like AZOVA, Clear, or CommonPass |
| What if I don't have a vaccination record? | Consult with your regular healthcare provider or a physician to determine which vaccinations you may need |
| What if I need to travel soon? | Contact the provider that gave you the vaccine, such as your doctor's office, a pharmacy, or your local health department |
| What if I need an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)? | ICVPs are available for purchase from the Government Printing Office bookstore. They must be validated with the Uniform Stamp of the center where the vaccine was administered |
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What You'll Learn
The CDC card as proof of vaccination
As of mid-2023, most countries, including the United States, no longer require proof of vaccination for travellers. However, carrying a physical CDC card as proof of vaccination is still recommended when travelling, as some countries may request it. Additionally, some countries may require proof of a negative COVID-19 test for unvaccinated travellers.
The CDC card, also known as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) or the ""yellow card," is an internationally recognised document that serves as official proof of vaccination. It is particularly relevant for diseases listed under the International Health Regulations (IHR), such as yellow fever. The ICVP must be validated with the Uniform Stamp of the centre where the vaccine was administered.
It is important to note that the CDC does not issue ICVPs or maintain copies of vaccination records. Travellers are responsible for obtaining their ICVPs from the vaccination centre or healthcare provider. In the case of losing an ICVP, travellers can work with healthcare professionals to reissue a replacement card if full details of the previous vaccination can be confirmed.
To ensure smooth travel, it is advisable to carry the physical CDC card, even if a digital version is also available. This is because some countries or travel situations may require the physical card, and it serves as a backup if your electronic device is lost, damaged, or runs out of battery. Additionally, some countries may accept a scanned or photographed version of the card, so having a digital copy can be useful.
While the CDC card is primarily associated with proof of vaccination, it is worth noting that some countries may have additional vaccination requirements. For example, Saudi Arabia requires proof of meningococcal vaccination for travellers to the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, and some countries may require proof of polio vaccination for departure. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific requirements of your destination country before travelling.
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Digital alternatives to physical cards
As of mid-2023, most countries, including the United States, no longer require proof of vaccination for travel. However, some countries, like the Philippines, Bolivia, and Cameroon, still require unvaccinated travelers to present negative COVID test results upon entry. Hence, it is still recommended to carry your physical CDC card when traveling.
Nevertheless, digital alternatives to physical immunization cards are available and can be useful when your physical card is not within reach. Digital immunization records can be stored on your smartphone or other devices. Some countries and companies have developed their own digital immunization passports. Here are some examples:
- Apple Health and Wallet: Apple allows users to store their COVID-19 vaccination cards and test results on the Health and Wallet apps on iPhones and Apple Watches. This feature is convenient when proof of vaccination is required for dining in at restaurants or entering stores.
- AZOVA: AZOVA offers a digital, shareable version of your COVID-19 vaccination card and test results.
- Clear: Clear offers a free Health Pass service on its app.
- CommonPass: CommonPass is a free, nonprofit service that allows users to securely share their COVID-19 vaccination information.
- CANImmune: CANImmune is a bilingual digital immunization record system for Canadians. It can be used by patients, their families, and pharmacists to manage immunization records.
- Digital Yellow Card: The World Health Organization (WHO) and Estonia have announced a collaboration to develop a Smart Yellow Card, an electronic COVAX immunization status passport. This initiative aims to strengthen equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
While digital immunization records are convenient, it is still advisable to carry your physical card as a backup, especially when traveling to places with limited internet access or strict entry requirements.
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International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)
While I could not find specific information on obtaining immunization records at an airport, I did find information on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).
The ICVP, also known as the Carte Jaune or Yellow Card, is an official vaccination report created by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is a travel document or medical passport that is recognised internationally and may be required for entry to certain countries with increased health risks for travellers. It is important to note that the ICVP is not an immunity passport. The primary difference is that vaccination certificates such as the ICVP incentivise individuals to obtain vaccination against a disease, while immunity passports incentivise individuals to get infected with and recover from a disease.
The ICVP was established by the International Sanitary Convention for Aerial Navigation (1933) in The Hague and came into force on 1 August 1935. It was amended in 1944 to cover five certificates:
- International Certificate of Inoculation Against Cholera
- International Certificate of Inoculation/Immunity Against Yellow Fever
- International Certificate of Inoculation Against Typhus Fever
- International Certificate of Vaccination Against Smallpox
The main portion of the ICVP is a form for physicians to fill out when administering a vaccine. This section is mandated by the WHO's 2005 International Health Regulations, and it includes spaces for the traveller's name, date of birth, sex, nationality, national identification document, and signature. For each vaccine administered, the physician must include the prophylaxis or vaccine name, date, signature, and manufacturer. The ICVP is only valid for vaccines approved by the WHO and must be completed in English or French by a medical practitioner or authorised health worker, along with the official stamp of the administering centre.
Due to the prevalence of counterfeit certificates, some countries like Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Zambia are developing digital certificates to authenticate the ICVP. As of 2019, Nigeria requires its citizens travelling outside the country to have a digital "e-Yellow Card" with a QR code that can be scanned for verification.
It is recommended to carry the physical CDC card when travelling, as some countries may require proof of vaccination for entry. However, it is also a good idea to have a digital version as a backup in case the physical card is lost or damaged.
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Country-specific vaccination requirements
As of mid-2023, most countries, including the United States, no longer require travelers to be vaccinated. However, it is still important to carry your vaccination card when traveling, as some countries may require proof of vaccination for entry. Additionally, some countries may have mandatory COVID testing requirements for unvaccinated travelers, such as the Philippines, Bolivia, and Cameroon. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific requirements of your destination country before traveling.
To obtain your immunization records, you can start by contacting your regular healthcare provider or the provider that administered the vaccine, such as your doctor's office, pharmacy, or local health department. They may be able to provide you with a physical copy of your vaccination card or direct you to the appropriate state or country-specific immunization information registry. Keep in mind that some states may have different processes, and you may need to fill out an immunization records request form and wait several days to receive your information.
Alternatively, there are companies that offer digital proof of vaccination, such as AZOVA, Clear, and CommonPass. These services allow you to upload your ID and vaccination card and receive a digital version that can be easily shared. This can be especially useful if your destination country requires official digital proof of vaccination. However, it is always a good idea to carry the physical CDC card as well, as digital devices may run out of battery or get lost during your travels.
For country-specific vaccination requirements, it is recommended to consult the CDC Travelers' Health website. This website provides information on recommended and required vaccinations for each country. Additionally, if you are planning to get a yellow fever vaccine, you will need to visit an authorized yellow fever vaccination center, as many of these centers also provide other pre-travel healthcare services. By planning ahead and consulting the appropriate resources, you can ensure that you meet the vaccination requirements for your specific travel destination.
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Airline policies on proof of vaccination
As of 2025, air travel has returned to normal, with most COVID-19-related restrictions lifted. However, policies and requirements continue to evolve, and many countries continue to enforce strict vaccination policies. Therefore, it is essential for travellers to stay informed about the latest guidelines.
Airline Policies
Most airlines have lifted COVID-19 vaccination requirements, but international destinations may have their own entry regulations. For example, by national law, all Americans flying into Canada must be vaccinated, and, as of October 30, 2021, people flying domestically within Canada must also be vaccinated. This applies to airlines such as Air Canada, Air Transat, Swoop, and WestJet. Similarly, all Canada-based airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines to Australia require proof of vaccination by legal default.
Some airlines, such as United Airlines, have made it mandatory for their employees to be vaccinated but have not extended the mandate to their customers. Many airlines that carry unvaccinated passengers refuse to fly them to destinations that require visitors to be vaccinated.
Country Policies
Different countries enforce varying vaccination laws, with some requiring proof of immunisation for entry. Commonly enforced vaccinations include yellow fever, measles, COVID-19, and meningococcal meningitis. Brazil and Ghana, for instance, require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers coming from high-risk areas. Saudi Arabia mandates the meningococcal vaccine for pilgrims travelling for Hajj. Australia and Canada have varying COVID-19 vaccination requirements based on evolving policies.
Some countries may require vaccination if you've transited for more than 12 hours through a high-risk area. If you cannot provide a valid certificate, entry may be refused, or you could be required to undergo vaccination or quarantine at the port of entry.
Recommendations
To stay informed about vaccination mandates, travellers should consult official government or airline websites for the most up-to-date travel requirements. It is also recommended to review vaccination policies for all countries you plan to visit or transit through.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some countries and airlines require proof of vaccination for travel. It is recommended to carry the physical CDC card as proof.
You can obtain a digital vaccination record from companies such as AZOVA, Clear, and CommonPass. Alternatively, contact your vaccine provider for a physical card.
If you do not have a vaccination record, consult your regular healthcare provider. They may be able to provide a copy of your immunization record or determine which vaccinations you need.
As of mid-2023, most countries do not require proof of vaccination for entry, including the United States. However, some countries may still have specific requirements, such as mandatory COVID testing for unvaccinated travellers.
