Airports And Vaccine Cards: What's The Connection?

While airports do not require a COVID vaccine card, they do require a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recovery from the illness. This is in addition to the usual travel documents and entry requirements. It is also mandatory to wear a mask on all routes and throughout the journey.

Do I need a COVID vaccine card to fly?

The requirements for air travel have changed significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. While a vaccine card is not required to fly, there are still COVID-related documents you will need to carry with you when you travel.

Domestic Travel

If you are travelling within the US, you will not need to show proof of vaccination. However, individual states may have their own requirements for entry, so it is important to check the rules for your destination.

International Travel

If you are travelling internationally, you will need to show a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than 1 day before travel. This applies to all passengers aged 2 and over, regardless of vaccination status. If you are fully vaccinated, you will also need to show proof of vaccination. Children under 18 are exempt from this requirement, but will still need to show a negative test result.

Returning to the US

When returning to the US from an international trip, the same rules apply. All air passengers aged 2 and over will need to show a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than 1 day before travel. If you are fully vaccinated, you will also need to show proof of vaccination.

Keeping Your Vaccine Card Safe

While you do not need to show your vaccine card to fly, it is still important to keep it safe. The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) has noticed a trend of travellers leaving their vaccine cards at security checkpoints. They recommend keeping your card tucked away securely in your carry-on bag.

Digital Options

If you don't want to carry your physical vaccine card with you, there are digital options available. The CLEAR Health Pass app can be used to keep a digital record of your vaccine card. You can also view your vaccine records on apps for pharmacies where you received your shot, such as CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.

What are the requirements for US citizens?

As of May 12, 2023, non-citizen non-immigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States.

However, U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and U.S. nationals are advised to bring a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document (such as a passport) when traveling.

When returning to the U.S., a negative nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or antigen test is required. The test must be taken within 72 hours of arrival in the U.S. and include remote supervision from the manufacturer through a video call or be given in person by a medical professional.

U.S. citizens are allowed into most of the EU without a required 5-day quarantine. For example, if you are traveling to Italy, a 5-day quarantine is not required if:

• You have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine.
• You have completed and present upon entry to Italy your EU Passenger Locator Form.
• You have a certificate showing a negative molecular or antigenic test carried out within 72 hours prior to entry.
• You present your CDC COVID-19 vaccination card.

What are the requirements for non-US citizens?

As of November 8, 2021, non-citizen, non-immigrant travelers to the US are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 unless they are under 18 or from a country that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determines to have limited vaccine availability. Non-citizen travelers should be prepared to:

• Provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination as outlined on the CDC website.
• Verbally attest to their reason for travel and Covid-19 vaccination status during a border inspection.

Any non-citizen attempting to enter the US without appropriate documentation may be subject to expulsion or removal.

What are the requirements for minors?

The requirements for minors vary depending on the airline and the country of travel. Here is a detailed overview of the requirements for minors for some popular airlines and countries:

American Airlines

American Airlines requires children aged 5-14 travelling alone to use their unaccompanied minor service, which is optional for children aged 15-17 but comes with an additional fee. An adult must accompany the child to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne. The adult must also provide the child's birth certificate or passport as proof of age, along with their own government-issued photo ID. Additionally, the airline recommends that children travelling alone carry a form of identification and contact information on their person.

Volaris

Volaris, a Mexican airline, requires minors to present either their birth certificate or passport when travelling. Photocopied or digital documents are not accepted.

United States

When entering the United States, minors between the ages of 2 and 17 are not required to show proof of vaccination, regardless of their nationality. Instead, they must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel, along with an attestation indicating that they have recovered from the illness and are clear for travel. Children under 2 years of age are exempt from providing a negative test result or proof of vaccination.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not have any special requirements for minors entering the country.

El Salvador

El Salvador does not specify any particular requirements for minors.

Guatemala

Guatemala requires minors over the age of 12 to present proof of full vaccination (two doses or one for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine). Alternatively, they can provide a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result taken within 3 days of travelling.

Colombia

Colombia does not require minors under the age of 18 to present a vaccination certificate or negative test result.

Honduras

Honduras requires all passengers, including minors, to present a negative RT-PCR, antigen, or ELISA test result taken within 72 hours before the flight's departure.

Peru

Peru requires minors aged 12 and above to present proof of full vaccination. Children under 12 only need to be asymptomatic to enter the country.

What are the requirements for connecting flights?

As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen, nonimmigrant air passengers are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. This means that there are no longer any COVID-19 vaccination requirements for connecting flights to the US.

However, it is important to note that individual airlines may have their own COVID-19 vaccination requirements for connecting flights. For example, Qantas Airways announced in November 2020 that it would require passengers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, beginning in mid-to-late 2021. Therefore, it is important to check the policies of the specific airlines you will be flying with to determine if there are any COVID-19 vaccination requirements for connecting flights.

In addition, it is important to keep in mind that COVID-19 requirements can change frequently, so it is always a good idea to check for the most up-to-date information before your flight.

Frequently asked questions