Airports And Covid: Are Checks Still Necessary?

As of 2024, airports around the world continue to enforce COVID-19 measures, including mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing. While the specific regulations vary depending on the country and airport, it is evident that COVID-19 protocols still play a significant role in air travel.

In the United States, the federal mask mandate on planes and in airports, initially signed by President Joe Biden, was set to expire in May 2024 but was extended through September by the president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Sara Nelson. This mandate is supported by the airline industry and aims to protect the health and safety of travellers.

Additionally, as of October 2024, non-citizen, non-immigrant air travellers to the United States are required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status before boarding. This requirement is in place for most countries, and proof of vaccination is often necessary for unrestricted travel.

Some countries, such as China, maintain strict zero COVID-19 policies, making entry for foreign travellers challenging. Other nations, like Brazil, Honduras, Paraguay, and Venezuela, require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended that individuals research the specific requirements of their destination country and prepare the necessary documentation.

Do I need a negative COVID-19 test to fly?

As of June 12, 2022, the US CDC rescinded its order requiring all foreign passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the US. However, the US is one of the few countries that still require all non-immigrant, non-US citizens travelling by air to be fully vaccinated before boarding.

Some countries still require proof of a negative COVID-19 test before travel. For example, Bermuda requires non-residents and those above 2 years of age to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 2 days before arrival. Brazil also requires proof of a negative test or proof of vaccination.

It is important to check the latest entry requirements for your destination, as these can change.

Do I need to be vaccinated to fly?

Whether or not you need to be vaccinated to fly depends on several factors, including your destination, citizenship, reason for travel, vaccination status, and age. While some countries have lifted all COVID-19-related restrictions, many still require proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Additionally, individual tour companies, cruise lines, or other organizations may have their own requirements.

Domestic Flights Within the US

US citizens travelling on domestic flights within the country do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination.

International Flights From the US

If you are flying from the US to a foreign country, the vaccination requirements will vary based on your destination. For example, if you are flying to Canada, you will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding your flight. It is recommended to check the country-specific page on the US State Department website for the latest entry, exit, and visa requirements.

International Flights to the US

The US requires foreign national air travellers to be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination status before boarding a plane to the US. However, US citizens do not need to be vaccinated for a flight to the US and are not required to show proof of vaccination.

Travel to the Caribbean

Most Caribbean islands have lifted their COVID-19 restrictions and testing requirements. However, Bermuda still requires non-residents and those above two years of age to have a negative COVID-19 test within two days of arrival. Brazil also requires proof of vaccination or a valid negative test result from one day prior to travel.

Travel to the European Union (EU)

Many EU countries, including the Netherlands, France, Malta, Portugal, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Cyprus, Austria, and Greece, no longer have COVID-19 travel restrictions for visitors. However, travellers to Spain from outside the EU and Schengen Area must present proof of vaccination, a recovery certificate, or a negative test result.

Travel to China

China maintains strict travel restrictions with its "zero COVID-19" policy. Entry visas are only available to select individuals, and tourist and student visas are not currently being issued. Passengers eligible for travel to China must take two COVID-19 tests within 48 hours of boarding a direct flight, consisting of nucleic acid tests (PCR tests) from separate labs and performed on separate testing platforms.

In summary, the COVID-19 vaccination status remains the biggest factor in determining unrestricted travel. It is essential to stay informed about the ever-changing rules and regulations for your specific destination and mode of transportation.

What happens if I get COVID-19 while travelling?

The new normal of travelling these days means that coming home with COVID seems almost as common as a flight or customs delay. However, what happens if you get COVID-19 while travelling?

Firstly, it is important to be honest with your travel buddies and the people you are travelling with to lower the odds that you will spread the illness to them. If you were planning to share a hotel room, see if you can get your own space. In a shared house, claim a bedroom where you can isolate and use a separate bathroom if possible.

Next, look up your local healthcare options. If you are at high risk of becoming seriously ill or developing complications from COVID-19, it is best to figure out where to seek medical care at your destination before travelling. It is worth researching local urgent care facilities and hospitals in case you need immediate care.

It is also important to know when to stop isolating and to keep masking. The CDC states that it is fine to be out and about if it has been 24 hours since you had a fever without the help of fever-reducing drugs and your symptoms have improved. However, the agency recommends wearing a high-quality mask for five days after isolation if you will be in contact with anyone. This is especially important if you are in close quarters outside, such as standing in line at a theme park or attending a crowded outdoor concert.

Try to get some downtime and rest, even if you have to pivot from your vacation itinerary. It can be hard to slow down when you have plans, but rest is key to recovery. Even if you are vaccinated, COVID-19 can make you feel drained. Avoid activities where there is a chance you will spread the virus and take a day or two to rest.

Finally, look into your airline's policy. Whether you can change or cancel your flight often depends on the type of ticket you bought. Travel insurance might cover a COVID-19 cancellation, but you will have to check your policy. It is also a good idea to call the airline and explain your situation to see if they will make an exception to their rules.

In some places, you will not be able to board flights until you test negative. In others, you might be required to stay in a quarantine facility. Since results from a PCR test can remain positive for weeks after an infection, you might have to get documentation from a doctor or health authorities saying you have recovered. If you need medical treatment, check with your embassy for suggested healthcare providers. Keep in mind that some countries still have overwhelmed healthcare systems due to the pandemic. Plan time for recovery since some countries require a negative test for re-entry.

What are the mask requirements at airports?

As of April 18, 2022, when a federal judge in Florida struck down the U.S. federal transportation mask mandate, most U.S. airlines dropped their mask requirements for domestic flights. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that everyone aged two and older wear a well-fitted mask on public transportation and in transportation hubs, including on airplanes and in airports.

In Europe, masking rules have also been relaxed, with a recommendation from the European Union advising countries to drop the requirement for masking on airplanes and in airports in the EU. However, individual airlines in Europe make their own policies, and some international flights still require masking. For example, British Airways will continue to require masking onboard flights traveling to or from a destination where masking is still mandatory. Similarly, Lufthansa advises passengers to check the regulations at the airports on their journey, as mask-wearing may still be mandatory at some airports and on selected flights.

In South America, masking is still required by some airlines. For instance, LATAM Group explains that "mask use is optional on LATAM flights, except for domestic flights within Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador, as well as international flights operated by LATAM Airlines Brazil, where it is still mandatory."

Regardless of the airline or airport, it is always a good idea to double-check the requirements for your specific itinerary, as policies can and do change.

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19 before my flight?

If you test positive for COVID-19 before your flight, the first thing to do is to isolate yourself. This is because you are likely to be shedding the virus and could infect others. The recommended isolation period is 10 days, or until you are certain that you are no longer shedding the virus.

You should then notify those you have been in close contact with, as you may have been shedding the virus before your positive test result. This includes anyone you have shared an indoor space with or been in close proximity to outdoors. It is important to be honest with those you have been travelling with, to help lower the odds of spreading the illness.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms, or have risk factors that could lead to severe illness, it is important to seek medical advice and ask about treatment options. Antiviral medications are available and are most effective when started as soon as possible after infection.

If you have a flight booked, it is recommended that you defer your travel plans. Major airlines advise passengers who test positive for COVID-19 to postpone their trip, to ensure the health and safety of their customers and staff. You may be able to reschedule or cancel your flight, depending on the airline's policy and the type of ticket you have purchased.

If your trip is urgent or unavoidable, it is advised that you wear a mask, practise good personal hygiene, and maintain social distancing to minimise the risk of spreading the infection.

Frequently asked questions