Roberta Aguirre
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination status has become an important consideration for air travel. While requirements vary by country and airline, it is generally the airline's responsibility to confirm passengers' vaccination status before boarding. This may involve uploading proof of vaccination during the booking or check-in process, or presenting vaccination documentation at the airport. In some cases, there may also be spot checks upon arrival at the destination airport. To facilitate vaccination verification, some countries are working towards implementing a nationwide proof-of-vaccination platform, such as a QR code system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who checks vaccination status at the airport? | Airline staff, airport security agents, or nurses at the airport |
| When is the vaccination status checked? | At check-in, or a few days before the flight |
| What do they check? | Proof of vaccination or negative PCR test |
| How do they check? | Visual check or scanning a QR code |
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What You'll Learn
Airlines may be responsible for checking vaccination status
As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring compliance with vaccination requirements is crucial. While the specific protocols may vary across different countries and airlines, one key question that arises is who is responsible for checking passengers' vaccination status at airports.
In Canada, for instance, there have been discussions about the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) taking on the role of verifying passengers' vaccination status. This would be an additional responsibility for CATSA, which already oversees passenger and baggage screening at airports. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that, as of October 30, 2021, all air, train, and boat travellers aged 12 and above must be fully vaccinated and provide valid documentation. However, the logistics of implementing this mandate remain uncertain, with airlines lobbying for CATSA to take charge of vaccine checks to streamline the process.
Similarly, Flair Airlines' CEO, Stephen Jones, has shared insights into their efforts to incorporate proof of vaccination as part of the booking and check-in process. This proactive approach by Flair Airlines underscores the recognition that vaccination verification is essential to safeguard passengers' health and prevent unvaccinated individuals from accessing secure areas of the airport.
While some countries and airlines are working towards integrating vaccination verification into their digital systems, others have relied on traditional methods. For example, in Thailand, travellers have reported being asked to provide proof of vaccination or negative PCR test results during check-in, with occasional spot checks upon arrival. These checks were often conducted visually or by scanning QR codes provided by the travellers' countries of origin.
Ultimately, the responsibility for checking vaccination status may vary depending on local regulations and the specific policies implemented by individual airlines and airports. As the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, it is essential for travellers to stay informed about the specific requirements of their departure and destination locations, as well as any transit points along their journey.
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Airport security agents may check vaccination status
In 2021, the Canadian government considered transferring the responsibility of verifying passengers' vaccination status to airport security agents. Previously, airlines were responsible for checking passengers' COVID-19 test results and vaccination status. However, the shift in responsibility aimed to ensure that only vaccinated individuals entered the secure areas of the airport.
Flair Airlines' chief executive, Stephen Jones, supported this change. He stated that a federal mandate made sense for ensuring consistency in vaccination checks. Additionally, he acknowledged the complexities of provincial health regulations and the need for coordination with the federal government.
Transat vice-president Christophe Hennebelle emphasized the importance of Canada agreeing on a standardized form of vaccination proof with other countries. This would facilitate vaccination checks and reduce uncertainty among carriers and passengers.
While the plan was still under consideration, it highlighted the potential role of airport security in verifying vaccination status. This additional responsibility would be overseen by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that as of October 30, 2021, all air, train, and boat travelers aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated and provide valid documentation.
In practice, passengers may be required to upload proof of vaccination during the booking or check-in process. Alternatively, they may need to arrive at the airport earlier to present their vaccination records in person. Some countries use QR codes for verification, while others rely on visual checks of documents.
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Digital vaccine passports may be required
As of May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a REAL ID (or equivalent federal ID) for all domestic flights within the US. This means that passengers must present a driver's license that meets federal security standards or a valid US passport. The REAL ID-compliant cards are issued by state DMVs and have a gold or black star in the top corner. This initiative aims to unify identification and ensure that individuals boarding planes are who they claim to be.
The REAL ID Act was passed following the 9/11 Commission's findings that the US lacked a unified standard for issuing IDs. Some states barely verified names, while others didn't require proof of citizenship. The new ID requirements aim to enhance security and prevent fraud. However, some libertarian politicians have opposed the program, citing concerns about government surveillance.
While the REAL ID is now mandatory for domestic air travel, there are alternative forms of accepted identification. Passengers can still use their valid US passports or other federally accepted IDs, such as military IDs or permanent resident cards ("green cards"). Additionally, some states will continue to issue IDs that are "Not Valid for Federal Purposes," which can be used by both illegal immigrants and US citizens for daily purposes.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must typically visit their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and provide proof of identity, Social Security Number, and two proofs of address. For those with a name change, additional documentation is required. Foreign nationals may be eligible for REAL IDs, depending on their immigration status, and will need to provide their passports and evidence of lawful status.
The implementation of the REAL ID requirement has sparked mixed reactions among Americans. While some are rushing to obtain the new ID, others are opting to use their passports or wait until their current driver's license expires. The cost of obtaining a REAL ID varies from state to state, and there are reduced fees for those who meet specific income requirements or are eligible for senior citizen IDs.
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Proof of vaccination may be uploaded during booking/check-in
When travelling, it is important to be aware of the health document requirements of your destination country. Some countries may require travellers to be fully vaccinated, and you will need to upload your proof of vaccination during the check-in process.
Air Canada, for example, requires passengers to upload their proof of vaccination during online check-in. Alternatively, passengers can validate their documents at the airport with an airport specialist and retrieve their boarding pass. This may require arriving at the airport earlier to allow for sufficient validation time.
Other airlines may offer similar options for uploading health documents prior to travel. For instance, Lufthansa and United Airlines also offer online validation of health documents.
To upload your proof of vaccination, you may need to scan a QR code on your vaccination document. This could be a SMART Health Card QR code, European Union Digital COVID Certificate (EU DCC), or ICAO Visible Digital Seal (VDS). These QR codes are accepted in Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, and many American states.
In addition to proof of vaccination, other health documents may be required for travel, such as negative COVID-19 test results. It is important to be aware of the specific entry requirements of your destination country and any countries you may be transiting through.
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There may be spot checks on arrival at the airport
In October 2021, the Canadian government announced that all air, train, and boat travellers aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated and provide documentation as proof. However, it was unclear which entity would be responsible for verifying passengers' vaccination status. Airlines lobbied for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to take on this role, shifting the burden from carriers, who were previously responsible for checking passengers' COVID-19 test results.
While CATSA was considering assuming this responsibility, the process of validating vaccine documents from various jurisdictions was complex. This complexity was further compounded by the impending introduction of a nationwide proof-of-vaccination platform and QR code system.
In the absence of a standardized system, airlines like Flair Airlines have developed their own processes. For instance, Flair Airlines has been working on incorporating proof of vaccination as part of the booking and check-in process.
Regardless of the system in place, there may be spot checks on arrival at the airport. Some travellers have reported being asked to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results upon arrival at their destination, with nurses verifying their documentation. These spot checks are unpredictable and vary across locations, underscoring the importance of being prepared to provide proof of vaccination or negative test results when travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
Airline staff or airport security agents may check vaccination status at the airport.
They may visually inspect your vaccination documents or scan a QR code.
They may check at check-in or boarding.
You can check the CDC’s destination pages for travel health information.
