U.S. Continues to Require Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Foreign National Air Passengers
Monday, December 5, 2022

While many COVID-19 travel restrictions have been removed, all nonimmigrant foreign nationals continue to be required to present proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to board an international flight to the United States.

A summary of the COVID-19 vaccination requirements can be found below.

Someone is “fully vaccinated”:

  • 14 days after receiving one dose of an approved single dose vaccine;

  • 14 days after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series vaccine; or

  • 14 days after receiving two doses of any approved “mix and match” combination administered at least 17 days apart.

The CDC has a list of approved vaccines. Boosters are not required.

Acceptable proof include the following:

  • Vaccination certificate with QR code or digital pass via Smartphone application with QR code

  • Printout of COVID-19 vaccination record or certificate issued at a national or subnational level by an authorized vaccine provider

  • Digital photos of vaccination card or record, downloaded vaccination record or vaccination certification from an official source, or a mobile phone application without a QR code

  • All proof must have personal identifiers (full name plus at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number) that match passport or other travel documents

  • Airlines will determine is when a translation is required

The following are excepted from the requirement to provide proof of vaccination:

  • Those on official government business or diplomatic travel

  • Children under 18 years of age

  • Participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials

  • Persons with medical contraindications to vaccination

  • Persons issued humanitarian or emergency exception

  • Persons with valid nonimmigrant visas (except B-1/B-2) who are from countries with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability

  • Members of U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and children (under 18 years old)

  • Sea crew members on C-1 or D nonimmigrant visas

  • Persons whose entry is in the U.S. national interest as determined by the Secretary of State, Transportation, or Homeland Security (or their designees)

  • Individuals who are excepted may have to agree to following certain protocols upon entry into the United States

In addition to the above COVID-19 travel restrictions, when traveling to the United States, all nonimmigrants should carry a passport valid for at least six months and a valid U.S. visa stamp or ESTA approval (if eligible).

 

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