U.S. Continues to Require Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Foreign National Air Passengers

Jackson Lewis P.C.
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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).

DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.

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