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).
Please reach out to your Jackson Lewis attorney if you will be traveling internationally or have any questions about COVID-19 travel restrictions.