Hot vax summer was on everyone’s minds, but it's looking a little different for the travel community. At this time, the CDC’s official stance is yes, the COVID vaccine is required for international travel. But is it really? Technically, that’s an overarching, strong recommendation, and the reality is a smattering of grey areas. Some counties let you in with proof of a negative test, but don’t require a vaccination. Others are blocking travel from some countries and not others.
The travel landscape is a complicated one right now.
In general, getting the COVID vaccine for travel abroad seems to be the easiest way to ensure you’ll be allowed in and out of countries. But even so, what are the rules? The situation is ever-changing, but we’ll break it down as best we can.
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Do you have to be vaccinated to travel internationally?
Not necessarily. Some countries, like Spain, do not require vaccination. Others ask for proof of a negative test within a few days of arrival, and others are just saying nope to all tourists regardless of vaccination! But many are looking at the COVID vaccination as a way to safely welcome tourists back into their country.
If you are vaccinated, there’s less risk of getting or spreading COVID, but even recommendations for vaccinated people are changing day by day with new variants.
Will the Covid vaccine be mandatory for international travel?
The biggest question on everyone’s mind: Do we need this vaccine to travel outside the country again? You’re not alone if you’ve felt extremely cooped up these last few years, and we’re right there with you!
Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is hard to pin down, partly because each country has the power to make up its own rules. Also, with varying spikes and transmission rates, those rules can change in a few weeks.
What we do know is most transportation requires a mask regardless of whether or not you’re vaccinated, at least in the US, so it’s a safe bet to keep that habit while abroad.
If you’re trying to stay up to date and want to know where the Covid vaccine is required for international travel, make sure to check specific requirements on the US State Department website, or on the websites for the Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health in your chosen destination.
A vaccine is good for you and those around you—and it’s also good for getting you across borders.
Will you be able to travel without the Covid vaccine?
Some people haven’t gotten a vaccine yet, and others are not able to due to age, health risks, or other variety of reasons. But will that make it impossible to travel internationally? Well, again, it really depends.
While it might be easier to have the Covid vaccine for travel abroad, many countries will accept a negative PCR or rapid test within 48-72 hours of entering the country, in lieu of proof of vaccination.
Other countries are banning unvaccinated people altogether because it’s not worth the risk of spread. For example, St. Kitts requires proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
What’s going on with the Covid vaccine passport for travel?
Good. Question. There’s a lot of talk about mandating a Covid vaccine passport for travel, but the details are fuzzy. The idea is to make it easy for travelers to confirm they’ve been vaccinated, likely using digital proof, like an app. That way, you won’t need to worry about losing the hard copy of your vaccination card!
It also can protect against people forging fake vaccination cards, but that’s a totally different subject (just don’t do it, not worth it).
At this time, a Covid vaccine passport for travel is not mandated in the US. However, some
countries are using their own versions, like Israel and China, which give people more freedom (and safety) to attend public facilities like gyms, and travel more freely.
Your world will begin to open up once you’re vaccinated.
Do you need the Covid vaccine to fly?
Nope, not really. But maybe. Again...it just depends on where you’re going! If you’re flying domestically in the US, you’re good without one (we hope so, stay safe!). Internationally, it depends on where you’re going. Always check the current requirements for the country you’re heading to and your home base.
Can I travel after the first dose of the Covid vaccine?
Unless you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are not considered to be fully vaccinated after the first dose of Moderna, Pfizer, or otherwise. While you are slowly building up antibodies, and each day becoming able to more effectively fight off Covid, you won’t technically be vaccinated until about two weeks after your second dose.
But does that mean you can’t travel? Not necessarily. If you’re going to a country that doesn’t mandate a vaccine, you’re fine as long as you follow whatever local Covid rules and policies are in place.
If you are getting vaccinated anyway, you might as well wait to travel until you’re as protected as possible! It also lessens the likelihood of getting stuck abroad somewhere, for whatever reason, and missing your second dose.
Do fully vaccinated travelers need to get tested for Covid-19 after international travel?
Some countries do require a negative COVID test even after you’ve been vaccinated. For example, as of October 2021, the United States requires proof of a negative Covid test (PCR or rapid/antigen) if you’re entering the country, without exception.
How do I prove that I'm vaccinated?
A vaccine card is the new travel essential.
Some version of a COVID vaccine passport for travel could be your ticket to proof. There are some apps, like Health Pass by Clear, CommonHealth, and CommonPass that allow you to upload proof of your vaccination to verify with the country you are traveling to. However, these are only accepted in certain countries at the moment, so it’s still a bit of a hassle.
At this time, the best way to prove you’re vaccinated is with your vaccination card that has the official Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logo on it.
Where to get vaccinations for international travel
Where can you get COVID vaccines in the US?
- Walgreens
- Safeway Pharmacy
- Kroger Pharmacy
- CVS Pharmacy
- Hospitals
- Local clinics
- Many university campuses
Not sure where to get vaccinated? Here's a vaccine finder!
What about other vaccines?
While COVID is on the mind, there are still other vaccinations you do need to go to certain countries. Check the CDC’s website for details on recommended and required vaccinations per country.
You can also use the website to search for clinics that offer inoculations like Yellow Fever vaccines. You’ll likely have to call ahead to schedule, and they might have to special order it, so plan well ahead prior to your travels.
PassportHealth is another great website for finding where to get those more obscure vaccinations!
Download our FREE Covid Travel eBook—and start safely planning your next trip!
Travel has most likely changed forever
We’ll all need to be prepared for a new style of travel.
Even with the world slowly opening up, things have changed. Some countries can change their policies on the COVID vaccine for travel abroad in a month, and others might change rules next week.
While it’s possible that there could a global shift towards making the Covid vaccine required for international travel, it seems like the current trajectory is leaning towards “depends on where you go.”
The best thing to do is stay optimistic, travel safely, and do your research on your destination’s requirements well before booking your flight.
Travel isn’t dead, it’s just different. It’s time to evolve.
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