Travel Rules: Unvaccinated Allowed?

The decision to allow unvaccinated people to travel is complex, with arguments for and against. On the one hand, some argue that it is an individual's right to decide whether or not to get vaccinated, and restricting travel based on vaccination status may be unfair. Additionally, there are people who cannot be vaccinated due to age or health reasons. On the other hand, unvaccinated individuals could potentially spread diseases, especially in countries with rising cases, such as measles in the Philippines. International travel increases the risk of contracting and transmitting rare diseases, and the globalization of travel has made it easier for diseases to spread rapidly. Thus, the decision to allow unvaccinated travellers is a challenging one, with public health and individual freedom at odds.

Are unvaccinated people allowed to travel?

Unvaccinated travellers may be denied entry to certain countries

In the US, non-US individuals seeking to enter the country via land borders or ferry terminals are required to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request. This requirement has been in place since January 22, 2022, and was extended in April 2022. It does not apply to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, or US nationals.

Additionally, most non-US citizens visiting the US by air must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination. This requirement also applies to air travel within the US, as some airlines now mandate vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result for passengers.

The issue of whether unvaccinated individuals should be allowed to fly is a contentious one. A study by The Vacationer found that 67% of respondents believed that only vaccinated individuals should be able to fly. Of this number, 36% believed unvaccinated individuals should provide a negative Covid-19 test, while 30% believed they should be barred from air travel altogether.

Unvaccinated travellers may be required to quarantine

• Antigua and Barbuda: Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine for 14 days at COVID-19 certified lodgings. They may also be required to wear a monitoring bracelet.
• Bermuda: Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine at a designated Quarantine Hotel for 14 days at their own expense.
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine for 14 days in a Tourism Authority/MOHWE-approved Transition/Quarantine hotel at their own cost.
• The Bahamas: Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine at a COVID-certified property for 14 days, except to participate in certified activities.
• Canada: Unvaccinated travellers may be required to quarantine in a hotel, at their own expense, until they receive a negative test result.
• The United Kingdom: Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine for 10 days and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and on or after day 8.
• The United States: Unvaccinated travellers may still return home but must commit to taking a second test three to five days after landing.
• Thailand: Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine for 14 days in a state-approved facility.
• Cambodia: Unvaccinated travellers must take a PCR test upon arrival and quarantine for 14 days.
• Australia: Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine on arrival, even if they are vaccinated. The quarantine requirements vary depending on the state or territory.
• New Zealand: Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine in a government-operated facility for 14 days and provide a negative COVID-19 test result before and after entering the country.

Unvaccinated travellers may need to undergo extra Covid tests

In the United States, for example, the CDC previously required all air travellers, including U.S. citizens, to test negative for Covid-19 before departure. However, as of May 12, 2023, nonimmigrant travellers to the U.S. are no longer required to be fully vaccinated before boarding a plane. Still, unvaccinated travellers may be required to show a negative Covid-19 test result before departure, and they may also need to self-quarantine upon arrival.

Similarly, since January 22, 2022, non-U.S. individuals entering the U.S. by land or ferry terminals have been required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination upon request. This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals, who do not need to show proof of vaccination to return to the U.S. via land or ferry terminals. However, travellers exhibiting signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to the CDC for additional medical evaluation.

In addition to vaccination and testing requirements, travellers may also need to comply with other public health measures, such as wearing masks and social distancing. It is important for travellers to stay informed about the latest requirements and recommendations to ensure a safe and smooth trip.

Unvaccinated travellers may need to pay higher entrance fees

The small Caribbean island of Anguilla is not the only destination to implement such a policy. St. Kitts and Nevis, a dual island nation, also instituted a similar policy. As of May 29, 2021, St. Kitts accepted only travellers who had been vaccinated with U.S. or European vaccines. The new rule was implemented in response to a cluster of 16 COVID-19 cases detected on the islands the previous month.

Unvaccinated travellers may also face additional requirements, such as quarantine or extra COVID tests, further increasing the cost and inconvenience of their travel. For example, in French Polynesia, unvaccinated travellers from certain countries were subject to quarantines, while vaccinated travellers were exempt.

The higher fees and additional requirements for unvaccinated travellers reflect the efforts of tourism-dependent nations to balance economic concerns with the safety and health of their citizens and visitors.

Unvaccinated travellers may need proof of negative Covid-19 test results

Travel requirements vary depending on the traveller's vaccination status and country of residence. Unvaccinated travellers may need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result when entering their destination country or returning to their country of residence.

United States

From November 8, 2021, through May 11, 2023, non-citizens entering the US by air were required to show proof of full vaccination. However, this requirement was revoked on May 12, 2023, and non-citizen non-immigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of vaccination to enter the US.

Until June 12, 2022, a separate CDC order mandated that all air travellers, regardless of citizenship, show negative coronavirus test results from a test taken one day before their flight's departure from a foreign country. This pre-departure testing order was also rescinded on June 12, 2022.

Unvaccinated individuals entering the US through land ports of entry and ferry terminals are not required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. However, non-citizens entering the US through these entry points must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination upon request.

Other Countries

Many countries and destinations have been classified by the CDC and the State Department as having the highest risk category. These countries advise individuals to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. For example, cities like New Orleans, San Francisco, and Chicago now require individuals to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to enter indoor areas like restaurants and bars.

A study by The Vacationer found that about 67% of those surveyed said that only vaccinated individuals should be able to fly or take public transportation. Of this number, 36% believe unvaccinated individuals should provide a negative COVID-19 test before flying, while 30% believe they should be barred from air travel altogether.

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