Traveling Again: Vaccines Required For Your Next Trip

Vaccination requirements for travel have been a key measure in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries have implemented various rules and restrictions regarding vaccination status, testing, and quarantine for incoming travellers. For example, the United States has required non-US individuals entering via land borders to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination since January 2022. Similarly, France, Greece, and Lebanon have allowed vaccinated visitors from specific green countries, including the United States, to enter without restrictions. In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, travellers should also be aware of other routine and recommended vaccines for their destination, such as influenza, measles, and hepatitis B, as advised by the CDC and other health authorities.

Characteristics of Vaccines Allowed for Travel:

International travel requirements for vaccinated individuals

United States:

The US has implemented a new international travel system that allows fully vaccinated individuals to enter the country. This policy went into effect in November 2021 and applies to both US citizens and foreign nationals. All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within a specified timeframe before departure. For vaccinated individuals, the test must be taken within three days before travel, while unvaccinated individuals must present a negative test taken within one day before departure. Additionally, unvaccinated US citizens returning to the country are subject to stricter testing requirements, including testing again after arrival.

Vaccinated individuals must provide proof of vaccination before boarding US-bound flights. The accepted vaccines include FDA-authorized and approved vaccines, as well as WHO vaccines listed for emergency use. There are limited exceptions to the vaccine requirements, including children under 18 and individuals from countries with limited vaccine availability.

Other Countries:

Each country has its own requirements for international travellers, which may include proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 tests, or both. For example, some countries in South America and Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, while others do not have this requirement but still pose a risk of yellow fever infection. It is essential to check the specific requirements for your destination country before travelling.

In general, it is recommended to consult official government websites and health organizations, such as the CDC in the US, for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding international travel requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. These sources will provide details on accepted vaccines, testing requirements, quarantine guidelines, and any necessary documentation or attestations.

COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entering the US

As of May 12, 2023, non-U.S. travellers entering the country via land ports of entry and ferry terminals are no longer required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, there are still COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entering the US that travellers should be aware of.

Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens

Most international travellers entering the US by air will need to be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination before boarding a U.S.-bound flight. Acceptable forms of proof of vaccination include a paper or digital vaccine record that includes the traveller's full name and date of birth, the vaccine type, and the dates the vaccines were administered. Any vaccines approved by the CDC or those approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO) will be accepted.

Those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of departure. Additionally, unvaccinated children travelling with fully vaccinated adults will need to show proof of a negative test taken within three days of travel. Children travelling alone or with unvaccinated adults will need to show proof of a negative test taken within one day of departure.

Requirements for U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents

U.S. citizens or green card holders are required to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours before departure. Those who are fully vaccinated must also present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.

Exemptions

The following groups are exempt from the vaccination requirements:

• Children under the age of 18
• Certain COVID-19 vaccine trial participants
• Individuals travelling for emergency or humanitarian reasons
• Travellers from countries with low vaccine availability
• Members of the military and their immediate families
• Airline and ship crew
• Diplomats and their families

Travel vaccines recommended by the CDC

International travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or non-existent in your home country. The CDC recommends that all travelers get fully vaccinated before their trip. The vaccines you may need depend on your destination, age, health status, and other factors. It is important to plan ahead and check the CDC's travel health information for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines are recommended or required.

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: The CDC recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before traveling internationally. This is because the majority of measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated residents who become infected during international travel.
• Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: This vaccine is typically available during the fall and spring months and is important for protecting yourself and others from the flu, especially when traveling.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for those who did not receive it during adolescence, with a booster shot recommended every 10 years.
• Zoster Vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for healthy adults aged 50 and older to prevent shingles and its complications.
• Pneumonia Vaccine: Adults over the age of 65 and individuals with immunocompromising conditions or chronic diseases should consider this vaccine.
• Hepatitis B Vaccine: Recommended for those younger than 60.
• Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for those born after 1980.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: The CDC provides guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for travelers entering the United States. Non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the U.S. by land or air are required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.

In addition to the vaccines mentioned above, the CDC also recommends prescription medications for preventing malaria for travelers going to certain destinations. It is important to make an appointment with a healthcare provider or travel health specialist 4-6 weeks before your trip to discuss your specific needs and ensure you have all the necessary vaccines and medications.

Pre-travel vaccination timing

Last-minute travellers, defined as those seeking medical advice within 7 days of departure, may face challenges in completing recommended vaccination schedules. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to discuss options for accelerated vaccine schedules, which are available for certain vaccines. Even if the full vaccination series cannot be completed before departure, receiving at least the first dose of certain vaccines, such as hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies vaccines, can provide some protection during travel.

It is also important to be aware of specific country requirements, such as proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry into certain countries. This proof is typically valid only 10 days after receiving the vaccine, so last-minute travellers may need to adjust their plans if they cannot get vaccinated in time.

Additionally, travellers should be mindful of the risk of malaria at their destination and consult their healthcare provider for recommended medications, which may need to be started 1–2 weeks before departure.

By planning ahead and seeking timely medical advice, travellers can ensure they receive the necessary vaccinations and medications to stay healthy and safe during their trip.

Required, recommended, and routine vaccines

When it comes to travel vaccines, it's important to distinguish between "routine", "recommended", and "required" vaccinations. Routine vaccinations are those recommended for every person in a given country, such as the United States, based on factors like age and health status. These include polio, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), hepatitis B, and Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis). Some routine vaccinations, like the flu shot, need to be administered annually, while others like the yellow fever vaccine offer lifelong protection.

Recommended vaccines are those that may be advisable for travellers to protect their health, even if they are not mandatory for entry to the destination country. Examples include typhoid fever and rabies vaccines. Required vaccines, on the other hand, are mandatory for entry to certain countries and proof of vaccination may be demanded. For instance, certain parts of South America and Africa require travellers to have received the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days prior to arrival.

The COVID-19 vaccine has been a required vaccine for non-US travellers entering the country by air, land, or ferry since early 2022. However, as of May 2024, pre-departure COVID-19 testing is no longer required for U.S.-bound air travellers.

It's important to plan ahead when it comes to travel vaccines, as some require multiple doses and can take 4-6 weeks to start working effectively. Travellers should consult official health sources, such as the CDC's website and the State Department's website, to determine which vaccines are necessary for their destination and health status.

Frequently asked questions