Where can you travel with a covid-19 vaccine from the US?

While the number of travelers passing through TSA checkpoints across the United States has increased compared to levels last year, they are still down from 2019.

Looking at TSA data from October 2019, 2020, and 2021, we see that travel has not reached its pre-pandemic levels.

Monthly Average (October)

How many people passed through TSA on average in October 2019, 2020, and 2021?

As vaccination rates increase across the world, more countries are opening their border to tourists who are protected against covid-19. With proof of vaccination, people from the United States can visit over seventy-five countries and territories. 

Where can vaccinated people travel?

Source: US News and World Report

Those planning a trip should be aware that restrictions tend to change rapidly and that they should review the US Embassy website for their destination country on a regular basis. Depending on the country you may have to provide a negative covid-19 test, even if you are vaccinated.

Which countries still require a negative covid-19 test for those vaccinated?

Guidance for safe travel

The Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide up-to-date information on how to plan a safe trip during the pandemic.

Both agencies rank countries based on the level of threat from the covid-19 present in the country. There are four risk levels, the highest of which recommends travel to that country be avoided, regardless of vaccination status. The organizations both state that those who are not vaccinated should not travel internationally.

What are the four covid-19 risk levels?

Some Level 1 countries that are typically visited by US tourists include Japan and New Zealand.

Keeping safe in the airport

When it comes to traveling through airports and deciding on accommodation the CDC has provided a few recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure. Aside from vaccinations, the agency recommends wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance when possible, and frequent handwashing or the use of hand sanitizer which is at least 60% alcohol.

Under US law, passengers are required to provide contact information in the case that someone on their flight tests positive.

Returning to the United States

As of 8 November, the CDC has altered the requirements for all those -- citizens and not -- entering the country.

Vaccinated citizens will need to provide proof of vaccination and a PCR or antigen test that is no older than three days when passing through immigration control when reaching the United States. Unvaccinated individuals must provide a test that is no older than twenty-four hours.

Non-citizens must provide "acceptable proof of vaccination." Regardless of the form, it takes it must include, personal identifiers (i.e. full name, birthday, or passport number) "that match the personal identifiers on the passenger’s passport or other travel documents." It also must have the "name of official source issuing the record (e.g., public health agency, government agency, or other authorized vaccine provider)" and the "vaccine manufacturer and date(s) of vaccination."