Coronavirus
U.S. to end vaccination requirements for international travelers
Beginning on May 12, international travelers entering the country via air, land, or water will no longer be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination
May 2, 2023 9:03am
Updated: May 2, 2023 9:03am
The United States will lift the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international travelers arriving in the country on May 11, when the coronavirus public health emergency is set to end, the White House said on Monday.
Beginning on May 12, international travelers entering the country via air, land, or water will no longer be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, the Homeland Security Department said on Monday. Travelers, however, should still be vaccinated and might be asked to show proof of vaccination upon request.
“While vaccination remains one of the most important tools in advancing the health and safety of employees and promoting the efficiency of workplaces, we are now in a different phase of our response when these measures are no longer necessary,” the White House said.
The coronavirus public health emergency was first implemented in 2020 by then-president Donald Trump. It is set to expire on May 11, almost three years after the pandemic was first declared.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to end the requirements for foreign air travelers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 last February. However, the White House opposed the bill, but eased restrictions by no longer requiring international air travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test, but still required them to be fully vaccinated against the virus.
International travelers will be considered to be fully vaccinated if they have received at least a single dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines anytime after August 16, 2022, and two weeks before boarding the flight.
Previously, foreign travelers were only considered fully vaccinated two weeks after they had received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Additionally, the White House on Monday said it was dropping the vaccination requirement for federal workers. In September 2021, the Biden administration began requiring federal employees and contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face disciplinary actions.
