COVID-19 Vaccination No Longer Required for Noncitizen/Nonresident Travelers Flying to the US

After more than three years, the United States Government’s COVID-19 public health emergency is coming to an end on May 11, 2023. Coinciding with this change, the US will also remove many COVID-19 vaccination requirements, including those affecting international travelers. From May 12, 2023 onwards, noncitizens and nonimmigrants will no longer need to show proof of vaccination in order to travel to the US via plane, land, or ferry terminals.

Citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) have already been exempted from this requirement, so the change will make travel to the US easier for noncitizens and nonimmigrants. The White House released a statement announcing this latest change and indicating that the US is “in a different phase of our [COVID-19] response.”

Please note that this policy change does NOT affect vaccination requirements for immigration medical exams. US law continues to require COVID-19 vaccinations for most intending immigrants and certain refugees and non-immigrants subject to medical screening requirements.

If you have questions about requirements for entry to the United States, please schedule a call with one of our immigration attorneys: 312-427-6163.