U.S.  Ends COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for International Travelers

The Biden Administration ended the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for international air travelers on May 11, 2023, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ended. Effective May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also confirmed that starting May 12, it will no longer require non-U.S. travelers entering the United States via land ports of entry and ferries to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Background

In 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration announced COVID-19 vaccination requirements for certain international travelers to slow the spread of new variants entering the country. Last June, the Administration dropped its requirement that people arriving in the U.S. by air must test negative for COVID but kept in place Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination requirements for most foreign travelers. The termination of the COVID-19 public health emergency has now brought an end to the traveler vaccination requirement.

COVID Vaccine Requirements for Green Card Applicants Remain in Effect

The new guidelines eliminating COVID-19 vaccination requirements are  applicable to noncitizens seeking temporary admission to the U.S. Foreign nationals applying for  U.S. permanent resident status  (green cards) are still required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination (or proof of eligibility for an exemption) in connection with completing the medical  exam required for the adjustment of status or immigrant visa application.

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