The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has given the green light for fully vaccinated Americans to travel. The updated information indicates that fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to obtain and disseminate COVID-19. However, passengers must still follow the guidelines for safe travel and any government or airline orders.
You are considered fully vaccinated by the CDC if two weeks have passed since you received the second dose in a series of two doses (like Pfizer or Moderna) or two weeks after a single dose vaccine (like Johnson & Johnson).
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Fully vaccinated passengers can travel again
The CDC updated its guidelines for Americans on Friday, giving the green light for passengers to travel again after being fully vaccinated. For domestic travelers, the CDC recommends waiting until passengers are fully vaccinated before embarking on their trip. This means waiting at least two weeks after the final dose of the vaccine.
During the trip, passengers should still wear a mask over their nose and mouth. This is more than just guidance; it is a federal law. Airlines have also demonstrated that they will remove passengers who do not comply with the mask from their flights, prohibiting them from traveling with that airline while the mask is in effect. Passengers should also wash their hands or sanitize frequently and maintain social distance whenever possible.
The CDC also described the guidance that fully vaccinated passengers do not need to be tested or quarantined before or after their journey. The CDC recommends taking the test one to three days before travel and within three to five days after travel for unvaccinated passengers.
What about international travel?
The CDC has not yet given general guidance authorizing international travel for all jet passengers. However, the organization has launched some of the bases for vaccinated passengers to travel internationally.
The CDC has outlined a risk assessment for countries around the world. Most countries are still considered to be at high risk of infection while traveling. You can see the risk assessment for countries here.
International passengers do not need to take the test before leaving the United States, unless the foreign destination they are visiting requires. The order for negative test results within three days of boarding a flight to the U.S. is still in effect. The CDC also recommends testing three to five days after international travel, but does not recommend self-quarantine for vaccinated travelers.
Great news for the airline industry
Last year, the airline industry had high hopes for a vaccine to unlock travel. Now, the CDC is finally providing this roadmap. The United States has been delivering vaccines at an impressive rate and now, with more than 150 million vaccines administered, more than 30% of the nation’s population has received at least one dose.
With that in mind, the civil aviation industry has seen an excellent March, and a summer peak looks even more likely. The CDC is focusing on opening barriers for domestic travel, as the United States sees light at the end of the tunnel for the pandemic. The shots are also going fast.
For international travel, the CDC is hoping that other countries will increase their vaccination programs before beginning to ease some of the burdens or restrictions in place for these travelers. Foreign citizens from high-risk countries, such as the EU, Brazil, the United Kingdom and South Africa, remain banned from entering the United States.
New York ended its domestic quarantine term on April 1. Hawaii is expected to open with less restrictions for domestic travelers this summer. With the new CDC guidelines in place, other states and local jurisdictions are expected to remove other domestic restrictions and revitalize the tourism industry outside of hotspot destinations like Florida.
Are you happy that the CDC has given the green light to domestic travel for vaccinated Americans? Let us know in the comments!