It seems like life is mostly "back to normal" for those who are fully vaccinated. So being able to take your first post-pandemic trip can be the icing on the cake. But you may be wondering if you need to get a Covid test before your vacation starts.
Tourists at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy on May 31, 2021. The Italian government is gradually easing ... [+]
Current CDC Travel Guidelines
Travelers should refer to the latest CDC guidelines to determine when they should wear a mask and also get a Covid test. In most cases, the fully vaccinated traveling at least 14 days after their final shot won't need to get tested before or after travel.
However, the answer depends on your travel destination.
Domestic Travel Guidelines
The CDC currently doesn't advise vaccinated travelers and those who have recovered from Covid-19 in the past three months to get tested or self-quarantine.
All travelers, vaccinated or not, will need to wear a mask when using commercial transit such as airplanes, trains and buses when traveling into, from or within the United States. This federal mask mandate supersedes the CDC guidelines for not having to wear a mask in most public settings.
International Travel Guidelines
The fully vaccinated will need to get a post-travel Covid test to re-enter the United States. This mandate applies to all US citizens and international visitors flying into the U.S.
Some foreign destinations may have similar entry requirements. Most nations require travelers to have a negative pre-travel diagnostic test, but you might be able to waive the testing requirement by showing proof of vaccination. However, even if you can waive the mandatory testing, the nation's health authorities may conduct random health screenings.
The CDC also recommends a post-travel test 3-5 days after returning but self-quarantining isn't necessary.
When The Fully Vaccinated Need Testing
Here are some of the destinations that may require testing the fully vaccinated. As a reminder, the CDC defines a person as fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving their final Covid-19 shot.
An increasing number of countries and states are rolling out vaccine passport capability. This digital app can store your vaccination and diagnostic testing data to easily waiving any mandatory testing and quarantines.
Hawaii
Since May 15, 2021, Hawaiian residents who are fully vaccinated can travel between islands and counties without getting a pre-travel test. But visitors and returning residents must still obtain a negative Covid-19 test to waive the mandatory 10-day quarantine. However, the travel restrictions for the fully vaccinated should ease in the near future.
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island recommends (but doesn't require) getting a test for these reasons:
- Plan to travel out of state
- Returning from out of state travel (get a test between days 5 and 10)
- Exhibit COVID-19 symptoms
Italy
Italy is one of the first of the Schengen member nations to welcome U.S. tourists. However, travelers will need to obtain a negative Covid-19 test to waive the mandatory 10-day quarantine.
Maldives
The Maldives was one of the first countries to reopen to U.S. visitors. A negative PCR test is necessary for all travelers.
Greece
Greece has mandatory testing but showing proof of vaccination waives the pre-travel testing requirement. Other countries have similar policies, including Belize and most Caribbean nations.
Summary
Those who are fully vaccinated can expect to take a pre-travel test if flying to Hawaii or select international destinations. In addition, all international travelers must obtain a test to return to the United States. Besides these requirements, the fully vaccinated don't have to have a test to travel, in most cases.
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