Updated requirements for air travelers to the U.S., authorities warn 102821

- Photo via Denver International Airport -

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Published on Thursday, October 28, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff and wire services

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a new order for all air passengers traveling to the United States.

According to CDC, as of Nov. 8, all non-immigrant, non-citizen air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated against covid-19. Air travelers must also provide proof of vaccination prior to boarding an airplane to the U.S.

Exceptions to this policy will be limited to: children under the age of 18, people medically unable to receive the vaccine against covid-19 or emergency travelers who do not have timely access to a vaccine.

Humanitarian exemptions to this order will be granted on an extremely limited basis, the CDC said in its statement.

U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) who are eligible to travel but are not fully vaccinated will need to provide proof of a negative covid-19 test taken one day before their flight’s departure.

Also, U.S. citizens and LPRs who are fully vaccinated will need to present airlines with proof of vaccination and of a negative covid-19 test three days before their flight.

The CDC recommends that U.S. citizens or residents should avoid traveling abroad until they are fully vaccinated. "International travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some covid-19 variants," the U.S. Department of State said in its statement.

"Delay travel and stay home to protect yourself and others from covid-19. If you do travel, follow all CDC recommendations before, during, and after travel," the U.S. Department of State said.

For additional information about the requirement for proof of negative covid-19 test or recovery from covid-19 for all air passengers arriving in the U.S., expats should visit the U.S. Travel State site.

According to the U.S. Department of State, they have no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. However, they continue to communicate travel advice to U.S. citizens during the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

While the Department of State does not provide direct medical care to private U.S. citizens abroad, they are:

Working with other countries to ensure all residents, including U.S. citizens, can receive vaccines through their vaccination programs and in accordance with their national vaccination plans.

Ensuring that U.S. citizens overseas who travel back to the United States can be vaccinated easily and effectively. More information on the vaccination campaign in the US can be found at the Vaccines.gov site or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

The Department of State is providing all appropriate consular assistance to U.S. citizens in need overseas. This includes providing U.S. citizens with clear information regarding eligibility to receive a vaccination in a foreign country or providing repatriation loans to assist destitute U.S. citizens with travel back to the United States. U.S citizens can review country-specific information regarding vaccine availability on each embassy’s covid-19 site. The information on each country can be found at the Country Specific Information site.

Authorities recommend that U.S. citizens living abroad be registered for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP.state.gov) so they can receive important information from their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, including alerts and updates to Travel Advisories.

In Costa Rica, fully vaccinated international travelers in their countries who plan on visiting Costa Rica, are required to show their covid pass upon arrival at the airport.

In the case of an unvaccinated adult visitor traveling to Costa Rica, they will continue needing to provide proof of a medical insurance policy to cover any covid-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in Costa Rica.

International insurance is required for all international unvaccinated travelers going to Costa Rica. Tourists must request from their insurer a certification issued in English or Spanish, noting the validity of the policy during the dates of visit to Costa Rica, the guarantee of coverage for medical expenses in cases of covid-19 related medical treatment for $50,000 and minimum coverage of $2,000 for extended lodging expenses due to covid-19 related illness.

Tourists have the option of purchasing a Costa Rican medical insurance policy through the National Insurance Institute or the Private Insurance Firms Association Sagicor.

All visitors must also complete an online Health Pass 48 hours before traveling to Costa Rica.

Tourists should review the requirements mentioned above before planning their trip to their respective country's embassy or consulate in Costa Rica.

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How would applying the same U.S. tourist request to Costa Rica impact the country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com