The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today that Americans who are fully vaccinated can travel “at low risk to themselves,” with no negative COVID-19 test results or quarantining necessary. A fully vaccinated person is someone who has received both doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, AND at least two weeks has passed after their vaccination process. While traveling, the CDC did stress that all vaccinated Americans should continue to practice COVID protocols such as mask-wearing, social distancing and hand-washing.
While the CDC included both domestic and international travel in their report, they specified that a COVID-19 test prior to traveling is not needed by someone who has completed the vaccination process unless their destination country requires it. Before returning to the United States, however, a negative test result should be required before reentering the country, and another test should be performed 3-5 days later. Quarantining by fully-vaccinated people after returning to the United States is not necessary unless required by local ordinances.
The CDC continues to recommend that those who have not yet been vaccinated do not engage in non-essential travel. Those who must travel should be tested 1-3 days prior to flying, and then once again 3-5 days upon their return, or self-quarantine for 7-10 days.
Currently, no airline requires passengers to be fully vaccinated, although some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, are implementing vaccine policies for their passengers. Disney Cruise Lines, planning to set sail again this fall, has not yet established any vaccine requirement for its Guests.
Some countries, including Iceland, are already requiring that all travelers be fully vaccinated.
This spring season has seen airline travel rapidly increasing in the United States, which ultimately could result in larger crowds allowed at Walt Disney World. Although maximum capacity is currently limited, with vaccination rates increasing daily and the busy summer months approaching, Disney World may raise its Guest capacity to match the demand as Americans begin take to the skies once again.
