Travel Vaccine Certificates, Passports, Visa

Travel Vaccine Certificates, Passports, Visa, Green Card 2025

Various countries require proof of immunization as a prerequisite for obtaining a visa or entering their territory. Vaccine passports are digital credentials that confirm a person has been vaccinated against particular diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN) became effective in Europe on July 1, 2023. The GDHCN's digital capabilities may include verification of vaccinations, the International Patient Summary, verification of vaccination certificates within and across borders, and certification of public health professionals through the WHO Academy. The WHO published the Digital Documentation of Certificates: Vaccination Status and Test Results in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

In 2023, the WHO endorsed the European Union (EU) digital certification system. The EU Digital Certificate has been issued across 51 countries.

U.S. Passport, Security Notices, Health Advisories

The U.S. Department of State publishes information for visa and passport applications, as well as for countries, to help travelers assess their risks. If Americans are overseas and need emergency assistance, they should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, says the State Department. From Overseas, call +1 202-501-4444. Updated FAQs about U.S. passport and visa operations are on this State Department webpage. In addition, view travel requirements for countries edited by Sherpa. Choose a country on this map to begin your search.

The State Department launched the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy on August 1, 2023. The Bureau's overarching mission is to fortify the global health security architecture to effectively prevent, detect, control, and respond to infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. By leveraging and coordinating U.S. foreign assistance, the Bureau aims to foster robust international cooperation and enhance protection for the United States and the global community against health threats through strengthened systems and policies.

U.S. Transportation Security Administration

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides a range of customer service resources to support travelers. PreCheck lanes are available at your airport; you can search for them using this link. The TSA has a team dedicated to answering questions related to prohibited and permitted items, identification requirements, and other related topics. AskTSA is available 365 days a year on these social media networks: X (@AskTSA), Facebook Messenger (www.fb.com/AskTSA), Apple Business Chat (AskTSA), and by texting "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872).

On May 6, 2025, the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued a statement (UOD-2025/01) warning airline passengers that standing up before the plane has come to a complete stop and vaping or smoking on board are prohibited. Turkish Airlines may fine violators around $70 per violation.

A 2023 report from the International Air Transport Association indicates an increase in the rate of reported unruly passenger incidents. Based on over 24,500 incident reports from more than 50 operators globally, there was one incident for every 480 flights in 2023, compared to one incident for every 568 flights in 2022.

U.S. Visa Waiver Program

The U.S. Visa Waiver Program is an international travel facility that allows citizens of select countries to visit the U.S. without requiring a traditional visa. Under this program, a person can stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 90 days. Under this program, even without a visa, there are certain conditions, such as possessing an e-passport and obtaining prior permission online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Visitors must meet all of the requirements to travel to the United States on the VWP.

U.S. Green Card Applications

Effective January 22, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) waived the requirement that applicants for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, indicating that they received the COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not issue any Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny related to proving a COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not deny any adjustment of status application based on the applicant's failure to present documentation showing receipt of the COVID-19 vaccination.

International Certificates of Vaccination or Prophylaxis

The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the yellow card, is required to enter various countries internationally. The WHO published a Country List to identify which countries require an ICVP.

REAL ID Act

All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and four of five U.S. territories covered by the REAL ID Act and related regulations are issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and identification cards. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in December 2022 its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025. The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years or older will need a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card, a state-issued enhanced license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you must comply with the document requirements for that country. Each individual arriving in the U.S. must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. Examples and a sample declaration form can be found on the Customs Declaration Form. Additionally, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One app serves as a single portal for mobile applications and services. 

As a result of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) travel promotion fee was increased from $10 to $17, in addition to a $4 operation fee. CBP began collecting the new fee amount on May 26, 2022. Individuals with an approved ESTA do not have to reapply, as an ESTA is valid for up to two years. ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. Instead, U.S. CBP officers determine the admissibility of travelers upon their arrival.

Global Entry Program

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the USA. Members enter through automatic kiosks at select airports. Additionally, the Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) program enables Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved to complete their interviews upon arrival in the United States. A list of participating EoA airports is posted on this webpage. While Global Entry aims to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the USA.

United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization 2025

As of June 2025, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) enables UK residents to access necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and certain other countries on the same basis as a resident of those countries. In 2025, all individuals wishing to travel to and through the United Kingdom, except British and Irish citizens, will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). You can get an ETA instead of a visa if you're coming to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, or business purposes, or if you're transiting through the UK for up to three months. ETAs for the last two years, enabling you to travel to the UK as often as possible. Prospective travelers should apply for the United Kingdom ETA using this IVISA link. The application costs £10 (about $12.50) to apply. As of 2025, the UK offers information on passport eligibility, fees, and the application process, including renewal and update procedures.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a joint plan between the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and the statutory mandates of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. As a result, U.S. citizens can present a passport, a Passport Trusted Traveler Program card (such as NEXUS or SENTRI), or a U.S. military ID. Military identification card when traveling on official, oral orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling with official maritime business.

Note that children must also present their passports when traveling by air. Lawful permanent residents must continue to carry a valid Permanent Resident Card. A visa is not required. However, the Indian tribal card cannot be used for air travel.

Pet Passport and Tips

An EU Pet Passport is a universal document issued by an official veterinarian in a European Union (EU) Member State or another designated country, containing official health information related to a specific pet. A passport is issued to a dog, cat, or ferret after it has been taken to an EU veterinarian and vaccinated. The purpose of the EU Pet Passport is to simplify travel between the EU Member States. An EU Pet Passport cannot be obtained in the U.S.

On December 14, 2022, the TSA offered tips for traveling with small pets through security checkpoints this holiday season. Furthermore, the USDA has requirements for importing pet dogs from foreign countries. In particular, dogs traveling to the U.S. from countries affected by specific diseases may need additional inspection and/or quarantine. Use this digital menu to determine if your destination State has particular import requirements.

Airline Compensation Policies

Issued by the U.S. on August 29, 2022, a digital dashboard ensures that travelers have access to U.S. airlines' services to mitigate passenger inconveniences when the cause of a cancellation or delay was due to circumstances within the airline's control.

Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance

The CDC's Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program anonymously collects two nasal swab samples from consenting international travelers arriving at U.S. airports. The nasal sampling multipathogen pilot program tests people for Flu A/B, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and 30 additional priority pathogens. As of September 2023, the TGS program had enrolled more than 360,000 air travelers from more than 135 countries. As of November 6, 2023, Ginkgo Bioworks and XpresCheck will implement the program in selected airports.