What the COVID-19 vaccine might mean for your travel plans
Even though less than 5% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus so far, some travel providers and governments are already accepting proof of vaccination as a requirement for travel — or a substitute for quarantine and COVID-19 testing requirements.
Iceland, for example, is among the first countries to issue COVID-19 vaccination certificates that will allow people to skip the mandatory quarantine. And at the beginning of February, Georgia said any traveler who could provide proof they'd received the full course of any COVID-19 vaccine could enter the country.
There are also a handful of cruise lines that have announced plans to make the vaccine a requirement for passengers.
Related: Country-by-country guide to where you can go if you're vaccinated
What's more, travelers who've had the vaccine are itching to hit the road.
"I have multiple trips planned for later this year, the biggest one being South Africa," said Michele Scott, a physician and member of TPG's Facebook group, after receiving her first dose of the vaccine. "[But even after being vaccinated], I'm still taking precautions [like] wearing a mask, wiping my seat down and using hand sanitizer," she said.
So, once you've been vaccinated, can you immediately head to the airport? Is it safe to toss your mask, board a plane and travel worry-free? The short answer: No.
Here's everything you need to know about traveling after being vaccinated.
Can you travel after being vaccinated?
The arrival of multiple vaccines has inspired optimism about the return of travel.
And it's likely that many destinations and travel providers will eventually require travelers to provide proof of having received a COVID-19 vaccine for entry — or at least as a requisite for skipping quarantine or testing requirements.
But even if you've been vaccinated, you might not be fully in the clear, as the vaccine doesn't protect you until at least one week after you've taken the second dose, several experts told TPG.
"It takes a while for the immune system to kick in," said Kacey Ernst, an epidemiology professor at the Univerisity of Arizona. "So, you don't want to go get vaccinated and hop on your flight the next day and expect that you're covered."
Related: These are the U.S. travel advisories for January 2021
Can you spread the virus if you've been vaccinated?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it's possible a person could be infected with COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick. But the vaccine will not make you sick with COVID-19, nor will you test positive after being vaccinated.
What still isn't entirely clear, however, is whether someone who has been vaccinated can unkowingly carry and spread the virus without expressing any symptoms.
That's why experts say if you're traveling, it's essential to continue practicing all recommended health measures. So, that indoor party you planned to throw to celebrate your vaccination? Probably not a good idea.
Indoor and other high-risk activities should be avoided, even if you're around others who have been vaccinated.
And, if you're thinking about heading straight from your first vaccination appointment to the airport, that's not a great idea either. Trials of the first doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines had a 52.4% and 80.2% efficacy rate, respectively.
"We know what the high-risk factors are, but [COVID-19] still behaves in a way where we don't have all of the answers and data points," said Dr. Jenny Yu, the senior manager for medical integrity at Healthline (owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures).
"Because of that, we can't have [large gatherings] until everyone's vaccinated. Even though you're protected … to protect others, it's still necessary to take precautions."
Can you skip quarantine if you've been vaccinated?
If you're in the U.S., yes -- with several caveats.
The CDC recently said fully vaccinated people would no longer be required to quarantine after being exposed to someone with COVID-19 if they meet all the criteria, including:
- Being fully vaccinated
- Being within three months following receipt of the last dose
- Remaining asymptomatic since exposure
But the CDC says travelers, regardless of vaccination status, should still self-quarantine for at least seven days following travel if they receive a negative COVID-19 test and experience no symptoms (and 10 days without a test).
And being vaccinated definitely won't exempt you from the new order requiring you to present a negative COVID-19 test before flying to the United States from abroad — at least not right now.
Related: The CDC says people who are fully vaccinated can skip quarantine — with caveats
What if I'm traveling to a place that hasn't vaccinated many people?
The vaccination rollout in the U.S. hasn't exactly gone smoothly, and Europe isn't faring much better, either.
That means if you're traveling in the U.S. or abroad right now, you're going to come into contact with people who haven't been vaccinated. Several experts reiterated to TPG that you shouldn't let your guard down even after being vaccinated.
"Having situational awareness and knowing what's going on in the area where you're traveling to, and being cognizant of the level of risk that you're traveling from, is important," said Ernst.
Just because you've been vaccinated doesn't mean you can disregard all public health advice. So, you must continue to wear your mask, practice social distancing and pack your hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes along with your passport.
Achievig herd immunity (which occurs when a significant percentage of a population is immune to an infection) can take a while. For measles, as an example, about 95% of a population must be vaccinated for herd immunity, while the threshold is about 80% for polio.It's not yet known what the percentage is for the novel coronavirus, but one indication that COVID-19 doesn't behave like other diseases is Dr. Anthony Fauci's changing estimates. In December, he said between 75 and 85% of the population must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, up from 60 to 70% early on in the pandemic.Will a vaccine passport be required to travel?
Experts have said that health or vaccine passports could reshape the travel industry. This would be a form of proof that you've taken the coronavirus vaccine or have tested negative for COVID-19.
Several companies have already announced or rolled out health passports. American Airlines and British Airways worked with a technology firm, Daon, to introduce a mobile health passport called VeriFLY.
IATA announced it's in the final stage of developing a digitalized "Travel Pass" that would help support the reopening of international borders.
And Australia's flag carrier, Qantas, has said it's working toward requiring all passengers to present proof of vaccination before boarding — a process that would leverage an electronic vaccination passport that might look similar to IATA's Travel Pass.
At this time, it's unclear how health or vaccine passports would be standardized around the world. In December, however, the World Health Organization (WHO) told TPG it was "exploring how the common vaccination record could be done electronically."
Otherwise, travelers may need to be prepared to download a bevy of new apps before their next international trip or cruise.
Related: Will you need an immunity passport to fly? How the COVID-19 vaccine will restart travel
Bottom line
Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is vital to stamping out the pandemic and will be key to travel's comeback. But even if you've been vaccinated, experts cautioned travelers to continue practicing the health standards introduced during the pandemic.
"Continue to wear your mask, have hand sanitizer [and] go travel, go have fun, go enjoy the places that you want to see," Ernst said. "Just do it in a sensible manner."
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.