It’s been approximately one month since the newest Covid variant, Omicron, was named a variant of concern by WHO. While the symptoms of Omicron are much milder compared to other concerning variants like Delta, vaccines are not as effective at preventing infection with this variant as they were with others. However, the UK Health Security says that boosters give 70-75% protection against mild disease from Omicron. While the US still officially considers anyone who has received two doses (or one dose of Johnson & Johnson) fully vaccinated, other countries have started requiring boosters or putting expiration dates on how long a person is considered fully vaccinated after their most recent dose.
With new anxieties surrounding Omicron, here are some important vaccine requirements in popular travel destinations to know about before your next trip.
Location Specific Vaccine Mandates
United States
New Mexico
On December 2, New Mexico was the first state in the country to mandate booster shots for state employees, health care workers, and educators. Officials say that because New Mexico was one of the fastest states to get vaccinated earlier this year, they are already seeing more and more breakthrough Covid cases as the effects wear over time. Therefore, the state has decided to push the booster mandate effective January 17.
New York: New York
Back in August, New York City was the first city in the United States to require proof of at least one dose of the vaccine for entry into indoor dining, gyms, and performances with the “Key to NYC” Program. Enforcement of the program began on September 13. To enter indoor establishments, people must use the Excelsior app or their paper CDC vaccination card. Children under the age of 12 are excluded from the policy.
New York’s vaccination mandate for private workers went into effect on December 27th. Starting December 27th, employees who have not received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine are unable to enter the workplace.
Illinois: Chicago
Starting January 3rd, proof of vaccination is required to enter indoor dining, indoor workout facilities, and indoor recreation and entertainment venues where food and beverages are served for everyone aged five and above. Patrons are required to show a valid photo ID (16+) and either a vaccination card, photocopy of vaccination card, digital record or app, or a printed record from the vaccine provider to enter.
Massachusetts: Boston
Starting January 15, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gyms and fitness centers, and entertainment venues such as theaters and sports arenas will require proof of vaccination for entry. Additionally, all city employees must have their first vaccine dose by January 15 and their second dose by February 15. Previously, workers had the option to get tested weekly.
California: Los Angeles and San Francisco
On October 7, Los Angeles launched the SafePassLA program. Proof of vaccination is required for entry into food establishments, gyms, entertainment and recreational locations, personal care establishments, and outdoor events within the City, as well as certain City facilities.
As of August 20, San Francisco requires vaccine cards for entry into indoor bars, restaurants, gyms, and other spaces. The city doesn’t have a single pass, so people must show their CDC-issued vaccination cards.
Louisiana: New Orleans
New Orleans implemented a city-wide vaccine mandate for entry into restaurants, bars, gyms, fitness classes, pool halls, arcades, skating rinks, indoor playgrounds and entertainment spaces, and certain large outdoor events as of August 16. The mandate also includes the Superdome, concerts, centers, music halls, event spaces, and performance venues. This is in addition to the indoor mask mandate she issued on July 30. People must show proof of one vaccine shot or have a negative covid test within the past 72 hours to enter these establishments. The mandate previously only applied to people aged 12 and above, but starting January 3, everyone 5 and older will be required.
CDC-issued vaccine cards, photos of the card, or a digital copy on the LA Wallet App are all acceptable forms of proof of vaccination.
Washington: Seattle
Everyone ages 12 and above are required to present proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid test in order to enter restaurants and bars, indoor recreational facilities and establishments, and outdoor events with other 500 people in Seattle.
Italy
Italy introduced the Green Pass over the summer and by August 6 it was required for entry into restaurants, museums, theatres, cinemas, gyms, swimming pools, amusement parks, spas, wellness centers, festivals, fairs, casinos, bingo halls, nightclubs, and sports stadium for everyone ages 12 and older. In September, it became required for long-distance trains and buses, domestic flights, and ferries. The Ministry of Health issues certificates based on health data and the pass is available digitally, but people can also use a print version. The document certifies that a person has either been vaccinated, recently recovered from Covid, or tested negative.
In addition, Italy is the first country in the EU to make a health pass mandatory for all workers in October. 80% of Italians are vaccinated with at least one dose.
Israel
While vaccination is not mandatory in Israel, they started their Green Pass in February. On March 10, Green Passes became mandatory for entrance into certain locations. Green passes are valid for six months after the last vaccine dose. Possible places include culture and sports events, conferences and exhibitions, hotels, gyms, fitness studios, country clubs, pools, houses of worship with gatherings of over 50 people, event venues and gardens, festivals, restaurants, bars, dining rooms, cafes, museums, libraries, amusement parks, tourist attractions, and universities. When going to places that comply with the green pass, patrons must present their pass along with their valid ID. If patrons are under the age of 18, they can present a photo of their parent or guardian’s ID. Alternatively, those who don’t have a green pass can present a negative antigen test taken within the last 24 hours.
France
France was one of the first countries to require proof of vaccination for entry into restaurants, cafes, museums, theaters, and sports museums back in August. To enter these establishments, patrons must present their “pass sanitaire” or “health pass,” which is an app that shows proof of either vaccination, a negative Covid test, or recovery from Covid through QR codes. The fine for presenting a false pass is $158. 90.3% of the French population is vaccinated.
Germany
While there is no vaccine mandate in effect in Germany right now, lawmakers are discussing a general vaccine mandate. Under this mandate, unvaccinated people in Germany would not be allowed to enter nonessential stores, restaurants, and sports and entertainment venues. While unvaccinated people could still meet in private settings, they could only meet in groups of up to 14 with only two people from another household. The limit wouldn’t apply to those who are vaccinated. February is the earliest the mandate would go into effect.
Employer Vaccine Mandates
In addition to countries, states, and cities with vaccine mandates, it’s not uncommon for private workplaces to require their employees to present proof of vaccination even if the government doesn’t require them to do so.
For example, the Washington Post plans to bring all its employees back to the office by February and they not only require vaccination, but also booster shots and weekly testing. The Post will have on-site testing clinics at their Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Washington offices.
Similarly, the Metropolitan Opera House just announced that all employees and audience members must have booster shots to enter the building starting January 15.
Vaccine Requirements in Education
It’s pretty common for schools to require students and staff to get vaccinated. Many schools required proof of Covid vaccination in the fall semester. However, some schools, like Syracuse, Duke, Brown, Harvard, Michigan State, and NYU, to name a few, are requiring eligible students and staff get booster shots before the next semester starts.
You can view the full list of schools requiring a booster here.
Gant’s Health Pass
With requirements differing across the globe, having easy access to proof of vaccination or a recent negative test is going to be paramount to stress-free business travel. We’ve added a digital health pass to the Gant Gateway (currently available on the desktop version and just waiting for approval on the mobile app update). The Gant Covid Health Passport allows you to store your immunization records in the Gateway as well as your Covid test result documentation.
Vaccine Exemptions
Of course, people will still have the option to get a religious or medical exemption, but it’s looking like they will be hard to come by. Even staff with religious exemptions at United Airlines were put on unpaid leave.
However, some states, like Florida and Texas, have banned businesses from requiring proof of vaccination for entry, so it’s unlikely there will be consistent state-to-state vaccine rules anytime in the near future (unless there is a federal order).
