Do I need any vaccination or immune certificate to enter US?
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Here's a clear breakdown of US entry vaccination requirements as of May 2026:
Vaccination Requirements to Enter the United States
For Tourists & Nonimmigrant Visitors
No vaccination proof is required. The COVID-19 vaccine requirement for nonimmigrant travelers (which was in place 2021–2023) was officially rescinded in May 2023 and has not been reinstated. As of today, tourists, students, business travelers, and other nonimmigrants entering the US on a visa or under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) do not need to show any vaccination certificate.
For Immigrant Visa Applicants (Green Card / Permanent Residence)
This is where vaccination requirements do apply. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), all applicants for an immigrant visa (leading to a green card) must receive a medical exam from a CDC-designated physician and show proof of vaccination for:
| Vaccine | Notes |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Required for those who are eligible by age |
| Influenza (flu) | Required seasonally |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | Required |
| Polio | Required |
| Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) | Required |
| Varicella (chickenpox) | Required |
| Hepatitis A & B | Required |
| Meningococcal | Required |
| Any ACIP-recommended vaccine | Applies broadly |
This medical exam and vaccination verification happen before the visa is issued, not at the port of entry.
For Adjustment of Status (Applying Inside the US)
If you are already in the US applying to become a permanent resident (Form I-485), you will also need a vaccination exam conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
Key Takeaway
- Visitor/tourist/student/work visa? → No vaccinations required to enter.
- Immigrant visa (green card)? → Vaccinations required as part of the medical exam process.
For the most current and authoritative information, check CDC's immigrant health page and travel.state.gov.
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