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• Trusted Traveler Programs

TSA PreCheck®

What is tsa precheck ® .

The TSA PreCheck ® program expedites traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints (for a complete list of participating airports, visit the TSA PreCheck® Airports and Airlines page 1-866-289-9673 -->). No need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, or light jackets.

Are You Eligible?

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry , NEXUS or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck ® , as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.

How It Works

If you are an eligible Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI member, enter your membership number (PASS ID) in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking reservations, or enter it into your frequent flyer profile with the airline. The membership number enables Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight System to verify that you are a legitimate CBP Trusted Traveler and eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck ® .

Where You Can Find Your Membership Number

You can find your Trusted Traveler member number by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. Your membership number is listed toward the bottom of the page. Your membership number is also located on the back of your Trusted Traveler card in the upper-left corner.

The TSA PreCheck ® program expedites traveler screening through TSA security checkpoints. For a complete list of participating airports in TSA PreCheck ® or for more information, visit www.tsa.gov or call the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 .  

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck ® , as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.  

If you are an eligible Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI member, enter your membership number (PASS ID) in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking reservations, or enter it into your frequent flyer profile with the airline. The membership number enables Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight System to verify that you are a legitimate CBP Trusted Traveler and eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck ® .  

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• At the airport
• Security checkpoints

TSA PreCheck

Breeze through security.

TSA PreCheck ® is an expedited security program allowing eligible travelers to speed up their screening process at participating U.S. airports and for most international trips. To participate, you must apply and get approval from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

If you have TSA PreCheck, you’ll go through a dedicated screening lane at the airport where you may not need to remove your shoes, jacket, belt or laptop from your bag.

TSA PreCheck is also available if you’re enrolled in a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program, including Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS.

• Apply for TSA PreCheck Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
• CBP Trusted Traveler programs Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard®

Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Executive Mastercard ® card members receive an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $100 every 5 years. To receive reimbursement, you must charge the application fee to your Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Executive Mastercard ® .

More about the Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Executive Mastercard ® Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Travel with TSA PreCheck

If you apply directly through TSA, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). If you’re registered with a CBP program, you’ll receive a 9-digit PASS ID, which is the same number for all CBP programs.

Update your KTN or PASS ID in your AAdvantage ® account before you travel so your information is saved for every trip. If you’re not an AAdvantage ® member, you must add your KTN or PASS ID to each reservation when you book.

If you can’t find your KTN or PASS ID, you can get them online.

• Find your KTN Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
• Find your PASS ID Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Update your AAdvantage® profile

• Log in to your AAdvantage ® account
• Add your KTN or PASS ID in the ‘Secure traveler’ section
• Save your changes
• Update your profile
• Not an AAdvantage ® member? Join for free

Update an existing trip

• Find your trip on aa.com or the American app
• Select ‘Edit’ in the passenger information section
• Go to ‘Security information’
• Add your KTN or PASS ID

Find your trip

Boarding passes

If you’re eligible for TSA PreCheck, your boarding pass will show TSA PreCheck. If you add your KTN after checking in, you’ll need to get a new boarding pass.

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

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Frequently Asked Questions

⚠   The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expired as of May 11, 2023. This site will no longer be updated and will remain online for historical purposes only.

For current COVID-19 guidance, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

• Can I wear a mask to the TSA checkpoint? Yes, CDC recommends travelers wear a mask throughout their travel journey. Travelers may be asked to adjust their mask for identity verification or remove it briefly if it alarms the security screening equipment.  

Can I request that TSA officers use new gloves during my screening? Yes. TSA officers are required to wear nitrile gloves when conducting screening duties and to change them following each pat-down and upon passenger request.

Can I bring my own filled water bottle through the TSA checkpoint? No, you are not permitted to bring your own filled water bottle that exceeds 3.4 ounces through the checkpoint. Many airports now offer touchless refilling stations past security that enable travelers to fill empty bottles and containers they bring from home. Consult the directory or ask a local official for locations in your departure airport.

Do I need to remove electronics from my carry-on bags?

Yes, you should plan to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and put them in a separate bin with nothing placed on or under them for security screening. (This does not apply to TSA PreCheck™ passengers.) Some airports are using new Computed Tomography (CT) technology that allows you to keep electronics in your carry-on luggage. Passengers will be advised on the use of CT scanners at the checkpoint and of any alternate procedures. 

Can TSA still open and go through my checked luggage? What precautions are being taken to reduce possible contamination? Yes, TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag. To reduce the likelihood of contamination, TSA officers are changing their gloves after each bag check and conducting enhanced sanitation of baggage screening areas.

What is the status of REAL ID enforcement in light of COVID-19?

The Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline for REAL ID enforcement to May 7, 2025. Visit the REAL ID website for more information.

What happens if a passenger is unruly and does not comply with an airline’s policies and/or causes an inflight disruption or distraction for the crew?

Federal law prohibits physically assaulting or threatening to physically assault aircraft crew or anyone else on a civil aircraft. Passengers are subject to civil penalties for such misconduct, which can threaten the safety of the flight by disrupting or distracting cabin crew from their safety duties. Additionally, federal law provides for criminal fines and imprisonment of passengers who interfere with the performance of a crewmember’s duties by assaulting or intimidating that crewmember. 

What happens if there is a sick passenger on an international or domestic flight?

Under current federal regulations, pilots must report all onboard illnesses and deaths to CDC before arriving to a U.S. destination. According to CDC illness response protocols, if a sick traveler has a serious contagious disease during air travel, CDC works with local and state health departments and international public health agencies to contact exposed passengers and crew. Be sure to give the airline your current contact information when booking your ticket so you can be notified if you are exposed to a sick traveler on a flight. For more information, see the CDC web page Protecting Travelers’ Health from Airport to Community: Investigating Contagious Diseases on Flights .

Can flying on an airplane increase my risk of getting COVID-19? 

Most airlines and airports are enhancing their cleaning and passenger health protection protocols due to COVID-19, but air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes (the air in an airplane cabin is fully renewed every 2-3 minutes, which is more frequent than most other locations in which people spend time). However, social distancing is difficult on flights, and you may have to sit near others, sometimes for hours. This is why CDC recommends the wearing of a face mask an important additional measure against exposing yourself or others to COVID-19.   It is important to follow basic guidance on wearing a face mask and frequently washing your hands or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. For more information see CDC’s Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic .

International Travel Requirements

• What should passengers provide to airlines to show they are fully vaccinated? Both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated should travel with proof of their vaccination status to provide to their airline prior to departure to the United States. That proof of vaccination should be a paper or digital record issued by an official source and should include the traveler’s name and date of birth, as well as the vaccine product and date(s) of administration for all doses the traveler received.  
• How does the exemption from full vaccination for children work? Children under 18 are exempted from the vaccination requirement for foreign national travelers, given both the ineligibility of some younger children for vaccination, as well as the global variability in access to vaccination for older children who are eligible to be vaccinated.  
• How is the United States government determining exceptions to the vaccination requirement for foreign nationals?  The presidential proclamation and CDC order include a very limited set of exceptions from the vaccination requirement for foreign nationals. These include exceptions for children, certain COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial participants, those with rare medical contraindications to the vaccines, those who need to travel for emergency or humanitarian reasons, those who are traveling on non-tourist visas from countries with low-vaccine availability, members of the armed forces and their immediate families, airline crew, ship crew, and diplomats.

*All information developed in accordance with CDC guidelines. 

Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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A Quick Guide to TSA PreCheck

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Table of Contents

What is TSA PreCheck?

Tsa precheck requirements, how much does tsa precheck cost, how to get tsa precheck for free, how to sign up for tsa precheck, tsa precheck interview, is tsa precheck worth it.

Travelers often dread going through TSA security lines, but by signing up for TSA PreCheck, you can save a lot of time and hassle at airport security.

Exactly how much time can you save? We'll put it this way: In April 2024, 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 10 minutes at airport security.

Travelers with TSA PreCheck can use dedicated security lines, keep their shoes on and leave their 3-1-1 liquids and laptops in their bags. These benefits are available when flying on dozens of airlines at over 200 airports.

Here, we answer your questions: What is TSA PreCheck, how much does it cost and how can you get it for free?

» Learn more: Best credit cards for TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a membership program that offers dedicated airport security lines and streamlined screening at a few hundred airports across the U.S.

Upon approval, members receive a Known Traveler Number that lets the airlines know that you are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.

More than 90 airlines participate in TSA PreCheck to provide a smoother airport screening process. Simply add your Known Traveler Number to your flight reservations to receive a "TSA PreCheck" designation on your boarding pass and use the dedicated security lines. On some flights you may not receive TSA PreCheck benefits based on the airline you're flying, which airport you are flying from or TSA procedures.

Children up to 12 years old do not need their own TSA PreCheck membership. As long as they are traveling with an adult who is a member, they can use the TSA Security lanes too. Children ages 13-17 can travel with TSA PreCheck member parents so long as the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass as well.

Differences between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

While TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both designed to streamline security checkpoints, each is targeted to a specific type of travel.

TSA PreCheck makes domestic travel simpler, offering dedicated airport security lanes, lower application fees and several locations where you can enroll.

Global Entry, on the other hand, is best for international travelers. This program includes TSA PreCheck benefits, but also simplifies the U.S. customs process when returning from outside the U.S.

This chart highlights some of the similarities and differences between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

The TSA PreCheck program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents.

Travelers interested in TSA PreCheck must apply online for pre-approval. Once your interview is booked, you are required to bring an unexpired U.S. government-issued photo identification, plus proof of citizenship. Accepted documents include your passport or a driver's license and birth certificate.

Immigrants can learn more about required documentation on the Homeland Security website .

The benefits sound great, but what is the fee for TSA PreCheck? TSA PreCheck costs $78 at Idemia enrollment centers and $85 at Telos enrollment centers. The membership lasts for five years. After the initial application fee, PreCheck renewal only costs $70 if completed online . As detailed below, some travel credit cards will help offset this cost.

The initial $78 fee breaks down to an average of $15.60 per year or $1.30 per month.

While you can pay for TSA PreCheck with your credit card or debit card, you can actually get it for free instead of paying cash. Here are four ways to do just that:

Randomly issued. Some passengers may randomly receive TSA PreCheck as a way to introduce them to the benefits of being a member. Consider this a marketing effort by the Department of Homeland Security to encourage people to sign up for TSA PreCheck.

Military benefits. All active members of the U.S. Armed Forces can receive TSA PreCheck benefits by entering their Department of Defense identification number as their Known Traveler Number. This includes those serving as Reserves and National Guard, as well as cadets and midshipmen attending a military academy.

Redeem rewards. Some airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus , allow you to redeem miles and points to pay for TSA PreCheck application fees.

Credit card benefits. Many travel cards reimburse TSA PreCheck application fees every four to five years. Among them:

If your credit card offers reimbursement for the application fee for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you must pay the fee with the card. You cannot submit a claim for reimbursement if you paid with some other method. Reimbursement will usually appear as a statement credit in your account within two months.

Cards typically offer reimbursement of only one fee once every four to five years. Check the terms and conditions of your card for the specific rules that apply. Note also that these cards only reimburse the application fee for a trusted traveler program. They don't automatically enroll you in the program or guarantee that you'll be accepted by the program. You still have to apply and go through the required screening, which in the case of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry includes an in-person appointment.

Aeroplan® Credit Card .

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card .

United Club℠ Infinite Card .

United℠ Explorer Card .

United Quest℠ Card .

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card .

Terms apply.

» SEE the best credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.

Here's how to pre-enroll for TSA PreCheck online and get your interview set up in five simple steps:

Go to the TSA website and click on "Apply now."

Complete the brief questionnaire confirming your eligibility for the program.

Provide a list of the identifying documents you'll bring along to your interview.

Choose from one of the 600+ enrollment centers and schedule your TSA PreCheck appointment.

Look for an email confirming your appointment.

» Learn more : How to get TSA PreCheck

What happens if your application is declined?

Getting approved for TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed. People can be declined based on security threat assessments, certain criminal convictions and similar reasons.

If you're declined for TSA PreCheck, it is possible to appeal the decision and request reconsideration.

» Learn more : The best airline and hotel rewards loyalty programs this year

The TSA PreCheck interview usually takes less than 10 minutes. It is primarily meant to verify your identification documents and process your fingerprints. For most people, you'll need to bring your driver's license and passport. However, it is best to use this interactive guide from the Department of Homeland Security to answer a few quick questions to know for sure which documents you should bring.

You will also be required to pay the nonrefundable $78 or $85 fee at your appointment. Payment can be made by credit card, company check, cashier's check or money order.

Once you're approved for TSA PreCheck, add your Known Traveler Number to your existing flight reservations and airline loyalty program profiles. This will allow you to use the dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes across the U.S.

» Learn more : TSA PreCheck interview: What to know

Yes. This valuable tool saves you time and frustration at airport security. If you've ever missed a flight due to long security screening lines, you know how critical it can be to get through airport security quickly.

The initial application fee for most people applying through Idemia is $78 for the first five years. It's $70 to renew online thereafter (but you can easily renew for free ). Numerous credit cards will cover the cost for you. However, if you do pay for it yourself, the fee breaks down to less than $2 per month, which is surely worth it — even for the occasional traveler.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

An official website of the United States government

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• Fact Sheets

Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

• Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
• During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
• Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

• More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

• Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
• Children under 18 years of age;
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;   
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
• Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?  

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website.  

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?  

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

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A Former TSA Agent Spills Their Secrets: 8 Things Never to Take Through Security, and What to Pack Instead

Starting at just $4, these simple solutions will have you headed to your gate in no time.

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Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

Before he accidentally became a travel influencer, Caleb Harmon-Marshall commuted to his “office”— the world’s busiest airport. Each day the former TSA agent and his colleagues were tasked with screening up to 102,000 passengers departing from Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport . Harmon-Marshall recently told Travel + Leisure he saw a lot of strange things (including someone who tried to smuggle drugs in live fish) during his screening career. Still, he has no regrets. “Working at the busiest airport for as long as I did equipped me with so much knowledge and stories I’ll be able to share for years to come.”

Today, Harmon-Marshall doles out travel tips via his Gate Access newsletter. His biggest hack for going through security faster? Pay attention to what the people in front of you are doing and take your AirPods out. “Passengers frequently get upset because the rules seem different at each airport,” explained Harmon-Marshall. “Well, I can confirm that all TSA checkpoints follow the same exact standard operating procedures. However, they may be implementing a different screening procedure at any given time. The key here is to listen to what the officers are saying instead of going off of habit.”

Of course, he also recommends packing the right products, especially if you want to minimize your chances of holding up the line, or worse, having your bag searched and items seized. “I worked in Atlanta, where the Coca-Cola Museum is, so many people came in with bottles from the museum, which were confiscated,” recalled Harmon-Marshall, who says snow globes are another souvenir no-no. But for almost every item he doesn’t recommend trying to sneak in your carry-on, he has one that will pass with flying colors. From disposable booties that will keep your feet clean as you pass through the metal detector to contact solution that won’t be considered an explosive device , here are eight TSA-approved essentials, starting at just $4, he recommends packing instead for your next trip. 

Loose Jewelry

Pack this instead: plush velvet travel jewelry organizer.

Harmon-Marshall loves a little bling, but when it comes to the X-ray machine, he says jewelry is “annoying.” Because the X-ray machine can’t see through it, if it’s in a bag with other contents, there’s a good chance it will have to be physically searched. For that reason, he recommends keeping your jewelry in a bag or container you can easily take out of your carry-on and place in the bin to be screened separately. 

This particular organizer (which has more than 10,000 five-star ratings) boasts removable dividers, a built-in mirror, and a secret compartment. It was one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2022, and one satisfied shopper wrote, “The velvet is a beautiful deep green, the zipper is sturdy, and overall the box feels of quality. I recently took it on vacation and it was the perfect size to pack away neatly. Probably one of my favorite things I’ve bought on Amazon.” 

Contact Lens Solution With Hydrogen Peroxide

Pack this instead: peroxide-free saline.

Harmon-Marshall doesn’t mince words: “I’ve thrown out gallons of contact solution.” That’s because contact solution that contains hydrogen peroxide — an ingredient found in many explosives — isn’t allowed on planes. “Usually these bottles have a red top on them,” he explained. Instead, buy travel-friendly stuff like Biotrue. It comes in a TSA-approved 2-ounce bottle and has nearly 50,000 five-star ratings. 

“Comfort on the go” is the title of one review left by a traveler who says they have sensitive eyes. Note: if you need to travel with more than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on, you totally can. TSA classifies contact solution as “ medically necessary .” However, you do have to declare it to a security officer for inspection.

A Laptop in Your Carry-on

Pack this instead: timbuk2 co-pilot luggage roller suitcase.

Unless you have TSA pre-check or CLEAR, you’ll have to take your laptop out of its bag for screening. For this reason, Harmon-Marshall recommends luggage that has a built-in laptop slot. “I can easily slip it out and put it in a separate bin,” he said. “And it creates an easier repacking experience.” 

This Timbuk2 carry-on features a padded 13-inch laptop sleeve in the front, so it’s easy to access your computer or tablet. “ Indestructible, simple, and efficient ,” is the title of a review left by a shopper who recommends it for weekend warriors who don’t mind getting lots of compliments from fellow passengers. 

Unmarked Liquids

Pack this instead: morfone 16-pack travel bottles set for toiletries.

“I would never pack liquids in bottles that don’t display the ounces,” said Harmon-Marshall. TSA can’t just eyeball a container or assume it falls under the 3.4-ounce allowable threshold. And you can’t bring an 8-ounce container in your carry-on even if it’s 90 percent empty. According to the TSA website, “Officers only consider the bottle size, not the actual substance inside.” 

If you’re going to put your toiletry liquids in smaller bottles (after all, buying travel-sized can get expensive and isn’t eco-friendly) opt for this set which won the “best size range” category in Travel + Leisure ’s roundup of the 7 Best Toiletry Bottle Sets of 2024 . All 16 bottles are clearly labeled with how much they hold. “Compact, leak-proof, and easy to fill,” wrote one shopper who appreciates that they’re made of a silicone material which allows them to “squeeze out every last drop.” 

Full-size Pillows

Pack this instead: eversnug travel blanket and pillow .

While some travelers are packing full-size pillows, a travel hack trending on TikTok , it’s not recommended because some airlines might not consider it a personal item. They’ll either charge you for an additional carry-on, or worse, make you pay to check it. Fortunately, this EverSnug Travel Blanket Pillow that flight attendants are obsessed with always counts as a personal item. It’s super soft and doubles as a travel blanket, too. Plus, it’s convenient to carry. 

“It easily attaches onto your carry-on,” said Harmon-Marshall who travels with it and loves the fact he can stash a few “extra goodies” in the carrying case if he runs out of room in his bag. With more than 5,000 five-star ratings, it’s one of Amazon’s best-selling travel products . “Can not recommend enough,” summed up one traveler who says it made her 27-hour trip to Spain, on planes and trains, a lot more comfortable. 

Oversized Luggage

Pack this instead: dagne dover lagos convertible duffle.

Dagne Dover

In the bag department, Harmon-Marshall is most enthusiastic about Dagne Dover, a women-owned company with a cult-like following that includes several celebs. “They are fantastic,” he proclaimed. One of the brand’s best-sellers is the Lagos Convertible Duffle, which was recently deemed the “best convertible bag” on Travel + Leisure ’s list of The 19 Best Weekender Bags of 2024 . 

This bag comes in two sizes, medium and large, and both fit in the overhead bin. Justify the higher price tag by reminding yourself that essentially you’re getting two bags — a duffle and a backpack — for the price of one. “The organization on the inside makes it easy to find everything, and it slides over my suitcase for easy carrying,” wrote one reviewer who admits to being really picky when it comes to bags. 

Shoes Without Socks

Pack this instead: hitituto disposable shoe covers 50-pairs.

If you don’t have TSA Precheck or CLEAR, or you’re traveling abroad, you’ll probably have to take off your shoes while going through security. Because Harmon-Marshall hates having his feet touch the well-trafficked airport floor, he is a big fan of these disposable shoe covers that you’re allowed to wear while walking through the metal detector. About $.16 per pair, they’re super affordable, and they’re so popular that more than 8,000 were sold last month. “Felt much better not standing on a dirty airport floor in my socks,” wrote one shopper who bought them specifically for going through TSA. 

Pack This Instead: Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray 3-pack

To keep his hands germ-free, Harmon-Marshall always packs this TSA-approved hydrating sanitizing spray. He told Travel + Leisure that he likes it because it’s easy to carry, it comes in different scents (so you don’t have to reek of ethanol), and thanks to the addition of aloe vera, it’s hydrating. Plus, it comes in a slim Tic Tac-sized colored container that’s a lot more stylish than your classic clear bottle of Purell. At $10 each, it’s not the cheapest hand sanitizer on the market, but you do get 500 sprays out of each, and the price tag hasn’t deterred other travelers from stocking up. Touchland Power Mist has an impressive 4.8-star average rating from more than 5,000 ratings. One rave review reads, “These little wonders have transformed the mundane act of hand sanitizing into a delightful ritual.”

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TSA international checkpoint fully opens inside Boston Logan’s new Terminal E

BOSTON – A new, more convenient international passenger security checkpoint is ready for full operation at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). The new E3 checkpoint will enhance the security checkpoint experience for international travelers going through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening process.

The new more modern checkpoint is part of a massive, $800 million Terminal E renovation project. The new checkpoint includes seven new security screening lanes and was designed and constructed with input from TSA. The focus of the project is to improve security, enhance the efficiency of the screening process and increase the passenger queueing area to support additional throughput.

“We have watched with anticipation as the E3 Security Checkpoint was under construction. We are looking forward to working in this new space where TSA officers will have a more spacious and state-of-the-art technologies to carry-out their important security duties,” said Bob Allison, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Massachusetts.

 TSA officers will start screening passengers at the new international security checkpoint on Wednesday, April 3.

The seven new screening lanes in the E3 checkpoint contain state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanners. The E2 checkpoint will serve as an overflow checkpoint during heavy volume periods. In the summer of 2023 TSA officers screened more than 1.2 million passengers at the Terminal E checkpoint. 

When the CTs are in use, travelers do not need to remove electronics or travel-size liquids from carry-on luggage. The opening to the X-ray tunnel on a CT unit is slightly smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit, so TSA advises travelers not to force larger items into the tunnel, but instead, ask a TSA officer for assistance. TSA also recommends that larger carry-on items be checked with the airline. Another feature of the CT scanner system is every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening.

Travel advice

TSA continues to ask travelers to arrive early and prepared for the screening experience to allow for timely completion of every step of the travel process. To help things go smoothly, please follow these tips:

Tip 1: Pack smart; start with empty bags. Airline passengers who pack for travel with empty bags are less likely to bring prohibited items through a TSA checkpoint. Technology and modifications help reduce the need for physical contact with TSA officers; but, those who take time to come prepared for the TSA checkpoint are far more likely to avoid delay and physical contact. Check for prohibited items by using the  “What Can I Bring?”  page on TSA.gov.

Tip 2: Know before you go. Airports, like highways, have high traffic surges and construction delays, so MassPort officials recommend arriving at BOS three hours prior to international check in, check bags and complete security screening in time to avoid stressful sprints to the departure gate. At the TSA checkpoint, have a  valid ID card  readily available and follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less. There is no substitute for arriving early and being prepared.

Tip 3: Secure items in your carry-on not in bins. When removing items from pockets such as phones, keys, lip balm, tissues and loose change, travelers should secure those items into their carry-on bags instead of placing them in bins. This saves time, reduces stress and is more sanitary. Listen for guidance from TSA officers. Some people may not have traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction provided in the security checkpoint. There may be information on new technologies that help reduce touchpoints and make for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience.

Tip 4: Contact TSA for help if there are questions or concerns. Travelers can get live assistance by tweeting questions and comments to  @AskTSA  or via  Facebook Messenger , weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. TSA Cares, a helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances can be reached by calling TSA Cares at 855-787-2227, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck® to “Travel with Ease. By enrolling in TSA PreCheck , airline passengers can avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. Most new enrollees receive their known traveler number within three to five days, and membership lasts for five years. Throughout the month of October, nearly 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 minutes.

TSA PreCheck adds 8 new international airlines to its program

E ight new international airlines have joined the TSA PreCheck program, allowing eligible passengers flying to destinations like Tahiti or the Bahamas to enjoy a faster airport security screening process, the Transportation Security Administration announced Thursday.

The recently added airlines include Air Premia, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Transat, Bahamasair, BermudAir, Iberia, La Compagnie and New Pacific Airlines.

Enrolled passengers can use the TSA PreCheck lane when flying these airlines from one of the more than 200 airports throughout the U.S. and its territories, or if they're connecting on a domestic flight after returning to the country from a foreign airport.

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The recently added airlines bring the total airlines participating in the Trusted Traveler Program to almost 100, the announcement said.

TSA firearm detections hit record high: And the vast majority were loaded

"About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in dedicated lanes at airport checkpoints nationwide," the TSA said. Membership for TSA PreCheck lasts five years, and takes a five-minute-long online application and 10 minute in-person interview to enroll.

In December, TSA added four airlines  – Norse Atlantic Airways, Lynx Air, Starlux Airlines and Fiji Airways –to its roster.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TSA PreCheck adds 8 new international airlines to its program

Enter Information

You do not need to get TSA PreCheck® if you already have Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or hold an active TWIC® or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with an HME. Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child’s boarding pass. For TSA PreCheck® eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions about TSA PreCheck®, visit the Help Center .

• Legal Name must match exactly on all identification documents brought to enrollment.
• Remember the email address and phone numbers provided below, as they will be used to look-up application information during your in person appointment and to check your status online.
• We do not accept online applications from anyone under the age of 13. If you are age 12 or younger, a parent or guardian must fill out this online form and check the box below. Alternatively, pre-enrollment is not required and a parent or guardian can go with the minor to an enrollment center to complete TSA PreCheck enrollment.
• Note: Even without enrolling in TSA PreCheck, children ages 12 and younger may use the TSA PreCheck® lane when traveling on the same reservation as a TSA PreCheck member who has the indicator on their boarding pass.
• Your legal name must match your identification documents.

*  Which phone would you like to receive text alerts on?