The Essentials

Know Before You Go: COVID-19 Tests & Vaccine Cards

Have you been vaccinated? Have you received your booster shot? Is that enough? Maybe not.

Some countries won’t allow you in if you received your vaccination more than one year prior to entering.

While some countries — like the U.S. — recognize a rapid antigen test to be able to enter, other countries still require the PCR test — not just for you — but in some cases, even for kids as young as 1 year old.

And France requires kids over the age of 12 to show a health pass.

Those of you who want to laminate your cards, beware. Not every country likes that.

And don’t just use an app or a photo of your vaccination card on your cell phone. Take a hard copy with you, just in case.