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Update on Change to U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for nonimmigrant travel

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The Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. This means starting May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. CDC’s Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic will no longer be in effect when the Presidential Proclamation Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic is revoked .

Please see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/01/the-biden-administration-will-end-covid-19-vaccination-requirements-for-federal-employees-contractors-international-travelers-head-start-educators-and-cms-certified-facilities/

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Fact Sheet: Biden Administration Releases Additional Detail for Implementing a Safer, More Stringent International Air Travel   System

As we continue to work to protect people from COVID-19, today, the Biden Administration is releasing additional detail around implementation of the new international air travel policy requiring foreign national travelers to the United States to be fully vaccinated. This updated policy puts in place an international travel system that is stringent, consistent across the globe, and guided by public health. Starting on November 8, non-citizen, non-immigrant air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the U.S., with only limited exceptions. The updated travel guidelines also include new protocols around testing. To further strengthen protections, unvaccinated travelers – whether U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), or the small number of excepted unvaccinated foreign nationals – will now need to test within one day of departure. Today, the Administration is releasing the following documents to implement these requirements: 1) a Presidential Proclamation to Advance the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic; 2) three Centers for Disease Control and  Prevention (CDC) Orders on vaccination, testing, and contact tracing; and 3) technical instructions to provide implementation details to the airlines and their passengers.  With science and public health as our guide, the United States has developed a new international air travel system that both enhances the safety of Americans here at home and enhances the safety of international air travel. The additional detail released today provides airlines and international air travelers with time to prepare for this new policy ahead of the November 8 implementation date. As previously announced, fully vaccinated foreign nationals will also be able to travel across the Northern and Southwest land borders for non-essential reasons, such as tourism, starting on November 8. Additional detail on amendments to restrictions with respect to land borders will be available in the coming days. Travelers can find full details about today’s air travel announcement on the CDC and Department of State websites.  A summary is below: Fully Vaccinated Status:

• Starting on November 8, non-citizen, non-immigrant air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the U.S.

Proof of Vaccination:

• For foreign nationals, proof of vaccination will be required – with very limited exceptions – to board the plane.
• Match the name and date of birth to confirm the passenger is the same person reflected on the proof of vaccination;
• Determine that the record was issued by an official source (e.g., public health agency, government agency) in the country where the vaccine was given;
• Review the essential information for determining if the passenger meets CDC’s definition for fully vaccinated such as vaccine product, number of vaccine doses received, date(s) of administration, site (e.g., vaccination clinic, health care facility) of vaccination.
• The Biden Administration will work closely with the airlines to ensure that these new requirements are implemented successfully.

Accepted Vaccines:

• CDC has determined that for purposes of travel to the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use listed (EUL) vaccines.
• Individuals can be considered fully vaccinated ≥2 weeks after receipt of the last dose if they have received any single dose of an FDA approved/authorized or WHO EUL approved single-dose series (i.e., Janssen), or any combination of two doses of an FDA approved/authorized or WHO emergency use listed COVID-19 two-dose series (i.e. mixing and matching).
• More details are available in the CDC Annex here .

Enhanced Testing:

• Previously, all travelers were required to produce a negative viral test result within three days of travel to the United States.
• Both nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), such as a PCR test, and antigen tests qualify.
• As announced in September, the new system tightens those requirements, so that unvaccinated U.S. Citizens and LPRs will need to provide a negative test taken within one day of traveling.
• That means that all fully vaccinated U.S. Citizens and LPRs traveling to the United States should be prepared to present documentation of their vaccination status alongside their negative test result.
• For those Americans who can show they are fully vaccinated, the same requirement currently in place will apply – they have to produce a negative test result within three days of travel.
• For anyone traveling to the United States who cannot demonstrate proof of full vaccination, they will have to produce documentation of a negative test within one day of departure.

Requirements for Children:

• Children under 18 are excepted 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.
• Children between the ages of 2 and 17 are required to take a pre-departure test.
• If traveling with a fully vaccinated adult, an unvaccinated child can test three days prior to departure (consistent with the timeline for fully vaccinated adults). If an unvaccinated child is traveling alone or with unvaccinated adults, they will have to test within one day of departure.

Limited Exceptions from the Vaccination Requirement:

• There are a very limited set of exceptions from the vaccination requirement for foreign nationals. These include exceptions for children under 18, certain COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial participants, those with medical contraindications to the vaccines, those who need to travel for emergency or humanitarian reasons (with a US government-issued letter affirming the urgent need to travel), those who are traveling on non-tourist visas from countries with low-vaccine availability (as determined by the CDC), and other very narrow categories.
• Those who receive an exception will generally be required to attest they will comply with applicable public health requirements, including, with very limited exceptions, a requirement that they be vaccinated in the U.S. if they intend to stay here for more than 60 days.

Contact Tracing:

• The CDC is also issuing a Contact Tracing Order that requires all airlines flying into the United States to keep on hand – and promptly turn over to the CDC, when needed – contact information that will allow public health officials to follow up with inbound air travelers who are potentially infected or have been exposed to someone who is infected.
• This is a critical public health measure both to prevent the introduction, transmission, and spread of new variants of COVID-19 as well as to add a critical prevention tool to address other public health threats.

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From vaccines to testing: What travelers need to know before the new US travel system on Nov. 8

• The U.S. is launching a new travel system on Nov. 8.
• Vaccinated foreign air travelers will need to show proof of full vaccination and test for COVID-19.
• The new travel system also adds more stringent testing requirements for unvaccinated U.S. travelers.

The United States is about to make it much easier for vaccinated international travelers to visit.  

The White House announced that a new air travel system will take effect Nov. 8, allowing entry for fully vaccinated foreign tourists .  The system is set to launch nearly two years after the U.S. began imposing travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 . 

The move by the White House will essentially have the U.S. drop its travel ban on dozens of countries while also making entry more challenging for the unvaccinated. The new system will allow entry for foreign nationals only with vaccinations approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization and would add testing requirements for unvaccinated Americans.

Here’s what we know about the new travel requirements:

What are the entry requirements for foreign nationals?

Starting Nov. 8, non-citizen, non-immigrant air travelers   will need to show proof of full vaccination as well as a pre-departure negative coronavirus test taken within three days of travel before they can board a plane to the U.S. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Acceptable forms of proof of vaccination include:

• Digital or paper verifiable record, such as a vaccination certificate or a digital pass with a QR code.  
• Nonverifiable paper record, such as a printout of a COVID-19 vaccination record or COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
• Nonverifiable digital record, such as a digital photo of a vaccination card or record, downloaded vaccine record, downloaded vaccination certificate or a mobile phone application without a QR code.  

The U.S. will accept nucleic acid amplification tests, including PCR tests, and antigen tests. The rules will go into effect for passengers on planes leaving for the U.S. at or after 12:01 a.m. ET on Nov. 8.  

Airlines will collect basic personal contact information   from all U.S.-bound travelers for contact tracing. Airlines are required to keep the information on hand so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   can reach out to travelers who may have been infected or exposed to COVID-19.

Masking will be required, but there will be no quarantine mandate for vaccinated travelers or unvaccinated children .

► US  travel bans: How COVID-19 travel restrictions have impacted families and couples

The change will make entering the U.S. possible for travelers from countries now listed on the U.S. travel ban, which prohibits entry for travelers who have been in any of the regions within the past 14 days. The travel ban  took effect in early 2020 and includes :

• United Kingdom
• Republic of Ireland
• South Africa
• The European Schengen area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City)

Currently, the U.S. asks international air passengers only to get tested within three days of their flight to the U.S. and show either the negative test result or proof of recovery  from COVID-19 before boarding. 

What about the land borders with Mexico and Canada?

New travel rules will also take effect for foreign nationals arriving by land or passenger ferry.

Starting Nov. 8, fully vaccinated foreign nationals can cross the land borders for nonessential reasons such as tourism or visiting friends and family . These travelers will need to verbally attest to their reason for travel and vaccination status and be prepared to show proof of vaccination  upon request. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will accept both digital and paper records showing proof of vaccination, including documents not in English.   Foreign nationals will also need appropriate travel documentation to enter the country.  

CBP will spot-check travelers' vaccination documents, and those without documented proof of vaccination can be denied entry. Travelers under 18 will be exempt from the vaccination requirement as long as they are traveling with a fully vaccinated adult, according to Matthew Davies, CBP's executive director of admissibility and passenger programs.  

The new travel rules will go into effect as soon as a port of entry opens on Nov. 8, or at midnight for ports that operate 24 hours a day changes will go into effect at midnight on Nov. 8 for ports that operation 24 hours a day.  

U.S. citizens reentering the country should also bring a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative document, such as a valid passport, trusted traveler program card, enhanced driver's license or enhanced tribal card. 

Entry rules along the border will change again in early January, with all travelers – including those traveling for essential purposes – required to show proof of full vaccination. 

► US land borders: Travelers in Mexico and Canada plan their next US visit after new land border policy announced

Which vaccines does the US accept for travel?

The CDC has announced that vaccines approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and World Health Organization will be accepted for air travel. White House officials expect the CDC to approve the same vaccines for travelers entering the U.S. by land or ferry.  

The FDA has authorized three COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use during the pandemic: Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech, the last of which has received the FDA's full stamp of approval.

Vaccines with WHO approval for emergency use include:

• Johnson & Johnson
• Pfizer-BioNTech
• Oxford-AstraZeneca/Covishield 

The CDC confirmed that it would accept a mix-and-match approach to vaccinations. Travelers who have any combination of FDA- or WHO-approved vaccines will be considered fully vaccinated.

The new travel policy does not accept foreign travelers who have had COVID and received just one shot in a two-dose series. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that the administration will "continue to review" its entry requirements.  

► Covaxin gets WHO emergency approval: Travelers vaccinated with Covaxin can enter US   

► 'You feel lonely and left out': These fully vaccinated travelers want to visit the US. They may not be allowed in.

How do the new rules affect kids? 

Foreign nationals under 18 are exempt from the vaccination requirement. Children under two will not need to take a pre-departure COVID test.

Kids 2 and older traveling with a fully vaccinated adult can test three days prior to departure, while children traveling alone or with unvaccinated adults will need to get tested within one day of departure. 

Currently, all air passengers 2 or older, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, need to show a negative coronavirus test to fly to the U.S.

What are the entry requirements for Americans?

The new travel system adds more stringent testing requirements for unvaccinated U.S. travelers.

Starting Nov. 8, unvaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents will need to take a test one day before departure and test again upon arrival in the U.S. 

► New travel rules: What US travelers need to know about the new COVID rules for international flights

Entry requirements will not change for vaccinated Americans. They will still need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than three days before departure. 

Americans will not need to be fully vaccinated to board international flights to the U.S.

Are there any exemptions?

There is a limited set of travelers who are exempt from the vaccine requirement for entry.

Children under 18, certain COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial participants and travelers with adverse reactions to the vaccines – such as people who have had severe anaphylactic allergic reactions to a prior COVID-19 vaccine –  will be exempt.

People traveling on non-tourist visas from countries with less than 10% of its population vaccinated who need to enter the U.S. for emergency or humanitarian reasons are also exempt from the vaccine requirement. There are about 50 countries considered to have low vaccine availability at this time.

These exempt travelers will generally need to show that they will comply with public health mandates, including a requirement to be vaccinated in the U.S. if they plan to stay more than 60 days.  

Unless they have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 90 days, unvaccinated travelers  must agree to be tested with a COVID-19 viral test three to five days after their arrival and quarantine for seven days, even if their post-arrival test comes back negative. 

Unvaccinated travelers who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must also agree to self-isolate if their post-arrival test is positive or if they develop COVID-19 symptoms. 

Unvaccinated children under 18 will not need to quarantine but will still need to take a post-arrival test. 

► Who is exempt?: These select groups of unvaccinated foreign travelers can enter the US

The CDC will not give exemptions  to people who object to the vaccinations due to religious or moral convictions. 

There will also be testing accommodations for travelers who can prove they recently recovered from the coronavirus. These travelers will need to show a positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before their flight's departure and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or public health official saying they are cleared for travel.  

Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz . 

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COVID-19 international travel advisories

Visitors to the U.S. do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check Department of State travel advisories for the country you will visit.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

You do not need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or take a COVID-19 test to enter the U.S. This applies to U.S. citizens and non-citizens.

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific travel advisories, including COVID-19 restrictions, from the Department of State.

See the CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel to learn:

• If you can travel if you recently had COVID-19
• What you can do to help prevent COVID-19 

LAST UPDATED: May 31, 2024

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Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

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• Fact Sheets

Fact Sheet: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S. at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals

Updated Date: May 1, 2023

DHS Statement on the Lifting of Title 19 Requirements

Beginning May 12, 2023, DHS will no longer require non-U.S. travelers entering the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request. DHS intends to rescind these Title 19 travel restrictions in alignment with the end of the Public Health Emergency and the termination of the Presidential Proclamation on air travel .

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

As of Thursday, April 21, 2022, DHS will extend COVID-19-related land border entry requirements. Non-U.S. travelers seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  

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

This announcement does not affect requirements for entry into the United States by air.

What To Expect

As travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, wait times are expected to increase. The resources below are intended to prepare travelers to improve the cross-border travel experience. Travelers should plan for longer than normal wait times and longer lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are reminded to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers arriving or departing from air, sea or land ports of entry are encouraged to opt in to using Simplified Arrival or Mobile Passport Control , which can make the inspection process touchless and more expedient with the use of facial comparison technology . Documented non-citizens may also apply for and manage their I-94s through the CBP One TM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Arrival at Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has allowed inbound non-U.S. travelers (non-U.S. citizens who are neither U.S. nationals nor lawful permanent residents) to seek to enter the United States via a land port of entry (POE) or ferry terminal if they are fully vaccinated and have appropriate documentation.

Non-U.S. individuals traveling to the United States via land ports of entry or ferry terminals, whether for essential or non-essential reasons, must: 

• verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status;
• provide, upon request, proof of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined on the CDC website ;  
• present a valid  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  (WHTI)-compliant document, such as a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program Card, or Enhanced Tribal Card;   
• be prepared to present any other relevant documents requested by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer during a border inspection; and   

COVID-19 testing is not required for entry via a land or ferry port of entry. 

Click here to see answers to frequently asked questions

In March 2020, to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the U.S. government issued restrictions on travel into the United States. DHS implemented temporary restrictions, limiting entry at the U.S. northern and southern land borders to persons engaged in essential travel, including lawful trade, emergency response, and public health purposes. The White House also suspended entry to foreign nationals who had recently been in certain countries.

In October 2021, the White House  announced  that, starting November 8, 2021, the U.S. government would move away from the country-by-country restrictions previously applied during the COVID-19 pandemic and adopt travel policies that rely primarily on vaccination to advance the safe resumption of travel. Since January 22, 2022, DHS has imposed a vaccination requirement on non-U.S. individuals seeking to cross into the United States at land ports of entry or ferry terminals. 

CDC Resources

• International Travel Landing Page
• Travel Requirements: Quiz
• International Travel : Information for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, Lawful Permanent Residents, and People Traveling to the U.S. on Immigrant Visas
• Non-U.S. Citizen Non-U.S. Immigrants: Air Travel to the United States

Additional Information

• Vaccines.gov
• DHS Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Coronavirus.gov
• CDC.gov: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• USA.gov: What the U.S. Government is Doing (link is no longer valid)
• Border Security
• Transportation Security
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Watch CBS News

CDC eases COVID vaccination rule on international travelers as expiration looms

By Alexander Tin

April 27, 2023 / 4:47 PM EDT / CBS News

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved Thursday to formally loosen its COVID-19 vaccination requirement on foreign visitors, which will now allow some to board flights into the U.S. with only a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna. 

"Because some traveler vaccine records might not specify whether recent Moderna or Pfizer doses received were bivalent, CDC will consider anybody with record of a single dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine issued on or after August 16, 2022, to meet the requirements," the agency said in updates published Thursday to its website .

The agency said it chose August because it is the "earliest that travelers could have received a bivalent vaccine."

The change comes after the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration decided earlier this month to simplify the COVID-19 vaccine schedule, allowing for most unvaccinated Americans to skip the original two "monovalent" mRNA shots many got early in the pandemic. 

Instead, virtually all adults are able to be "up to date" on their shots after getting a single "bivalent" dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, regardless of what they have or have not gotten previously.

Officials for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services told stakeholders this week that they would also consider a single dose of these shots enough to be "fully vaccinated" under their requirements for healthcare workers.

"We note that if someone is currently unvaccinated, they can meet this rules requirements by receiving one dose of the new bivalent vaccines," CMS official Lauren Oviatt said Wednesday at a webinar .

The CDC's change come as a potential end to the requirement is nearing.

Multiple travel industry officials have said that the requirement on foreign visitors, which has resulted in a handful of high-profile spats over unvaccinated athletes and celebrities being denied entry into the country, is widely expected to be allowed to expire.

Many countries have already long-since eased or ended their vaccination requirements on travelers.

The Transportation Security Administration last moved to renew the rule earlier this month only through May 11 , the same day as the public health emergency is due to end.

The White House first ordered the requirement in October 2021. At the time, President Biden tasked Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra with recommending every month whether it was still needed. 

Asked whether Becerra has decided to end the rule, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said there was no update to share on the future of the requirement.

Alexander Tin is a digital reporter for CBS News based in the Washington, D.C. bureau. He covers the Biden administration's public health agencies, including the federal response to infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19.

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U.S. to ease Covid travel entry rules, require vaccinations for foreign visitors

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration will require all international travelers coming into the United States to be fully vaccinated and tested for Covid-19 under a new system that will open up air travel to vaccinated foreign nationals from dozens of countries for the first time since the early days of the pandemic.

Starting in early November, foreign nationals will be allowed to fly into the U.S. if they are fully vaccinated and able to show proof of vaccination prior to boarding a U.S.-bound flight, White House Covid coordinator Jeffrey Zients said.

The requirement will ease travel restrictions that limited entry into the U.S. in many cases for noncitizens who had recently been in 33 countries , including many European nations and the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status. But for travelers outside of those countries, the new system will put stricter requirements in place that could be a barrier to those living in countries where vaccines are in short supply.

"We will move to this much stricter global system, so we will have a consistent approach across all countries, it will require foreign nationals to be vaccinated, to prove they're vaccinated, and then to go through the testing and contact tracing regiments," Zients said.

The U.S. will also start putting into place additional testing requirements, he said. Foreign nationals will have to be tested three days prior to departure to the U.S. and show proof of a negative test, and unvaccinated Americans will have to test within one day of departure and be required to test again after their arrival.

The CDC will also require airlines to collect information for each U.S.-bound traveler, including their phone number and email address, to aid public health officials in contact tracing.

While there is still no vaccination requirement for domestic air travel, Zients said nothing is off the table.

"We clearly have a track record that shows we're pulling available levers to acquire vaccinations and we're not taking any measures off the table on specific authorities used for implementation," he said.

Zients didn't detail what vaccines will qualify and what would constitute as fully vaccinated and said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would provide further details. The new policy applies only to air travel and not land border crossings, which have been closed to nonessential travel between Canada and Mexico.

Shannon Pettypiece is senior policy reporter for NBC News digital.

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Updated International Air Travel COVID-19 Policy

⚠   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) .

International travel is critical to connecting families and friends, to fueling small and large businesses, and to promoting the open exchange of ideas and culture. The international air travel policy follows the science and both enhances the safety of Americans here at home and the safety of international air travel.

Testing Requirement

On March 10, 2023, CDC  removed  the requirement for air passengers from China, Hong Kong or Macau to show a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery before boarding a flight to the United States.

Vaccination Requirement

As of 12:01am EDT on May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. See  here  for more information.

While masks are no longer required on flights, The CDC still recommends wearing them. 

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American air travel is soaring to new heights

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a staggering 2.99 million passengers at airports across the country on Sunday — the highest number in a single day.

But it’s only going to get busier as summer travel takes full flight.

This coming Friday, the TSA says it expects to screen more than 3 million plane passengers ahead of Independence Day.

The number of Americans taking to the skies is up substantially when compared to last summer, with the TSA predicted to scan 32 million between Jun. 27 and Jul. 8 — an increase of 5.4% on those days last year.

Meanwhile, the agency says seven of the top 10 busiest travel days ever have occurred in the past month.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever and summer travel usually peaks over the Independence Day holiday,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The traveling public is on the move, which is a sign of a healthy economy. We are ready, along with our airline and airport partners, to handle this boost in passenger volumes,” he added.

The TSA is prepared for the increased number of travelers, saying they are “staffed to meet its wait time standards, which are 10 minutes and under in TSA PreCheck lanes and 30 minutes and under in standard screening lanes.”

Industry group Airlines for America said US carriers have also prepared for the increased demand in flights.

Between Jun. 1 and Aug. 31, the carriers are operating more than 26,000 daily flights — up 5.6% over 2023.

However, if your check-in goes smoothly, don’t expect to get off the ground on time.

The Federal Aviation Administration is struggling to address a persistent shortage of air traffic controllers, which will likely delay flights across the country.

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TSA unveils new high-tech equipment to speed up screening process ahead of summer travel season

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The Transportation Security Administration introduced some of its new high-tech equipment to speed up the screening process ahead of the busy summer travel season.

There are 11 new CT scanners at Newark Liberty International Airport in Terminal B, and 3D-imaging of bags will keep the security lines moving for travelers.

The additional equipment comes after TSA already reported record-breaking crowds for travel since Memorial Day Weekend. Newark airport has screened up to 72,000 on averagen a day since then.

"With this technology, it makes it easier," said TSA agent Erica Spearing. "It makes it easier, and I think it aids in having less bag checks."

The agency says nearly 3 million passengers went through security on June 23 -- the most ever screened in one day -- and they expect to break that number sometime this weekend.

"I've never had any issues with regards to security," added passenger Dawn Molloy

The TSA is reminding travelers not to pack liquids, gels, aerosols or creams and pastes. They are limited to 3.4 ounces. They also say many bags are searched because passengers pack water bottles. Those are also not allowed.

Also, guns are never permitted in carry-on luggage.

On Tuesday, the eighth gun arrest was made this year at Newark airport at Terminal B. TSA added to be aware of what's in your luggage and get to the airport two to three hours before your flight.

"We expect to screen 4% higher than we did in the summer of 2023," said TSA Federal Director for New Jersey Thomas Carter. "This summer, and summer 2023 For Newark Liberty International Airport was our highest ever. So we expect to beat that this year."

The FAA predicts June 27 will be the busiest air travel day of the year with nearly 54,000 flights scheduled nationwide.

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US extends air travel COVID-19 vaccine mandate for international visitors

President biden originally issued covid-19 mandate proclamation for international travelers who are not citizens in october 2021.

Dr. Janette Nesheiwat on COVID mandates and lockdowns: 'Clearly did not work'

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Janette Nesheiwat weighs in on testing requirements of COVID-19 for travelers coming from China and whether restrictions need to be reinstated on 'The Evening Edit.'

The U.S. government has quietly issued an extension to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for foreign travelers.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued the extension of vaccine mandates that will last until April 10, 2023.

WHITE HOUSE PRESS SEC CLAIMS FTX FOUNDER, MAJOR DONOR BANKMAN-FRIED VISITED TO DISCUSS ‘PANDEMIC PREVENTION’

President Biden issued the original proclamation mandating COVID-19 vaccination in Oct. 25, 2021. The mandate was intended to replace prior policies restricting travelers based on their country of origin.

Claire Altieri, senior associate of Concentric by Ginkgo, sets up a testing site for COVID-19 variants at Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) at the Los Angeles airport on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images / Getty Images)

"Together with the Presidential Proclamation and the CDC Order, these policies are intended to limit the risk that COVID-19, including variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, is introduced, transmitted, and spread into and throughout the United States, potentially overwhelming United States healthcare and public health resources, endangering the health and safety of the American people, and threatening the security of our civil aviation system," the TSA wrote.

US EXTENDS COVID PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY WEEKS AFTER BIDEN DECLARED PANDEMIC 'OVER'

In October, the U.S. government extended the public health emergency status for the COVID-19 pandemic, weeks after President Biden's controversial remarks declaring the pandemic was "over."

Travelers make their way through Orlando International Airport during the busy Christmas holiday season on Dec. 28, 2022, in Florida. (Paul Hennessy/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The move extends the order through Jan. 11, 2023, as health officials warn once more of a winter surge. 

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President Biden had said during a television interview ahead of the midterm elections that the COVID-19 pandemic "is over."

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FOX Business' Julia Musto contributed to this report.

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TSA breaks record for most individuals screened on a single day, readies for record-breaking Independence Day weekend travel volumes

WASHINGTON — As airline passengers prepare to take to the skies this Independence Day holiday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for a sustained period of high passenger volumes. TSA expects to screen more than 32 million individuals from Thursday, June 27 through Monday, July 8, which is a 5.4% increase over 2023 Independence Day holiday travel volumes. On Sunday, June 23, TSA broke the record for most people screened on a single day, screening nearly 3 million (2.99 million) individuals . This summer’s record-breaking travel volumes reflect the role TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have in securing the nation’s transportation systems, while ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce, which is vital to our country’s economic well-being.

TSA anticipates the peak travel day will be Friday, June 28, when the agency expects to screen more than 3 million individuals. TSA is staffed to meet its wait time standards, which are 10 minutes and under in TSA PreCheck lanes and 30 minutes and under in standard screening lanes. Seven of the top 10 busiest travel days ever have occurred over the past month.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever and summer travel usually peaks over the Independence Day holiday,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Compared to last year, we have cut our attrition rates by almost half and increased our recruiting as a result of the TSA Compensation Plan that was funded in the budget passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. The traveling public is on the move, which is a sign of a healthy economy. We are ready, along with our airline and airport partners, to handle this boost in passenger volumes.”

Airline passengers should be aware that security screening technologies may vary by airport. Although TSA follows strict standardized screening protocols, it is important for passengers to arrive early and listen to the guidance provided by Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).

Below are some frequently asked questions that provide an overview of the TSA technologies and procedures individuals may encounter during screening process.

Do I need to show a boarding pass to the TSA officer?

All airline passengers must have their acceptable ID and boarding pass ready at the security checkpoint entrance.

Do I need to take off my shoes?

TSA requires individuals in standard screening lanes to remove their shoes during the screening process. However, individuals 12 and under or 75 and older are always permitted to keep their shoes on during the security screening process.

Passengers with TSA PreCheck may leave their shoes on unless they alarm during screening. Most airports have dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes during some peak hours. Some airports have blended lanes where passengers with TSA PreCheck are screened in standard lanes, but they will receive a card indicating they have TSA PreCheck to carry with them during screening, and will be screened as a TSA PreCheck passenger.

Can family members go through the TSA PreCheck lane with me?

Teenagers aged 13-17 may accompany TSA PreCheck enrolled parents or guardians through screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. This benefit is another reason to join the nearly 20 million people who have enrolled in TSA PreCheck. For customer flexibility, there are three TSA PreCheck enrollment providers from which passengers may choose: Telos, CLEAR and IDEMIA. For more information on any of the enrollment provider options and TSA PreCheck, visit www.tsa.gov/precheck .

Other advice from TSA

With more than 430 federalized, commercial airports nationwide, 685 security checkpoints and 2,412 security screening lanes, it may be challenging to know what to expect at any airport. Here are some additional tips to help ensure an efficient screening experience:

• Pack smart. Always start packing with a bag that is empty to ensure there are no prohibited items present during security screening. Place electronics larger than a cell phone and travel size liquids at the top of your carry-on so they can be easily accessible if they must be removed. Remember that all liquids must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less if they are in your carry-on bag.
• Arrive at the airport two hours before scheduled boarding time. Allow ample time to park,  navigate to the terminal, check luggage with the airline if needed and proceed through the checkpoint. Most flights board 30-45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
• Review guidelines for traveling with children. Airlines may request proof of age documentation during check-in for children 12 and under traveling unaccompanied. Proof of age documentation must also be provided for children two and under planning to sit on an adult passenger’s lap. A birth certificate is an acceptable proof of age.
• Get assistance prior to traveling. Do you have a question about an item and whether or not it is allowed through security screening? Download the MyTSA app and use the “What Can I Bring?” feature to determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage. You may also snap a picture of an item and send it to @AskTSA on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance. Passengers may text their question to TSA by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872). Passengers who need additional assistance through security screening may request a TSA  Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a TSO who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities, medical conditions or those who need additional screening assistance. Individuals should request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting  our TSA Cares passenger support line  at (855) 787-2227. Live assistance for both the TCC and TSA Cares is available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• Double-check your luggage tags. Many bags look alike, so passengers should tag every piece of checked luggage with their name and address. We also recommended they include additional addresses inside each bag in the event the outside tag falls off. When retrieving checked luggage at baggage claim, it is important that individuals check the tags to ensure they have picked up the correct bag.
• Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack and declare. Passengers may travel with a firearm , but it must be secured as the passenger’s checked baggage; packed unloaded; locked in a hard-sided case and declared to the airline when checking in at the airline ticket counter. Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. TSA does not confiscate or seize firearms. If a passenger brings a firearm to the security checkpoint on their person or in their carry-on luggage, the TSO will contact local law enforcement to safely unload and take possession of the firearm. Law enforcement may also arrest or cite the passenger, depending on local law. TSA may impose a civil penalty up to almost $15,000, and for the first offense, passengers who bring a firearm to a security checkpoint will lose TSA PreCheck® eligibility for five years. Second violations will result in permanent disqualification from the program and additional civil penalties.
• Do you have TSA PreCheck? Make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your airline reservation. TSA PreCheck passengers do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, food items and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. TSA’s wait time standards for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes whereas as standard lanes are under 30 minutes. If you are not yet enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you may enroll via one of TSA’s authorized enrollment providers starting as low as $77.95 for a five-year membership. Most new enrollees receive their KTN within three to five days. Members may renew membership online up to six months prior to expiration for another five-year term starting as low as $68.95. Visit TSA PreCheck at www.tsa.gov/precheck for more information, and to begin your enrollment.
• Respect frontline aviation workers. Violence and unruly behavior in airports and onboard aircraft are not acceptable and will result in significant delays at security checkpoints. TSOs, along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement, are working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSA employee is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or arrest.

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U.S. To End Covid Rules And Allow Unvaccinated Travelers From May 11

The United States is open to tourists from all countries but a vaccine requirement is required for most international visitors.

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US Reopening Tourism – LATEST UPDATES and News:

May 2 – us to scrap covid-vaccination requirements to enter the country for all international travelers.

As per a recent announcement by the United States Government, COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international travelers and federal workers will be lifted on May 11. 

When the public health emergency expires next week, the mandate associated with the coronavirus will be lifted, according to President Joe Biden and his administration’s health officials.

As reported by Reuters.com. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, non-citizens entering the country through land ports and ferries will no longer be required to be vaccinated against COVID -19 beginning May 12.

April 13: Biden Ends Covid National Emergency But Unvaccinated Travel Remains Banned

The White House announced that President Joe Biden has signed a bill to terminate the national emergency related to Covid-19 on Monday.

However, this termination will not affect the separate public health emergency which is scheduled to end on May 11. A White House official stated that the end of the national emergency will not disrupt the orderly winding down of authorities.

That being said, the bill won’t affect the ban on unvaccinated travelers to the U.S. until at least May 11.

The bill was passed with a bipartisan 68-23 vote in the Senate last month and was approved by the House earlier this year, with 11 Democrats voting in favor of the joint resolution.

April 3 – The Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution formally declaring an end to the COVID-19 national emergency.

A GOP-led resolution to end the COVID-19 national emergency that has been in effect since 2020 was approved by the Senate on Wednesday. 

The upper chamber approved the proposal by a vote of 68 to 23. The Senate last year approved an identical measure sponsored by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), but the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives rejected it. 

This year, the House approved it by a vote of 229 to 197, with 11 Democrats voting with all Republicans. Last year, President Biden threatened to veto the bill. 

Instead of threatening a veto this year, he spoke out against the proposal in a policy statement before the House vote. 

On Wednesday, however, he said he would sign the bill. The national emergency will end then on May 11.

How can unvaccinated travel to the U.S.?

The only way unvaccinated travelers can visit the U.S. is to meet one of the exceptions. You can find all the details about exceptions on the C.D.C website .

Exceptions:

• Persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel
• Persons with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
• Participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials
• Children under 18 years of age
• Persons issued a humanitarian or emergency exception
• Sea crew members traveling with to a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa
• Persons with valid visas [excluding B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas] who are citizens of a foreign  country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability  (See list for updates effective June 28, 2022)
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age)
• Persons whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, or Secretary of Homeland Security (or their designees)

U.S. Reopening FAQs

Yes, U.S. requires proof of a Covid vaccine for land border crossinngs until at least January 8.

No, the testing required to enter the U.S. was dropped in June 2022 for all travelers entering.

Yes, the U.S. is fully open for regular tourism but the Covid-19 vaccine is still required.

The United States is still requiring Covid vaccine from non-US travelers and TSA has recently extended the mandate until at least January 8. Even tho Covid restrictions and requirements are slowly losing importance around the world, there are more than 100 countries that still require Covid vaccines or tests for travel, and the U.S. is one of them.

Some of the current carrier flying from Europe to the U.S.

• Lufthansa  United 
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• Alitalia, Delta Operated by Alitalia CityLiner
• KLM, Delta Virgin Atlantic
• Lufthansa, Air Canada 0perated by Air Canada Express – Sky Regional
• Lufthansa, Air Canada operated by Air Canada Express – Jazz
• Lufthansa, United operated by Mesa Airlines DBA United Express
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Here’s the No. 1 reason for the long wait at TSA screening

Tsa spokesman says banned items to blame for holding up line.

Erik von Ancken , Anchor/Reporter

ORLANDO, Fla. – With just over a week to go until July 4, the Transportation Security Administration just announced it had its busiest day ever - yet again.

This past Sunday, the TSA screened a record 3 million passengers in airports across the country, according to TSA spokesman Mark Howell.

On any given day, some 80,000 passengers are passing through the MCO checkpoints, more on holidays. That’s up 8% from last year.

Howell said what slows down a security screening line most is when a passenger tries to bring something through that is banned.

“Prohibited items are the number one thing that will slow lines down, especially in the busy parts of the morning,” Howell said.

Howell and TSA officers, including supervisor Elizabeth Rodriguez and explosives expert Dan Miller, displayed the banned items confiscated from the checkpoints at MCO over the past month or so. A display table showed tasers, saw blades, augers, replica weapons, replica grenades, lots of liquids, including maple syrup and mayonnaise, and even a reciprocating saw, commonly known as a sawzall.

“This slows down everything because once that happens, then our officers have to go and take that bag off to the side, screen another bag and the passenger and pull our property search officers away from doing their job,” Miller said. “And then that’s how our wait times lines and lines start getting a lot longer.”

Rodriguez said attempting to bring a gun through the checkpoint, loaded or unloaded, immediately shuts down a line and results in law enforcement involvement.

“If it’s a firearm, then we’re going to shut down the lane, we have to move people over so that process depends on law enforcement and statements and reports,” Rodriguez said. “And everything we need to do could take 30 to 45 minutes to process and reopen the lane.”

In the U.S., you are allowed to fly with a gun and/or ammunition but the firearm must be unloaded in a hard locked case and must be in your checked luggage. And you must declare the gun to your airline when you check in at the counter - don’t bring it to the checkpoint!

The rules for carrying liquids on board have not changed - think 3-1-1. You’re allowed to carry on one sandwich-sized clear plastic bag full of as many small bottles of liquid or gel as will fit - as long as each container is no bigger than 3.4 ounces.

Howell said the TSA adds additional officers and additional lanes at MCO to match the crowd level throughout the day. During the busiest time, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., all screening lanes are open.

“Yes we’re prepping for this busy time,” Howell said. “We’re going to do what we can to make sure that we have the lanes open that we need based on the projections that are coming in. But the one thing we can’t control is what people bring to the airports.”

And don’t forget MCO provides a free service to allow passengers to make a reservation to speed through the screening checkpoint - it’s called MCO Reserve.

At least a day in advance, pick your time and then show up at that time at the Clear lane at the proper checkpoint. After showing your reservation and your ID, a Clear representative should escort you directly to the front of the screening line! MCO Reserve is a partnership with Clear.

The TSA also offers a free service called TSA Cares to passengers who need extra assistance. Contact the TSA at least 72 hours in advance to have a TSA officer meet you at the airport and assist you through the screening process: TSA Cares | Transportation Security Administration

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Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Erik von ancken.

Erik von Ancken anchors and reports for News 6 and is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist in the prestigious and coveted "On-Camera Talent" categories for both anchoring and reporting.

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Tsa anticipates busy 4th of july weekend for travelers.

Tarik Minor , Anchor, I-TEAM reporter

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Transportation Security Administration anticipates a busy Fourth of July weekend for travelers after it reported an all-time high number of travelers screened Sunday across the nation.

RELATED: Independence Day travel expected to set new records

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Matthew Satterwhite was one of the travelers.

“My flight leaving Rochester, NY, I’ve never seen it busier than yesterday,” Satterwhite said.

It’s the same sentiment we hear from airline passengers, over and over again today at Jacksonville International Airport.

They advise that if you’re flying within the next week, pack your patience, and get to the airport early like your airline suggests.

“You’re not going to get the seats you want, you’re not going to get the travel experience you’re used to, it’s just different. Pack accordingly and come on time,” Ashley, an airline passenger said.

Another passenger talked about how the parking garages are filling up fast.

“It’s busy, yeah, all the hourly garages are gone which are normally open, so we are on the daily garage, hoping to pay hourly prices,” Auri said.

Another passenger said it was busy for a Tuesday.

“It’s crazy, there’s tons of traffic, there was no parking in the parking garage, abnormally busy for a Tuesday,” Ariel said.

According to TSA, the agency screened 3 million travelers on Sunday which broke the record for the number of people screened in a single day.

TSA is expecting to screen more than 32 million flyers between Thursday, June 27, and Monday, July 8, for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

TSA expects the peak travel day to be Friday, June 28, and said it is committed to meeting its wait time standards which are 10 minutes and under for TSA Precheck and a 30-minute and under wait time in standard screening lanes.

The Federal Aviation Administration hosted a virtual event with air traffic professionals and a National Weather Service meteorologist, to discuss how the FAA and the Command Center handle the heat of summer and travel volume.

They also discussed what is being done to keep planes safe during severe weather.

“If you’re flying from Atlanta to Los Angeles, aircraft are not going to want to go through those thunderstorms, and we want them to go through, so we will reroute those aircraft,” Walter Williams, National Operations Manager of the FAA said.

Watch the full briefing from the FAA below.

Travel experts said airports are busier than ever because of summer vacation season, Fourth of July weekend and flyers have more independence than ever to work virtually anywhere in the country.

Record flyers also indicate the country’s economy is strong and Americans have the money to travel to other cities and states.

Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Tarik minor.

Tarik anchors the 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. weekday newscasts and reports with the I-TEAM.

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TSA says it screened a record of nearly 3 million people Sunday, and bigger crowds are on the way

FILE - Passengers wait in a security line at Denver International Airport on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. The TSA expects to break the 3 million mark on Friday, as many Americans get an early start on their July 4 travel plans. It’s just the start of what promises to be a busy summer. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert, File)

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The number of air travelers moving through U.S. airports hit a record Sunday, and the new mark might not last through next weekend.

The Transportation Security Administration said it screened nearly 3 million people at airports Sunday, breaking a record set on May 24, the Friday before Memorial Day.

TSA forecasts that it will break the 3-million barrier on Friday, when many people will be getting an early start on their July 4 holiday travel plans.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever and summer travel usually peaks over the Independence Day holiday,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.

Sunday’s TSA count was 2,996,193, or about 45,000 more than the 2,951,163 who flowed through checkpoints on May 24. Seven of the 10 busiest days in TSA history have occurred this year, as travel continues to roar back from the coronavirus pandemic.

TSA expects to screen more than 32 million people between Thursday and July 8, the Monday after the holiday, for a daily average of 2.67 million. That would be a 5.4% increase over the July 4 period last year.

Airlines for America, a trade group representing the largest U.S. carriers, predicts that air travel this summer will rise 6.3% over last year.

With Philadelphia airport delays, the travel nightmare begins ahead of busy holiday

The cancellation of roughly 350 flights in and out of Philadelphia International Airport that stretched through Monday evening marks the beginning of the July 4 holiday weekend travel nightmare for flyers.

Here's everything you need to about the delays at Philadelphia International Airport and why you should brace for holiday travel delays.

Are flights still delayed at Philadelphia International Airport?

As of late Monday evening, published reports indicated several flights out of Philadelphia International Airport were still delayed .

Philadelphia airport operations haven't yet discussed the causes for the delays, but other published reports blame the delays on weather and staffing shortages .

Increased number of travelers could lead to more holiday flight delays, cancelations

Due to the increased number of travelers, the Transportation Security Administration is warning delays may increase through the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

TSA noted that on Sunday, that day when the mass cancellations and delays struck Philadelphia International Airport, it screened nearly 3 million travelers, breaking its single-day record.

"TSA anticipates the peak travel day will be Friday, June 28, when the agency expects to screen more than 3 million individuals," read a July 4 holiday travel note from the TSA . "TSA is staffed to meet its wait time standards, which are 10 minutes and under in TSA PreCheck lanes and 30 minutes and under in standard screening lanes. Seven of the top 10 busiest travel days ever have occurred over the past month."

How can I check my flight status online?

You can check the real-time flight status of current Philadelphia International Airport arrivals and departures online.

Flyers can also use the Federal Aviation Administration's airport status page for Philadelphia International Airport for more information on the status of declared delays and cancellations.

The FlightView website also provides real-time tracking of arrivals and departures at Philadelphia International Airport.

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

US screens record 2.99 million air travellers in a single day

The United States has set a new record for the number of air travellers screened at airports in a single day.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened 2.99 million airline passengers on Sunday, breaking the previous record set in May, the agency said on Monday.

The TSA said it expects traffic to surpass the 3 million mark on Friday, when many Americans start travelling in advance of Independence Day on July 4.

The TSA said it expects to screen more than 32 million people from Thursday through Monday, an increase of more than 5 percent compared with the same period last year.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever and summer travel usually peaks over the Independence Day holiday,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement.

“Compared to last year, we have cut our attrition rates by almost half and increased our recruiting as a result of the TSA Compensation Plan that was funded in the budget passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden.

“The traveling public is on the move, which is a sign of a healthy economy. We are ready, along with our airline and airport partners, to handle this boost in passenger volumes.”

This year has seen the TSA record seven of the 10 busiest days in its history, as travel continues to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

TSA says it screened a record of nearly 3 million people Sunday, and bigger crowds are on the way

If you think airports are crowded this summer, it's not your imagination

The number of air travelers moving through U.S. airports hit a record Sunday, and the new mark might not last through next weekend.

The Transportation Security Administration said it screened nearly 3 million people at airports Sunday, breaking a record set on May 24, the Friday before Memorial Day.

TSA forecasts that it will break the 3-million barrier on Friday, when many people will be getting an early start on their July 4 holiday travel plans.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever and summer travel usually peaks over the Independence Day holiday,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.

Sunday's TSA count was 2,996,193, or about 45,000 more than the 2,951,163 who flowed through checkpoints on May 24. Seven of the 10 busiest days in TSA history have occurred this year, as travel continues to roar back from the coronavirus pandemic.

TSA expects to screen more than 32 million people between Thursday and July 8, the Monday after the holiday, for a daily average of 2.67 million. That would be a 5.4% increase over the July 4 period last year.

Airlines for America, a trade group representing the largest U.S. carriers, predicts that air travel this summer will rise 6.3% over last year.

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