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COVID-19 travel advice
Even though the vaccine rollout has begun, the CDC is still asking Americans to stay home—especially during holiday weekends.
Traveling increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. The CDC advises against traveling if you are sick, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone who has the illness.
If you still decide to travel, find out ways to do it as safely as possible. And before you do, make sure to always check for updates on each state’s travel restrictions, testing, and quarantine guidelines. Some states require quarantining and having proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before you arrive there. It’s also important to know if the state you’ll be visiting requires masks in public areas.
While widespread COVID-19 vaccination has changed the landscape of travel, it's still important to stay informed about current guidelines and recommendations. As of 2024, COVID-19 testing is no longer required for domestic travel within the United States. However, some international destinations may still have testing requirements, so it's crucial to check the specific rules for your destination before traveling abroad.
COVID-19 vaccination remains a key tool in preventing severe illness and reducing transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all eligible travelers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before embarking on any trip. This includes staying up to date with booster shots as recommended. While vaccination is not mandatory for domestic travel, it can provide peace of mind and may be required for certain international destinations or cruise lines.
Even if you're fully vaccinated, it's advisable to monitor your health before and during travel. If you develop any COVID-19 symptoms, consider taking a rapid antigen test before your trip. Many pharmacies and healthcare providers offer convenient testing options, including at-home tests. Remember, if you test positive or feel unwell, it's best to postpone your travel plans to protect yourself and others.
These precautions are necessary until a COVID vaccine is widely available.
State travel guidelines
Below is a list of links to every state’s travel guidelines.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Carolina travel advisory
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Carolina travel advisory
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington DC
Washington State
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
The scientific understanding of COVID-19 as well as guidelines for its prevention and treatment are constantly changing. There may be new information since this article was published. It’s important to check with sources like the CDC for the most up-to-date information.
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References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). COVID-19 and Travel. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing. https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/testing/index.html