Restrictions & Guidelines for Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As the holiday season approaches, be sure you understand the COVID-19 rules and restrictions for the city you're visiting so you can enjoy your vacation.

By Verified.org

Updated 20 December 2021

Restrictions & Guidelines for Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sections on this page

International Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Domestic Travel During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Flights During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Enjoy Your Vacation & Stay Safe

With traveling becoming less restricted and the holiday period coming up, it's essential to know how to keep you and your family safe during your vacation and what rules are in place when traveling. The last thing you want is for your vacation to be ruined because you were unaware of the various rules that airlines, states, and local businesses have in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

International Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The CDC has several recommendations and restrictions when it comes to international travel for U.S. citizens and residents. They offer five levels of categories:

Level Unknown: COVID-19 Unknown
- Recommended that you avoid travel to these destinations, but if you must, be fully vaccinated.
Level 1: COVID-19 Low
- It is recommended that you are fully vaccinated before traveling to these destinations.
Level 2: COVID-19 Moderate
- Recommended that you are fully vaccinated before traveling to these destinations and only travel if necessary.
Level 3: COVID-19 High
- Avoid traveling to these destinations if you are unvaccinated.
Level 4: COVID-19 Very High
- It is recommended that you avoid going to any of these destinations.

These categories are based on how prevalent COVID-19 is found in each of these destinations based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Before buying a ticket overseas, check out the CDC's interactive world map and see the organization's recommendation for travel to your destination.

Returning to the U.S.

When you're coming home to the U.S., you'll need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before you'll be allowed home. This applies to anyone in your family over two years old.

As of December 6, 2021, the following rules apply:

Fully vaccinated people: Get a negative test within 24 hours before flying back to the U.S. You'll also need to prove that you're fully vaccinated.
Non-vaccinated people: Get a negative COVID test no more than 24 hours before your departure time.

If you test positive for COVID-19 on your test, you'll need to delay your trip back to the U.S. until you get a negative result. Your airline will not allow you on the plane if your test is positive.

Self-Test When You're Overseas

COVID-19 home tests are available to make it easier for you to test when overseas. You can test for COVID-19 in the comfort of your temporary home, but you'll need to make an appointment with a telehealth doctor who can confirm your identity and supervise the process. Without the supervision of a telehealth provider, your negative test result will not be accepted.

You may also gain entry back into the U.S. using documentation of your recovery from coronavirus (if you had COVID-19 on your travels). You'll need the following documents:

Your positive COVID-19 test result (taken no more than 90 days before your flight home)
A letter stating you're cleared to travel from a licensed healthcare provider or public health official

Note that once you return to the U.S., you are required to provide an address where you can be contacted for COVID-19 contact tracing purposes.

Domestic Travel During the Coronavirus Pandemic

If you're planning on visiting family and friends this holiday season or just wanted a getaway in another state, the CDC recommends that you get fully vaccinated from COVID-19 before traveling.

Not only will being fully vaccinated help protect you from getting sick, but you come across restaurants and other public areas that require proof of vaccination before you're allowed entry. For example, if you plan on visiting New York City, you'll need proof of vaccination for any indoor activities, including dining, museums, and events.

Look up COVID-19 restrictions for each city and state you plan to visit so you're well prepared. The last thing you want is to waste your money on a trip where you're unable to eat at a restaurant or take your kids to a show.

Federal Mask Mandates

It's currently required for all people aged two and over to wear a mask on public transport and at transportation hubs.

State-Wide COVID-19 Restrictions

In addition to the federal regulations, there are state-specific requirements also.

Note: Individual cities may have different requirements. This list does not include restrictions for employees. Information as of December 20, 2021.

State	COVID-19 Restrictions
Alabama	None
Alaska*	None
Arizona	Masks required in government buildings.
Arkansas	None
California*	Masks required for everyone (regardless of vaccination status) in all indoor businesses from December 15 - January 15.
Colorado*	Masks required in residential care facilities
Connecticut*	Masks required for unvaccinated people in indoor public locations. Masks required in: In health care facilities In group residential settings In school buildings
Delaware	Masks required: On public transport At health care facilities At schools In government buildings
District of Columbia	Masks required in all indoor public locations and public transport.
Florida*	None
Georgia*	None
Hawaii	Masks required for people aged 5 and over in most indoor public locations. Unvaccinated visitors must either: Show a negative COVID-19 test (taken within 72 hours of traveling) Self-quarantine for 10 days Gatherings are restricted (with the exception of Hawaii County): Indoor: Max. 10 people Outdoor: Max. 25 people Big Island outdoor: Max. 50 people
Idaho*	None
Illinois	Masks required in indoor public locations.
Indiana	Masks required in indoor public locations.
Iowa	None
Kansas	Quarantine required for unvaccinated people who: Attended an out-of-state gathering with 500+ people and didn't wear a mask. Those who traveled on a cruise ship on or after March 15, 2020.
Kentucky	None
Louisiana*	Proof of vaccination or negative PCR test required for: Indoor public locations Outdoor events with more than 500 people
Maine	None
Maryland*	Masks required: On public transport In transit hubs
Massachusetts*	Masks required for people aged 5 and over: On public transport In healthcare and long-term care facilities At K-12 schools In emergency shelters At prisons
Michigan	None
Minnesota	None
Mississippi	None
Missouri	None
Montana	None
Nebraska*	None
Nevada	Masks required in indoor public locations for counties with high COVID-19 numbers. Masks not required at large indoor events as long as all attendees are vaccinated.
New Hampshire	None
New Jersey	None
New Mexico	Masks required in indoor public locations.
New York*	Masks required in indoor public locations unless proof of vaccination required. Businesses may require proof of vaccination.
North Carolina*	None
North Dakota	None
Ohio	Masks required in indoor public locations.
Oklahoma	None
Oregon	Masks required for people aged 5 and over in most public indoor locations.
Pennsylvania*	None
Rhode Island	Masks required for indoor public locations with a capacity of 250 or more. For indoor public locations with a max. capacity of 250, you must either: Wear a mask Show proof of vaccination
South Carolina	None
South Dakota	None
Tennessee	None
Texas	None
Utah*	None
Vermont	None
Virginia	Masks required in schools.
Washington	Masks required for people aged 5 and over: In most indoor public locations At outdoor events with 500+ people (except when competing in sport)
West Virginia	None
Wisconsin*	None
Wyoming	None

*State has cities or local counties with different restrictions/requirements (see below).

Cities with COVID-19 Restrictions

Note: This list does not include restrictions for employees. Information as of December 20, 2021.

City	Requirement
Atlanta, GA	Masks required at public indoor locations for those ages 10 and older.
Baltimore, MD	Masks required at public indoor locations.
Boise, ID	Masks required inside city buildings.
Boston, MA	Masks required at public indoor locations.
Charlotte, NC	Masks required at public indoor locations.
Columbus, OH	Masks required at public indoor locations (except for state, federal, and religious buildings).
Dane County, WI	Masks required at public indoor locations.
Denver, CO	Indoor businesses require proof of vaccination or masks.
Juneau, AK	Masks required at public indoor locations.
Lincoln-Lancaster Couty, NE	Masks required at public indoor locations (when social distancing is impossible).
Los Angeles, CA	Masks required at: Public indoor locations Large outdoor events Proof of vaccination required for any entering gyms, restaurants, and other indoor locations.
Miami-Dade County, FL	Masks required in county facilities.
Montgomery County, MD	Masks required in indoor public locations.
New Haven, CT	Masks required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people at public indoor locations.
New Orleans, LA	Proof of vaccinated or negative PCR test required at indoor public locations for those 12 and older. Use the L.A. Wallet app or vaccination record card (including photocopy or photo).
New York City, NY	Proof of vaccinated required at indoor public locations. Use the NYC Covid Safe app, Excelsior Pass, or vaccination record card.
Philadelphia, PA	Masks required at public indoor locations (unless qualifying business requires proof of vaccination).
Prince George's County, MD	Masks required at public indoor locations.
Raleigh, NC	Masks required at public indoor locations, including private spaces when in contact with people from outside their household.
Salt Lake City, UT	Masks required inside city facilities.
San Francisco, CA	Proof of vaccination required at indoor public locations and events with more than 1,000 people.

Flights During the COVID-19 Pandemic

If someone in your family ends up with COVID-19, you may need to cancel or reschedule your flights. Because of this, it's crucial that you understand what you're liable for should you need to cancel your trip last minute.

Note: Other requirements may apply to each airline's policies. Please review your airline's travel policies in full before booking, canceling, or rescheduling flights.

Airline Change/Cancel Fees and Rules

As of November 3, 2021

Airline	Change or Cancel
Alaska Airlines	Nonrefundable tickets: Get Travel Credit Travel Credits expire 1 year from the date of issue.
American Airlines	Premium Cabin, Premium Economy, Main Cabin fares: No fees. Basic Economy fares (purchased on or after 4/1/2021): Nonrefundable and non-changeable. Change/cancellation fees apply to international flights originating outside North/South America and bought after 4/1/2021.
British Airways	Change: No fees Cancel: No fees (Claim voucher to use for a future trip)
Delta Airlines	Flights from the U.S. (Main Cabin seats only): No fees Change Basic Economy travel (through December 31, 2021): No fees Canceled tickets: Will become eCredit for you to use on another flight before your ticket expires.
JetBlue	Blue Basic Fares: Tickets purchased from 8/25-10/31/2021 and before 6/7/2021: No fees. Tickets purchased 6/8/2021 - 8/24/2021 and after 11/1/2021: $100/person (for travel within the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, Central America) $200/person (all other travel) Blue, Blue Extra, Blue Plus, Mint fares: No fees
Hawaiian Airlines	No fees
Southwest Airlines	No fees. Nonrefundable tickets: Can be applied for future travel. Refundable tickets: Can be applied to future travel.
United Airlines	Domestic travel: No change fees Travel to Mexico or the Caribbean: No change fees International tickets from the U.S.: No change fees Travel originating from outside the U.S.: No change fees if purchased on or before 12/31/2021

Masks Required At All Times

Note that federal law requires masks to be worn at all times during your flight, including when you're boarding and deplaning. There are exemptions, however, including for those under 2 years old. Masks also can be removed when eating and drinking.

Enjoy Your Vacation & Stay Safe

Kids five years and older can now get the COVID-19 vaccine, but how do you protect your kids who are younger than five or who aren't yet vaccinated?

Whether you're traveling solo or with a group, following best practices is key to keeping your family (and yourself) safe from the virus while also enjoying your vacation:

Wear a mask when out in public: This includes everyone you're traveling with, including yourself and your children, regardless of if you're vaccinated or not.
Avoid staying with large groups of people: Although you may be thinking of staying with family these holidays, living with other people can increase the risk of COVID-19 in you and your kids.
Choose outdoor activities: This may be hard during the colder months. If you're limited to indoor activities, choose ones with good ventilation and fewer people.
Avoid large crowds.
Limit visits with your children who aren't vaccinated: Especially from those who are not vaccinated.
Keep hand sanitizer with you at all times: Kids love to touch things, so ensure you wash their hands and use hand sanitizer when you can't wash them.
Carry proof of vaccination with you: This way, you won't be denied entry if a business requires proof.