Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

Domestic Travel During COVID-19

Domestic Travel During COVID-19

Information for People Traveling by Air and Land within the United States and U.S. Territories

Updated Aug. 24, 2022

What You Need to Know

Before You Travel

Make sure to plan ahead:

  • Get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel.
  • Check the current COVID-19 Community Level at your destination.
  • Make sure you understand and follow all state, tribal, local, and territorial travel restrictions, including proper mask wearing, proof of vaccination, or testing requirements.
    • For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state, tribal, local and territorial health department’s website where you are, along your route, and where you are going.
  • If traveling by air, check if your airline requires any testing, vaccination, or other documents.
  • Prepare to be flexible during your trip as restrictions and policies may change during your travel.
  • If you have a weakened immune system or are at increased risk for severe disease, take multiple prevention steps to provide additional layers of protection from COVID-19 even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
    • Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk before travel and consider delaying travel to areas with high COVID-19 Community levels. Even if you are up to date, you should know what precautions to take.

Testing

   RECOMMENDED
Can I travel if ...?

I am sick with or tested positive for COVID-19 and am recommended to isolate.

I am sick with or tested positive for COVID-19 and am recommended to isolate.

  • Do NOT travel.
  • Follow recommendations for isolation.
  • Do NOT travel.
  • Follow recommendations for isolation.

I have ended isolation but still need to continue wearing my mask per CDC’s guidance.

I have ended isolation but still need to continue wearing my mask per CDC’s guidance.

  • Do not travel on public transportation such as airplanes, buses, and trains if you will not be able to wear a high-quality mask or respirator when around others indoors for the full duration of your trip.
  • If you travel, wear a high-quality mask or respirator the entire time you are around others indoors.
  • Traveling by private vehicle (if possible) can lower the chances of spreading COVID-19 to others.
  • Do not travel on public transportation such as airplanes, buses, and trains if you will not be able to wear a high-quality mask or respirator when around others indoors for the full duration of your trip.
  • If you travel, wear a high-quality mask or respirator the entire time you are around others indoors.
  • Traveling by private vehicle (if possible) can lower the chances of spreading COVID-19 to others.

I was exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the past 10 days.

I was exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the past 10 days.

  • Follow CDC guidance, including getting tested at least 5 full days after your last exposure.
  • Do not travel on public transportation such as airplanes, buses, and trains if you will not be able to wear a high-quality mask or respirator when around others indoors for the full duration of your trip.
  • If you travel, wear a high-quality mask or respirator the entire time you are around others indoors.
  • Traveling by private vehicle (if possible) can lower the chances of spreading COVID-19 to others.
  • Follow CDC guidance, including getting tested at least 5 full days after your last exposure.
  • Do not travel on public transportation such as airplanes, buses, and trains if you will not be able to wear a high-quality mask or respirator when around others indoors for the full duration of your trip.
  • If you travel, wear a high-quality mask or respirator the entire time you are around others indoors.
  • Traveling by private vehicle (if possible) can lower the chances of spreading COVID-19 to others.

During Travel

Protect Yourself and Others

After Travel

ALL Travelers

   RECOMMENDED

If Your Test is Positive or You Develop COVID-19 Symptoms

  • Isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. Learn what to do and when it is safe to be around others.
Summary of Recent Changes

Updates as of April 18, 2022

As a result of a court order, effective immediately and as of April 18, 2022, CDC’s January 29, 2021, Order requiring masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect. Therefore, CDC will not enforce the Order. CDC continues to recommend that people wear high-quality masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.