Travel Restrictions By State
This week marks the official start of summer, and for most people, that means it’s finally time for a vacation; however, with the different travel restrictions by state it can be difficult to know what you are supposed to do or not do before you go.
A recent Harris Poll revealed that 77% of Americans plan to take a trip this summer, with half traveling for the first time since the start of the pandemic. While travel restrictions are loosening by the day, if you’re crossing state lines this summer, take a moment to review the state’s travel guidelines before finalizing your vacation plans.
Alabama
There are no statewide travel restrictions for Alabama. However, Alabama’s Department of Public Health and Alabama Tourism Department actively promote health safety reminders to locals and tourists. Review Traveler Alert and Updates for more information.
Alaska
The state of Alaska has no travel restrictions. You no longer have to show a negative test result before entering the state. However, they still recommend that tourists undergo pre-travel testing to avoid possible health risks. That means it’s time to do things without spending money, by exploring the stunning nature of Alaska.
Free testing and vaccination are available at participating airports, community testing locations, and vaccine clinics. For more information, check out alaska.gov for traveler updates.
Arizona
Aside from practicing safety protocols, Arizona has no active travel restrictions or quarantine mandates for visitors coming from other US states. COVID-19 Updates for Travelers are available at visitarizona.com.
Arkansas
As of June 2021, there are no travel restrictions in the state of Arkansas. Please see arkansas.com for travel advisory updates and details.
California
As of June 15, 2021, visitors are welcome to enjoy California, with limitations on events and activities of 5,000 people and more. Even with lifted restrictions, California is advising basic health safety protocols like wearing masks in public, getting tested prior to travel, self-quarantine if unvaccinated, and getting vaccinated. Travelers can find recommendations from the California Department of Health at covid19.ca.gov.
Colorado
At the moment, there are no travel restrictions for visitors coming from other states. However, the government advises everyone, especially visitors, to practice responsible tourism at all times including. Refer to Colorado Travel & COVID-19 for more information before visiting the state.
Connecticut
Connecticut lifted restrictions on March 19, 2021, but is requesting visitors to follow the health guidelines listed by CDC when traveling across the country. Check updates for Connecticut Travel Advisory before planning to visit the state.
Delaware
There are no active travel restrictions implemented in Delaware for visitors arriving from other US states. Refer to visitdelaware for travel advisory updates and more information.
Florida
Florida currently has no interstate travel restrictions. With 43% of the state vaccinated, the government continues its effort of health and safety protocols. Before traveling to Florida, officials suggest vaccinations for all eligible Americans. For more information, see Florida Travel Updates.
Georgia
Though no travel restrictions to, from, and within the state of Georgia. People are encouraged to follow health safety procedures and review health precautions before traveling. Refer to georgia.gov for traveler updates.
Hawaii
Interstate travel to and from Hawaii is permitted. If you’re not vaccinated, a ten-day quarantine is still required. Vaccinated travelers must present a negative NAAT test before entering the state. Hawaii Travel Updates provides more information for travelers interested in a Hawaii vacation.
Idaho
The state of Idaho is currently in the 4th stage of its reopening plan. Meaning, most restrictions are lifted and travel to and from Idaho is permitted. Check Idaho Travel Updates for the latest information.
Illinois
With the exception of the city of Chicago, Illinois does not have travel restrictions on interstate travel. Chicago requires visitors from high-risk states to present a negative test result no older than 72 hours or undergo a 10-day quarantine period. Make sure to check the Illinois Travel Order before visiting the state.
Indiana
There are no travel restrictions or pre-travel testing requirements for people arriving from other US states. Stay informed and check Indiana Travel Updates.
Iowa
There are no travel restrictions enforced in the state of Iowa. However, tourists will be encouraged to practice health safety at all times and sanitize properly. Traveler information and necessary guidelines can be found on traveliowa.com.
Kansas
Interstate visitors coming to Kansas still face travel restrictions. People who have recently been on a cruise, attended a mass gathering, or have been in close contact with a person infected by Covid-19 are required to quarantine. Essential guidelines and the latest info are available on Kansas Travel Updates.
Kentucky
A 10 to 14-day quarantine is recommended for all travelers entering the state of Kentucky. In addition, unvaccinated people are discouraged from traveling. Check Kentucky Covid-19 Information And Travel Updates before making any plans to visit the state.
Louisiana
Louisiana welcomes visitors from other states with no restrictions. Transportation and non-essential establishments are now operating. Stay informed with Covid-19 resources posted on the Louisiana Travel Association.
Maine
Most visitors coming from other US states are exempt from quarantine except noted by Maine CDC. Travelers coming from US regions with high infection cases will be subject to pre-travel testing and quarantine. Check Maine Travel Updates and Information before planning a visit.
Maryland
There are no imposed travel restrictions within Maryland, but the government advises people to avoid or limit out-of-state travel. Be well informed and check Maryland Travel Updates.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is advising visitors to undergo a 10-day quarantine and to present a negative PRC test. Visitors coming from Hawaii, Missouri, Oregon, Washington State, and Puerto Rico or those fully vaccinated are exempt. Check Massachusetts Travel Updates and Information before visiting the state.
Michigan
There are no enforced travel restrictions to, from, and within the state. Basic health safety practices apply to residents and visitors. Helpful resources are available on michigan.gov.
Minnesota
As of June 20, 2021, there are no travel restrictions in the state of Minnesota. Check Minnesota Travel Update and Information before visiting the state and follow CDC’s recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
Mississippi
There are no statewide travel restrictions in Mississippi. However, the state recommends masks while in enclosed public spaces and thorough disinfecting measures. Be sure to check Mississippi Travel Alerts and stay informed.
Missouri
The state has no travel restrictions. Travelers can visit the state with no testing or quarantine requirements. Keep informed on health and safety measures on Missouri Travel Updates.
Montana
The state of Montana enforces no travel restrictions. The imposed quarantine on people arriving from other US states ended on June 1, 2021. Be sure to stay informed with Montana Travel Updates.
Nebraska
The state has not issued official travel restrictions for U.S. residents but advises a 14-day self-imposed quarantine if you’re visiting or returning from regions of the U.S. with widespread COVID-19 transmission. Important posts and related information can be found at visitnebraska.com.
Nevada
There are no statewide travel restrictions, required testing, or quarantine periods in Nevada. However, travelers should follow CDC guidelines and other safety measures posted on Nevada Travel Updates and Information.
New Hampshire
There are no travel restrictions within New Hampshire. People who have recently traveled abroad (except for Canada) will require testing and to quarantine for at least seven days. Stay informed by checking New Hampshire Travel Updates and Health Safety Guidance before planning a trip.
New Jersey
New Jersey ended their travel restrictions on May 1, 2021. However, residents traveling outside the state should check their destination location for Covid-19 travel recommendations. More resources can be found on New Jersey Travel Information.
New Mexico
New Mexico has no imposed travel restrictions at this time. Out-of-state arrivals are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days and take a Covid-19 test. If you are planning to visit New Mexico, make sure to check New Mexico Travel Information and Covid-19 Restrictions and stay updated while on the road.
New York
There are no travel restrictions enforced in New York. There are active health and safety measures on public transportation, in establishments, health facilities, and educational institutions. Basic protocols like wearing face coverings, social distancing, and hand sanitizing are in place. Check New York Travel Advisory for important updates and resources.
North Carolina
The state of North Carolina has no travel restrictions. However, basic health safety protocols such as wearing face masks and social distancing near schools and child care facilities, in specific public health settings, and on public transportation are required. Fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from these protocols. Covid-19 Travel Resources outline what you need to know when visiting North Carolina.
North Dakota
North Dakota lifted their travel restrictions on May 8, 2020. Self-quarantine and negative PRC test results only apply to visitors arriving from outside the country. For more details, check out North Dakota Travel Information.
Ohio
The state of Ohio advises travelers coming from high-risk US states to self-quarantine for 14 days. Bookmark Ohio Travel Advisory to stay informed while planning your visit to Ohio.
Oklahoma
There have been no travel restrictions issued in Oklahoma aside from the voluntary 14-day quarantine. The state promotes following CDC recommendations for both unvaccinated and fully vaccinated individuals. Essential resources for travelers can be found on Oklahoma Travel Information.
Oregon
Though there are no travel restrictions issued in Oregon, all arrivals are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days. In addition, visitors are encouraged to observe health safety protocols and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay informed by reviewing their Covid-19: Resources and Updates.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania lifted travel restrictions on March 1, 2021. Residents and visitors should practice health and safety measures and stay informed on the Pennsylvania Travel Information website.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is currently enforcing travel restrictions. Unvaccinated visitors from high-risk states must present a negative PRC test result or quarantine for 10-days. For added precaution and awareness, review the Guidance For Travelers.
South Carolina
South Carolina lifted travel restrictions on May 1, 2020. The South Carolina Department of Health encourages people to follow The CDC’s health safety guidelines. Further details are available on South Carolina Travel Information.
South Dakota
There are no travel restrictions issued in South Dakota. Visitors should be mindful while exploring areas near tribal lands as their health and safety checkpoints may be active. For more, check out South Dakota Travel Information.
Tennessee
Tennessee has not issued statewide travel restrictions. Individual counties may apply restrictions as needed. Travelers are advised to stay updated on CDC’s guidelines and always practice health safety protocols. More information is available on Covid-19 Updates and Resources.
Texas
Texas ended their travel restrictions on May 21, 2020. People are encouraged to research the risk level of their destination before finalizing travel plans. Check Texas Travel Alert for everything you need to know before visiting Texas.
Utah
Utah has no statewide travel restrictions. Pre-travel testing is not required, and a 10- day quarantine is needed only for those with COVID-19. Utah Travel Information and guidelines for responsible travel are available to the public.
Vermont
There are no travel restrictions currently enforced in the state of Vermont. While most residents have received their first dose of the vaccine, personal health safety measures should be continued. Interstate visitors can refer to Vermont Travel Guidance for ways to have a safe and fun vacation.
Virginia
The state of Virginia has no active travel restrictions for U.S. Residents. However, specific health and safety protocols still apply. Review Virginia Travel Information for more details and related resources.
Washington State
There are no implemented travel restrictions within the state, but travelers entering Washington are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days. Check Washington (State) Travel Updates and keep yourself informed.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. requires unvaccinated travelers to take a Covid-19 test within three days upon their arrival and another test within 3 to 5 days if planning to stay longer than three days. Residents of Virginia and Maryland are exempt from these testing requirements. More information available on Washington DC Health Guidance.
West Virginia
There are no travel restrictions issued in West Virginia. Visitors should be mindful of health safety regulations like wearing a face mask indoors unless fully vaccinated. Stay informed on West Virginia Travel Updates while exploring the state.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not have travel restrictions but strongly recommends vaccinations before touring or visiting the state. Refer to Wisconsin Travel Information before planning a trip to Wisconsin.
Wyoming
Currently, there are no travel restrictions for out-of-state visitors. However, travelers are encouraged to seek information before exploring, follow health safety protocols, and be mindful of health safety regulations that could be present in some regions of Wyoming. Refer to Wyoming Information and Guidance for more information.
This post originally appeared on Physician on FIRE
Final Thoughts
As things continue to change, aim to keep an eye on the above links and websites for updated information. While vacation time off is important, so is safety. Travel safely with these pointers and enjoy your summer!
Featured image courtesy of unsplash
