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Travelling Guide During Pandemic

June 3, 2024


How to Travel Within the United States During COVID-19? Postpone your trip until you’ve been fully vaccinated. If you aren’t completely vaccinated and need to travel, follow the CDC’s unvaccinated travel instructions.

Traveling within the United States is safe for anyone who has been fully vaccinated with an FDA-approved vaccination or a World Health Organization-authorized vaccine for emergency use.

As more people become vaccinated, COVID-19 rates change, and more scientific data becomes available, the CDC will update these guidelines. This information is only for travel within the United States and its territories.

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Recommendations for People Who Have Been Fully Vaccinated

Take the following precautions to safeguard others when you travel if you are completely vaccinated.

During the Journey

Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on flights, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation into, through, or out of the United States, as well as indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Passengers are not required to wear masks in the outdoor areas of a conveyance (like a ferry or top deck of a bus).
Wear a mask and keep a safe distance from people to comply with all state and municipal regulations and laws.

How to Travel Within the United States During COVID-19?

After Travel

Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; if symptoms appear, isolate yourself and get tested.
Follow any and all state or municipal government recommendations or rules.

You do not need to be tested or self-quarantined if you are completely vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 within the last three months. All other travel recommendations should be followed.

Also read: Migration During Covid: Where Did Americans Go?

Recommendations for People Who Have Never Been Fully Vaccinated Yet

Take the precautions below to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 if you are not completely vaccinated and must travel.

Recommendations for People Who Have Never Been Fully Vaccinated Yet

Prior to departing

Get a viral test done 1-3 days before your travel.

While you are on the road

Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on flights, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation into, through, or out of the United States, as well as indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Passengers are not required to wear masks in the outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on a ferry or the top deck of a bus). According to the CDC, travelers who have not been completely vaccinated should continue to wear a mask and remain at a safe distance when traveling.

Avoid crowds and maintain a 6-foot/2-meter (about 2-arm length) gap between you and anyone who isn’t traveling with you.
Hands should be washed or sanitized on a regular basis (with at least 60 percent alcohol).

Following your journey

Stay at home and self-quarantine for a full week following your vacation, then have a viral test 3-5 days afterward.


Even if you test negative, stay at home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
If your test is positive, isolate yourself to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Return home and isolate yourself for 10 days after your vacation if you are not tested.
Whether or not you are tested, keep away from those who are at a higher risk of serious illness for at least 14 days.

Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; if symptoms appear, isolate yourself and get tested.
Follow any and all state or municipal government recommendations or rules.

Visit the website of your state, territorial, tribal, or municipal health department for the most up-to-date information on where to get tested.

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