COVID-19 Travel Restrictions: What You Need To Know If You Plan To Travel Right Now

Travel presents new challenges in the time of COVID-19 but the world is opening up more than one year after the pandemic was first declared. Face masks and social distancing measures combined with the coronavirus vaccine rollout and widespread testing is making travel safer than it's been since the crisis began but traveling right now still presents a risk. Travelers should weigh the risk versus reward for themselves as well as consider what they'll need to do to meet any COVID-19 restrictions and requirements wherever they're going before making plans. Here's what you need to know before traveling this spring.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that "travel increases your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19." and continues to advise Americans to "delay travel and stay home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated." If you do travel, the CDC encourages testing before and after your trip, avoiding crowds, practicing frequent hand washing and social distancing and wearing a face mask. Avoid travel if you are sick or have recently come in contact with someone who was positive for COVID-19 or displayed coronavirus symptoms.

According to the CDC, if you're leaving home, taking short trips by car or RV with members of your household with no stops along the way is the safest type of travel. The agency says longer road trips with one or more stops along the way are less safe while road trips with people who are not in your household, long-distance train or bus trips and direct flights are even less safe. Finally, flights with layovers and cruise travel are the least safe types of travel, according to the CDC, which also points out that vacation rentals are safer than hotels. The agency recommends ordering takeout or dining outdoors rather than indoor dining or self-service options such as buffets. Travelers are also advised to only interact with people from their household when traveling and to avoid spending time with large crowds in confined, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

Face masks are ubiquitous one year into the COVID-19 pandemic and travelers should anticipate wearing them throughout their travels for the foreseeable future. Taxi rides, flights, hotel check-ins and most indoor public spaces will require them. The CDC has issued an order requiring face masks to be worn by all travelers while on public transportation, including airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares and Americans traveling internationally can expect similar requirements in their destination. In addition to face masks, travelers should adhere to social distancing markers and keep at least six feet away from people outside of their travel group even when reminders aren't present. Frequent hand washing and sanitizing is also advised.

Travel restrictions and requirements are fluid in the COVID-19 era so a majority of what you need to know to travel right now depends on your destination. For example, travelers will face minimal resistance if visiting popular spring break destinations such as Florida and Mexico but stricter protocols if traveling to Hawaii or Aruba, for example. Be sure to thoroughly research your destination and to read up on the latest restrictions, requirements and advisories to ensure you're able to meet the necessary conditions for entry. Thorough research of the local policies in your destination will be key but you should also prepare to be flexible as guidance may change quickly and some sites and attractions you planned to visit may be closed.

Domestic travel will likely bring fewer obstacles for Americans this spring as many states currently have no travel restrictions. However, travelers will be required to complete health questionnaires, present proof of a negative COVID-19 test or self-isolate for a select period of time upon arrival in some places. Click here to view the latest travel restrictions and requirements for all 50 states.

There are dozens of overseas destinations that Americans can travel to right now, including some that don't require a negative COVID-19 test result for entry. Mexico and the Caribbean continue to be among the most popular international places for Americans given their relatively quick reopening, close proximity and successful implementation of enhanced health and safety protocols. Regardless of where you plan to travel, research the latest coronavirus case numbers and rate of infection trends to ensure your destination isn't too risky for your comfort level and be sure to read up on the latest U.S. State Department travel advisories and entry requirements so you know exactly what to expect before and when you arrive.

As of January 26, 2021, the CDC requires that all travelers age two and older arriving in the United States-including returning citizens-provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three calendar days of departure. Travelers can also provide proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days to gain entry. Airlines are responsible for confirming the negative test result or proof of recent recovery for all passengers prior to boarding and are required to deny boarding to anyone without the proper documentation.

The ongoing COVID-19 vaccine rollout is encouraging for travel's recovery and while a vaccine won't grant travelers access to every destination, some, including Iceland, are allowing travelers with proof of a vaccine to bypass entry requirements such as coronavirus testing and mandatory quarantine. The CDC encourages getting fully vaccinated if you are eligible to receive it. "Wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel-it takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination," the agency states.