COVID-19 US Travel Restrictions: Updated State-by-State Guide for March 2021

Slowly, signs of pandemic improvement (hopeful signs) are beginning to emerge with COVID-19 vaccine distribution continuing to ramp up across the U.S. and the world. New COVID case rates have declined during the past weeks, thanks in part to the introduction of vaccines and the fact that the winter surge caused by the holiday season's many indoor gatherings is well behind us.

Still, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has pointed out that case rates have essentially plateaued at a level that's on par with the worst of last summer's surge. So, it should come as no surprise that domestic travel restrictions still exist in many states, although some still have none at all. Heading into spring, here is an updated list of all 50 states and their corresponding requirements for interstate travelers.

As of March 21, Alabama had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For further updates, and detailed information on local health and safety measures, check Alabama's official website.

*Alabama's 'Safer at Home' order includes a statewide mask requirement. Individuals are required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people.

UPDATE (March 21): Alaska's former interstate travel restrictions have been downgraded to a Health Advisory-official guidance that visitors should observe voluntarily. Out-of-state travelers to Alaska are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result in order to gain entry, but are strongly encouraged to do so.-A second test, to be taken between five and 14 days after arrival in Alaska, is also strongly recommended, but not required.

-All interstate travelers must still complete a Travel Declaration Form and a Self-Isolation Plan through the Alaska Travel Portal.

-Asymptomatic travelers who have already contracted and recovered from COVID-19 can forego testing by providing proof of a previously positive result of a PCR test taken within 90 days of travel.

*For more detailed information on local health and safety measures, check Alaska's official website.

As of March 21, Arizona had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors. However, Native American tribal lands may have their own specific restrictions, so visit this link to see their various opening statuses.

*For more detailed and local information, check Arizona's official website.

*Masks and social distancing in alignment with CDC recommendations are encouraged, but not mandated.

As of March 21, Arkansas had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Arkansas' official website.

*A statewide mask mandate is in effect, requiring everyone to wear masks while in public spaces.

While California doesn't have statewide restrictions on inbound travelers, and Governor Gavin Newsom's regional stay-at-home order was lifted on January 25, certain local orders remain in effect.

-San Francisco's previously mandated 10-day quarantine has been lifted.

-Santa Clara County's former quarantine order has also been lifted.

-In Los Angeles County, out-of-state visitors over the age of 16 must fill out this online form, acknowledging that they have read and understood the L.A. County Department of Public Health's travel requirement and the state of California's Travel Advisory. Failure to submit this form prior to or upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport, Van Nuys Airport or Union Station is punishable by a fine of up to $500.

-Those who intend to visit California should continue to monitor the latest local restrictions for their destination city.

*For more detailed and local information, check California's official website.

UPDATE (March 21): Colorado doesn't have statewide travel restrictions, but Pitkin County (home to ski resort towns Aspen and Snowmass) has had formerly enforced its own entry requirements. As of March 5, however, the previous Pitkin County Traveler Affidavit Requirement changed to the Traveler Responsibility Code.

-Travelers ages 10 and up who are spending one or more nights in the county must complete the new Traveler Responsibility Code, which simply asks visitors to acknowledge the CDC's travel recommendations and local public health orders.

-While the guidelines are similar, the new program asks visitors to follow CDC's updated travel guidance in lieu of enforcing pre-arrival testing or quarantine requirements.

-Note that CDC does recommend getting tested one to three days prior to travel and reducing non-essential activities for a full seven days after traveling.

*For more detailed and local information, check Colorado's official website and Pitkin County's website.

UPDATE (March 21): Governor Ned Lamont's Executive Order No. 9S, expired on March 19, lifting the prior mandate that interstate travelers quarantine for 10 days or present negative results of a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of entering Connecticut.

-Travelers to Connecticut are now directed to follow the CDC's latest travel-related recommendations and guidelines from the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

*For more detailed and local information, check Connecticut's official website.

As of March 21, Delaware had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Delaware's official website.

As of March 21, Florida had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

-On March 21, overwhelmed by mobs of spring breakers, Miami Beach declared a state of emergency, imposing an 8:00 p.m. curfew for the South Beach entertainment district.

*For more detailed and local information, check Florida's official website.

As of March 21, Georgia had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Georgia's official website.

Hawaii's interstate travel restrictions continue to evolve, and the rules can vary depending upon which island you're visiting, although lawmakers are currently drafting a bill that would standardize travel regulations across all counties.

Hawaii's Pre-Travel Testing Program allows passengers to bypass the state's mandatory 10-day quarantine period by taking a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) through one of the state's Trusted Testing Partners within 72 hours of their arrival. Interisland travelers are also currently subject to quarantine restrictions, but, in some cases, testing out of quarantine is an option. Links to county-specific details can be found here.

-Travelers must upload their test results to the state's online Safe Travels form and complete a health questionnaire within 24 hours of their departure. They'll then receive a QR code via email to present to airport screeners upon arrival.

-Travelers are required to upload their negative test results or have them on hand prior to their departure if they want to skip Hawaii's default mandatory 10-day quarantine.

-At least 25 percent of travelers who use the Pre-Travel Testing option will also be randomly selected to receive a non-optional second test upon arrival at the airport, free of charge.

-Kauai demands the full 10 days' quarantine, unless you're staying at a designated "resort bubble" hotel and receive a negative test result after spending 72 hours confined to your resort. Or, travelers now have the option of arriving on another island, spending at least three days there, and then testing again before flying to Kauai. If the second test is negative, they get to bypass quarantine.

*For more detailed and local information, check Hawaii's official website.

As of March 21, Idaho had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Idaho's official website.

While Illinois doesn't have statewide travel restrictions, Chicago's Emergency Travel Order applies to anyone entering or returning to the city from states identified as having a significant degree of community-wide COVID-19 spread. As of the latest update on March 9, the Travel Order applies to 24 states and one U.S. territory.

-Those coming from "Orange" states must either quarantine for 10 days or provide a negative COVID-19 test result from a sample taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival in Chicago.

-Those coming from "Yellow" states aren't subject to testing or quarantine requirements.

*For more detailed and local information, check Chicago's official website and Illinois' travel guidance.

As of March 21, Indiana had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Indiana's official website.

As of March 21, Iowa had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Iowa's official website.

Kansas is open to most U.S. travelers, with quarantine and testing measures that apply only to some specific groups. Namely, anyone who:

-Has been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020

-Has attended mass gatherings or events of 500 people or more where attendees did not socially distance (six feet apart) and wear masks

-Traveled on or after March 12 to the states of New Jersey or New York.

-Traveled on or after March 12 to the countries of Estonia or the State of Palestine.

-Traveled on or after February 26, 2021, to the countries of Mayotte, Czechia, San Marino or Montenegro.

Visitors that fall under these categories must isolate from seven to 10 days, depending upon whether or not they get tested for COVID-19 on Day 6 of their quarantine. Those who receive a negative result after testing on their sixth day will be released from quarantine on Day 8, rather than Day 11.

*For more detailed and local information, check Kansas' official website.

*Mask mandates vary by county, since some opted out of Governor Kelly's second mask order. A map outlining countywide ordinances can be found here.

As of March 21, Kentucky had no statewide travel restrictions, although the state Public Health department is discouraging out-of-state leisure travel and urging residents who choose to travel to quarantine for 14 days upon their return, or follow CDC guidance for alternative options to shorten the quarantine period.

*For more detailed and local information, check Kentucky's official website.

As of March 21, Louisiana had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Louisiana's official website.

Travelers to Maine will need to either quarantine for a full 10 days or provide a negative COVID-19 test result from a sample taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Both PCR and antigen tests are acceptable.

-Visitors may also test after entering Maine, but must quarantine until they receive results.

-Travelers will also need to complete a Certificate of Compliance form indicating they have received a negative test result, that they will complete the 10-day quarantine or that they have already completed their quarantine.

-Only residents of New Hampshire and Vermont are exempted from Maine's testing and quarantine requirements.

*For more detailed and local information, check Maine's official website.

UPDATE (March 21): Maryland dropped its interstate travel restrictions on March 12. Previously, out-of-state visitors had to quarantine for 10 days or present negative results of a COVID-19 test upon arrival. Pre- and post-travel testing is still strongly encouraged, but no longer required.

*For more detailed and local information, visit Maryland's official website.

UPDATE: As of March 22, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is dropping the state's travel restrictions, replacing its previous COVID-19 Travel Order with a non-mandatory travel advisory.

*For more detailed and local information, check Massachusetts' official website.

As of March 21, Michigan had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Michigan's official website.

As of March 21, Minnesota had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors, but the state health department writes that "any unnecessary travel is highly discouraged".

*For more detailed and local information, check Minnesota's official website.

*There is a statewide mask mandate requiring everyone to wear masks while inside business establishments, or indoor public spaces, and in outdoor public spaces when social distancing is not feasible.

As of March 21, Mississippi had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Mississippi's official website.

*On March 2, Governor Tate Reeves put an end to all county mask mandates and announced that Mississippi businesses may open at 100-percent capacity.

As of March 21, Missouri had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Missouri's official website.

As of March 21, Montana had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors, although the state's Native American tribal lands may have their own sets of rules in place.

*For more detailed and local information, check Montana's official website.

As of March 21, Nebraska had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Nebraska's official website.

As of March 21, Nevada had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Nevada's official website.

UPDATE (March 21): Visitors to New Hampshire who are coming from states outside of New England are no longer required to quarantine or provide test results upon entry. New Hampshire's Safer at Home initiative still advises adherence to the CDC's latest travel guidance, including testing up to 72 hours prior to travel and again three to five days after travel, on a voluntary basis.

-Travelers are exempt from the advisory if they've been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and more than 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of their vaccine.

-Those who tested COVID-19 positive within the past 90 days and have recovered from the infection are also exempt.

*For more detailed and local information, check New Hampshire's official website.

Returning residents and travelers coming from any U.S. state or territory beyond New Jersey's immediate vicinity (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware) are advised to self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other lodgings for 10 days if they haven't been tested or their test results are pending. The quarantine is voluntary, but compliance is expected.

-Those who take a viral COVID-19 test prior to arrival in New Jersey and receive negative results should still quarantine for a full seven days following their arrival.

*For more detailed and local information, check New Jersey's official website.

UPDATE: New Mexico's travel advisory is no longer mandating quarantine, but emphasizes that those arriving from high-risk states or territories are "strongly advised" to self-isolate for at least 14 days. Anyone entering New Mexico's borders is also strongly advised to get COVID-19 tested at their earliest convenience.

-High-risk states are defined as having a five-percent or higher positivity rate or a positive test rate higher than 80 per one million residents, as measured over a seven-day rolling average). At last update on March 21, all U.S. states and jurisdictions except Hawaii were designated high-risk.

*For more detailed and local information, check New Mexico's official website.

*Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that quarantine or testing will no longer be required for domestic travel, beginning April 1. Until that time:

-All visitors and returning residents entering New York from any U.S. state and territory other than those that are noncontiguous with New York state must complete a mandatory 10-day quarantine.

-Alternatively, they can "test out" with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the 72-hour window prior to their arrival. They must then quarantine for three days upon arrival in New York and then test again on Day Four. If the results of both these tests are negative, the traveler may then exit quarantine early.

-Travelers subject to this advisory must also complete a Traveler Health Form. Any arrivals who exit the airport without completing the form are subject to a $10,000 fine. Those entering New York via other means of transport, including cars, buses and trains, must fill out the form online.

-Travelers from states that are contiguous with New York (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont) are exempt from its Travel Advisory.

-Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced that fully-vaccinated travelers who received the final dose of their vaccine within the preceding 90 days are exempt from quarantine and testing rules.

*For more detailed and local information, check New York's official website.

As of March 21, North Carolina had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check North Carolina's official website.

As of March 21, North Dakota had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check North Dakota's official website.

UPDATE: As of March 10, the Ohio Department of Health lifted its travel advisory for those coming from states with positive testing rates of 15 percent or higher. Instead, it's encouraging out-of-state travelers to carefully review the CDC's latest guidance when considering travel.

*For more detailed and local information, check Ohio's official website.

As of March 21, Oklahoma had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Oklahoma's official website.

Oregon's standing travel advisory includes a recommendation that out-of-state travelers and returning residents should quarantine themselves for 14 days after arrival in the state.

*For more detailed and local information, check Oregon's official website.

As of March 1, interstate travelers to Pennsylvania are no longer required to quarantine for 10 days or supply negative test results for entry. The state directs visitors to continue practicing public health measures, such as mask-wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene.

*For more detailed and local information, check Pennsylvania's official website.

Anyone coming to Rhode Island from states having a COVID-19 positivity rate higher than five percent must quarantine for 10 days or provide proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in the state. You may also test following entry into the state, but must quarantine until receiving negative results.

-Rhode Island's 'restricted states' roster, last updated on March 15, currently includes 20 U.S. states and territories.

-UPDATE: Visitors from hot spots who've received their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their out-of-state trip and within the past 90 days are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.

-Travelers who've tested COVID-19 positive in the past 90 days and have completed their isolation period are also exempt from quarantine and testing rules, provided they provide proof.

-Out-of-state visitors must also complete a certificate of compliance and an out-of-state travel screening form upon arriving in Rhode Island.

*For more detailed and local information, check Rhode Island's official website.

As of March 21, South Carolina had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check South Carolina's official website.

As of March 21, South Dakota had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors. However, some road routes through Native American tribal lands may be closed, and affected travelers will need to find alternatives.

*For more detailed and local information, check South Dakota's official website.

As of March 21, Tennessee had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Tennessee's official website.

As of March 21, Texas had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Texas' official website.

*On March 2, Governor Greg Abbott lifted Texas' mask mandate and announced that all businesses of any type will be allowed to open at 100-percent capacity starting March 10.

As of March 21, Utah had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Utah's official website.

Anyone entering Vermont from out of state, including returning residents, must either complete a 14-day quarantine or take a COVID-19 PCR test on or after Day 7 to end their quarantine early through a negative test result.

-Travelers entering Vermont in a personal vehicle are afforded the option to complete their quarantine and testing requirements in their own state, prior to travel, in order to be allowed to move freely upon their arrival in Vermont.

-Travelers entering Vermont who have not completed a pre-arrival quarantine must complete either a 14-day quarantine or a seven-day quarantine followed by a negative test.

-Those who have received their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their trip can bypass quarantine.

-All out-of-state travelers utilizing lodging, camping and short-term rental properties must sign a Certificate of Compliance or affirm a compliance statement via a digital check box at the time of reservation and check-in attesting that they meet the quarantine requirements.

*For more detailed and local information, check Vermont's official website.

As of March 21, Virginia had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Virginia's official website.

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Also, as of March 21, West Virginia had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check West Virginia's official website.

As of March 21, Washington had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors. Washington's Governor Jay Inslee dissolved the state's previous travel guidance, referring travelers instead to follow the CDC's updated recommendations.

*For more detailed and local information, check Washington's official website.

Anyone traveling to Washington D.C. from a state or jurisdiction that has more than 10 daily cases per 100,000 people must arrive carrying negative results from a COVID-19 test administered no more than 72 hours prior to entering the District.

-Visitors or returning residents entering the District from high-risk states or territories must quarantine for a full 10 days upon arrival -OR- test again within three to five days of arrival and quarantine pending the results.

-Visitors from Maryland and Virginia, and low-risk states (currently North Dakota and Hawaii) are exempt from this order.

-Those entering D.C. to attend a family emergency or a funeral do not need to obtain a negative test prior to arriving but must restrict their activities to those related to the emergency.

-Effective March 3, testing requirements are waived for visitors who've been fully vaccinated within the previous 90 days, as well as those who have already tested positive for and recovered from COVID-19 within 90 days of travel. Travelers should carry with them documentation to this effect.

*For more detailed and local information, check the district's official website.

*Wearing masks in public is mandatory in Washington D.C., with slim exceptions permitted during vigorous exercise, and while eating and drinking.

As of March 21, Wisconsin had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors, but the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is recommending cancellation or postponement of all travel, including travel within the state.

*For more detailed and local information, check Wisconsin's official website.

As of March 21, Wyoming had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*For more detailed and local information, check Wyoming's official website.