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

Thanks to the public perception that COVID-19 is on its way out, due to accelerating vaccination rates and declining new case counts, Americans largely are ready to start making their long-deferred travel plans. With the arrival of warmer weather and summer already on its way, we'll likely start seeing people hitting the road in droves for vacations, reunions and all kinds of other events.

While it may feel as if the battle is already won, the pandemic isn't actually over yet. And, as we've witnessed, when people move about the country, case counts go up. And, with three dangerous COVID-19 variants verified to be spreading in the U.S., we can't let our collective guard down just yet.

So, while many states have already relaxed or dropped their domestic travel restrictions, the more cautious ones still have COVID-19 regulations or requirements for out-of-state travelers.

As of May 4, 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 prior statewide mask requirement expired April 9, but masks are still recommended while in public or in close contact with other people.

Alaska currently has no special entry or testing requirements for domestic visitors. Out-of-state travelers are still strongly encouraged to get pre-travel testing within 72 hours of arrival in Alaska and airport testing remains available.

-All interstate travelers must still complete a Travel Declaration Form through the Alaska Travel Portal.
-Some Alaskan communities have their own COVID-19 travel rules. Local and borough travel restrictions can be found here.

-Fully vaccinated travelers are not asked to test or self-quarantine. Individuals are considered to be fully vaccinated only after 14 days have elapsed since receiving their second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna) or one dose of a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).

-Beginning June 1, all travelers to Alaska will be eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine at participating airports.

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

As of May 4, Arizona had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

-Native American tribal lands may have their own specific restrictions, so visit this link to see their various opening statuses.

-The statuses of tourism attractions, businesses and parks are listed here.

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

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

As of May 4, Arkansas had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

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

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

California's travel advisory recommends that unvaccinated visitors interstate travelers quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, but does not mandate it.

-There are some travel restrictions in Los Angeles County specifically. Those arriving from out of state and over the age of 16 must fill out this online form, acknowledging the L.A. County Department of Public Health's travel requirement. 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.

-All non-essential travelers entering the County of Los Angeles from other states who are not fully vaccinated must either quarantine for seven days if they get tested for COVID-19 three to five days after their arrival and receive negative results -OR- quarantine for a full 10 days if they do not get tested following their arrival.

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

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

Colorado doesn't have statewide travel restrictions, but Pitkin County (home to ski resort towns Aspen and Snowmass) still has particular requirements.

-Pitkin County's new program asks visitors to follow updated CDC travel guidelines in lieu of enforcing pre-arrival testing or quarantine requirements.

-Travelers ages 10 and up who are spending one or more nights in the county must complete the Traveler Responsibility Code form, which simply asks visitors to acknowledge local public health orders and COVID-19 policies.

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

Connecticut's previous travel restrictions are no longer in effect, although pre-travel testing and post-arrival 10-day quarantines are still recommended.

-Interstate travelers are now directed to refer to CDC travel guidelines and recommendations.

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

As of May 4, 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 May 4, Florida had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

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

As of May 4, 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 enables passengers to bypass the state's mandatory 10-day quarantine 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 has rejoined the state's Safe Travels program and no longer has its own separate requirements.

-Maui has implemented a new order that requires interstate travelers to take an additional rapid COVID-19 test upon arrival at Kahului Airport (paid for by the county). Fully vaccinated transpacific travelers are exempt from this secondary testing. Visitors to Maui are also required to download the AlohaSafe Alert mobile app.

-As of yet, Hawaii currently has established no provisions to exempt fully vaccinated travelers from these requirements.

*Hawaii maintains a statewide mandate that masks be worn while in public places.

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

As of May 4, 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 April 20, the Travel Order applies to 26 states and U.S. two territories.

-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 or Illinois' tourism website.

As of May 4, 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 May 4, Iowa had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

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

For the most part, Kansas is open to U.S. travelers, with quarantine and testing measures that apply only to some very specific groups, the list of which can be found here.

-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.

-Fully vaccinated visitors are exempt from quarantine requirements as long as they finished their vaccine series within the previous six months.

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

* Governor Kelly has revoked the statewide mask order, though some counties retain mask regulations. A map outlining countywide ordinances can be found here.

As of May 4, Kentucky had no statewide travel restrictions, although the state Public Health Department advises returning residents to quarantine themselves for a full seven days after travel and get tested within three to five days. Those who don't get tested should quarantine for a full 10 days.

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

As of May 4, Louisiana had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

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

Under the Moving Maine Forward plan, Maine's travel policy shifted on May 1 to automatically exempt all U.S. states from testing or quarantine requirements, unless a state is specifically determined by the Maine CDC to be high-risk.

-If a certain state sees a spike in cases of highly contagious COVID-19 variants, testing and quarantine requirements will be applied to travelers from that state, and the Maine CDC will publicly announce any such decisions at the time.

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

As of May 4, Maryland had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*Masks are still required indoors and at large ticketed venues, though no longer outdoors.

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

Massachusetts' previous COVID-19 Travel Order is no longer in effect, having been replaced with a non-compulsory travel advisory.

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

As of May 4, 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 May 4, Minnesota had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*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 May 4, Mississippi had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

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

As of May 4, 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 May 4, Montana had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors, although Big Sky Country'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 May 4, 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 May 4, Nevada had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

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

New Hampshire is no longer requiring U.S. domestic visitors or returning residents to quarantine or provide test results, but urges adherence to the CDC's travel guidance.

*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 region (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware) are advised to quarantine for 10 days if they haven't been tested or if their test results are still 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.

-Travelers who've been fully vaccinated or who recovered from COVID-19 within the previous three months are exempt from this advisory.

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

New Mexico 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.

-All New Mexico residents and visitors are required to wear masks in public, with violators facing a $100 fine per incident.

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

New York no longer has mandatory testing and quarantine measures for interstate travelers, though state agencies still recommend quarantine as outlined by the CDC.

-Unless they're coming from a bordering state (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts or Vermont) or staying for less than 24 hours, all travelers still must complete the New York State Traveler Health Form.

-UPDATE: On May 19, New York's Governor Cuomo lifted all capacity restrictions for businesses, restaurants, museums, theatres, etc., and declared that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks or maintain social distancing (except on public transit and federal lands).

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

As of May 4, North Carolina had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*Face masks are no longer required outdoors, but are still mandated for indoor public spaces.

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

As of May 4, North Dakota had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors. The state health department defers to CDC recommendations.

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

As of May 4, Ohio had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

-The state encourages 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 May 4, 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, unless they've been fully vaccinated.

*Masks are required in both indoor and outdoor public spaces throughout the state.

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

As of May 4, Pennsylvania had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

-The state directs visitors to continue practicing public health measures, such as mask-wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene.

-The Pennsylvania Department of Health has also launched 'COVID Alert PA', a free mobile app with an interactive symptom checker, updates on public health guidance, potential exposure alerts and advice on next steps in case of viral exposure. The app also works across 22 other participating states.

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

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

-Rhode Island's 'restricted states' roster, last updated on May 3, currently includes 25 U.S. states and territories.

-Domestic visitors 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.

-Failure to complete these forms, or to comply with quarantine orders as required could result in a $500 fine per violation.

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

As of May 4, 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 May 4, 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 May 4, 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 May 4, Texas had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

* Texas' mask mandate and all capacity restrictions have been lifted, although mask-wearing, where social distancing isn't feasible, is still strongly encouraged.

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

As of May 4, Utah had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*Although Utah's mask mandate has expired, masking up may still be required in some regions, depending upon counties' current transmission levels. Consult Utah's Transmission Index for the latest information on regional COVID-19 conditions and corresponding mask regulations.

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

To enter Vermont, all visitors and returning residents who aren't fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of arrival. Tests must be for a current infection (such as PCR-type) and antigen ("rapid") tests will not be accepted.

-Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e., at least 14 days beyond the final dose of their particular vaccination protocol) and those who can prove that they've recovered from a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past 90 days are exempt from testing requirements.

-Quarantining will not exempt arrivals from Vermont's testing requirement. Though they may quarantine afterward at their discretion, travelers still must have negative test results in order to enter the state.

*Vermont has a mask mandate for all indoor public spaces, and in outdoor settings where crowds or multiple households are gathered without being able to maintain six-foot distancing. Mask rules apply even fully vaccinated individuals.

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

As of May 4, 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 May 4, 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 May 4, Washington had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors. The state's prior Travel Advisory was rescinded and travelers are instead instructed 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 high-risk U.S. state or jurisdiction (having a rolling seven-day average rate over 10 daily cases per 100,000 people) must arrive carrying negative results of 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, as well as certain low-risk states, are exempt from the testing order. As of the latest update on May 2, the list included Alabama, Arkansas, California, Guam, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands.

-Testing requirements are also waived for visitors who are fully vaccinated and those who've recovered from a confirmed case of COVID-19 within 90 days of travel. Travelers should carry with them documentation to this effect.

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

*Visitors can consult this webpage for the opening statuses of various venues, museums, attractions and events.

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

As of May 4, 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 May 4, Wyoming had no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors.

*Wyoming does not have a statewide mask mandate, but private businesses, certain towns, and federal parks and lands do maintain mask requirements.

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