CDC Updates US Travel Guidance with New Recommendations

Image: Traveler with a COVID-19 rapid test at the airport. (photo via nito100 / iStock / Getty Images Plus) (nito100 /  iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: Traveler with a COVID-19 rapid test at the airport. (photo via nito100 / iStock / Getty Images Plus) (nito100 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 3:08 PM ET, Wed May 18, 2022

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its coronavirus testing recommendations for Americans looking to travel domestically.

According to CNN.com, the CDC announced domestic travelers should "consider getting tested as close to the time of departure as possible," regardless of vaccination status. The government agency said the testing should occur no more than three days before the trip.

Previously, the CDC recommended that only unvaccinated Americans get tested before traveling within the United States. Now, the agency has updated the recommendations, but stopped short of issuing a mandate.

In addition to testing before domestic travel, CDC officials said Americans should take a COVID-19 test following their vacations, especially if they visit crowded areas or regions with a high number of infections.

Health officials reminded U.S. travelers to remain vigilant when on the road, keeping in mind that local rules and conditions are likely to be different.

Earlier this month, the CDC announced that people traveling on public forms of transportation should still be wearing a mask for protection against coronavirus. The agency's mask requirements for airlines, airports and other forms of transportation were struck down by a federal judge in April, ending the controversial mandate after almost two years.

In the aviation industry, U.S. airlines are continuing a full-court press on the Biden Administration to drop the rules requiring pre-departure testing for COVID-19 on all international passengers. Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and several other foreign countries have had similar protocols in place but have since lifted them.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 3Monday, November 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Watch Now!
River Cruises PlusMonday, October 26, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, TravelPulse and leaders from top river cruise companies to get the...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 3Monday, November 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Watch Now!
River Cruises PlusMonday, October 26, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, TravelPulse and leaders from top river cruise companies to get the...