Travel Restrictions: Can I Leave New York?

As of November 2020, New York had some of the strictest travel restrictions in the country, requiring all travellers entering the state from non-contiguous states to quarantine for 14 days. However, as of June 2022, the CDC no longer requires travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID before arriving in the US. Nevertheless, travellers from states that don't border New York are still required to fill out the Traveller Health Form, which can be acquired online. Quarantine rules are still in place for those arriving from non-contiguous states or countries, and those who have been in New York for less than 24 hours are exempt from testing before departing.

International driving permits

If you are planning a trip outside of the United States and intend to drive, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a legal requirement to drive in many countries and is a United Nations-regulated travel document. It is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo, and driver information, which is translated into 9 or 10 languages.

The IDP is not a replacement for a valid US driver's license but should be used as a supplement when travelling abroad. When driving in a foreign country, you must carry your IDP along with your US driver's license. Many countries require an IDP to drive legally, and fines for driving without one can be costly.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only entity in the US authorized by the US Department of State to issue an IDP. To obtain an IDP, you must apply before travelling in the same country that issued your national driving license. The IDP application process involves providing two passport photos, a valid driver's license, and paying a $20 permit fee. You can apply for an IDP in person or by mail.

Be aware of unofficial sellers online claiming to sell legitimate IDPs. These are often fraudulent and may scam you out of money or personal information.

Local truck routes

The New York City Truck Route Network is a set of roads that commercial vehicles must use when travelling in New York City. The network is comprised of two distinct classes of roadways: Local Truck Routes and Through Truck Routes. These routes are defined in Section 4-13 of the New York City Traffic Rules.

All vehicles defined as trucks (two axles and six tires, or three or more axles) are required to follow the Truck Route Network. Commercial vehicles that do not meet the definition of a truck are not required to follow this network but must follow all posted signage regarding the operation of commercial vehicles.

The Local Truck Route Network is designated for trucks with an origin and destination within a borough. This includes trucks that are travelling to make a delivery, or for loading or servicing. Trucks should only use non-designated routes for the purpose at the beginning or end of a trip, when travelling between their origin and destination and a truck route. For example, a truck going from one end of Queens to the other is permitted to travel on the local truck route network.

Both trucks and commercial vehicles cannot travel on most parkways in New York City. Manhattan and Staten Island contain Limited Truck Zones with special time and size restrictions. These are outlined in Section 4-08 of the New York City Traffic Rules.

Truck drivers must always have on hand a bill of lading, or similar document, showing the points of origin and destination of the trip. Drivers must present this for inspection on the request of a law enforcement officer or other authorised person.

Through truck routes

The New York City Truck Route Network is a set of roads that commercial vehicles must use in New York City. This network consists of two types of routes: Local Truck Routes and Through Truck Routes. The type of truck route that you must take depends on the origin and destination of your trip.

The Local Truck Route Network is designated for trucks with an origin and destination within a borough. This includes trucks that are travelling to make a delivery, or for loading or servicing. Trucks should only use non-designated routes at the beginning or end of a trip when travelling between their origin and destination and a truck route.

The Through Truck Route Network, on the other hand, is primarily composed of major urban arterials and highways and must be used by trucks that have neither an origin nor a destination within the borough. For example, a truck trip that starts in Staten Island and ends in Queens would be required to use the Through Route Network while passing through the borough of Brooklyn en route to Queens. If the destination in Queens is not directly accessible from the Through Truck Route, the driver would then need to switch to the Local Truck Route Network to complete their trip.

It is important to note that both trucks and commercial vehicles are prohibited from travelling on most parkways in New York City. Manhattan and Staten Island also have Limited Truck Zones with special time and size restrictions. Truck drivers must always carry a bill of lading or a similar document that shows the trip's origin and destination and must be presented for inspection when requested by a law enforcement officer or other authorised person.

Travel documents

When travelling from New York, the documents you need to bring will depend on where you are travelling to.

International Travel

If you are travelling internationally, you will need a passport. Some countries may also require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. You may also need a visa, which you can check on the website of your destination's government.

Proof of Vaccination

Depending on where you are travelling to, you may need to provide proof of vaccination. It is recommended to bring your physical CDC-issued vaccine card, along with digital photos and photocopies.

Testing Requirements

Some countries may require proof of a negative coronavirus test result, either PCR or antigen, within a certain timeframe before arrival.

Passenger Locator Forms

Some countries, including the United Kingdom and certain European Union countries, require travellers to complete a digital passenger locator form before entering the country.

Medications

Some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications may be illegal in other countries. Check with the embassy of your destination regarding regulations and documentation.

International Driving Permit

If you plan to drive, note that many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license. However, most countries accept an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Travel Insurance

It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance before travelling internationally, as the U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas.

Other Considerations

• Make copies of all your travel documents and keep them in a safe place.
• Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.
• Check the latest travel advisories and safety information for your destination.
• Research any customs requirements or restrictions for bringing items into or out of your destination.

Driving licences

To drive in New York State, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid New York State driver's license, learner's permit, or a valid driver's license or permit issued by another state or country. If you are a New York State resident, you must get a New York State driver's license. If you have a valid driver's license issued by another U.S. state or territory, federal district, or Canadian province, you may be eligible to exchange it for a New York driver's license.

If your license was issued outside the U.S. or Canada, you must apply for a new original New York State driver's license at a DMV office. When you pass your road test, you must surrender your foreign driver's license to the DMV road test examiner. The local DMV office will destroy your foreign driver's license after 60 days. If you plan to return to your home country and will need your foreign driver's license, ask the road test examiner how to ensure that your foreign driver's license is not destroyed.

To apply for a New York State driver's license, you must first obtain a learner's permit, which involves a written test and eye exam, followed by the completion of an authorized driver safety course, and then pass a road test. If you already have a license from another U.S. state, these requirements may be waived. The application process can take several months to complete.

New York State offers three types of ID documents: standard licenses and IDs, REAL IDs, and Enhanced licenses and IDs. Non-citizens are eligible for standard IDs. Non-citizens who can provide proof of lawful presence are eligible for REAL IDs. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for Enhanced IDs.

Frequently asked questions