Traveling During Covid-19: State-To-State Movement Restrictions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented travel restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. In the United States, travel restrictions varied across states, with some states imposing mandatory quarantine periods for travellers from out of state. For instance, four states in New England—Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont—required all travellers from other states to quarantine for 14 days unless travelling for essential reasons. The CDC also specifically warned against travelling to or from New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. These orders were enforced with misdemeanor charges, and violators were often arrested. Other states, like Virginia, did not implement any travel restrictions and allowed individuals to enter without any mandatory quarantine periods. As of September 12, 2022, the US no longer had any COVID-related travel bans, and the CDC had lifted its requirement for negative COVID-19 tests before entering the country. However, the CDC still recommended that individuals delay travel if they were not fully vaccinated and up-to-date with their boosters.

Travelling state-to-state during the COVID-19 pandemic

Quarantine rules for crossing state lines

State-Specific Requirements:

As of April 2020, several states, including Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont, mandated a 14-day self-quarantine for travelers from outside their states, unless traveling for essential reasons. Other states implemented similar, though less restrictive, measures. However, by 2021, some states started rolling back these requirements, transitioning to recommendations instead.

CDC Guidelines:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance for traveling within the United States during the pandemic. They recommend considering factors such as whether you are traveling to a hotspot, the need for self-quarantine after traveling, and determining if you live with someone who is vulnerable. The CDC has also specifically warned against traveling to or from certain states with high infection rates, such as New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey.

International Travel:

For international travel, the CDC implemented a requirement for all air passengers arriving in the US from a foreign country to present a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery. This requirement applied regardless of vaccination status or citizenship. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security restricted travel between the US and Canada at ports of entry, permitting only essential travel for a certain period.

Domestic Travel Recommendations:

When traveling within the US, it is essential to monitor both the state and local requirements of your departure point, destination, and any states you may be transiting. Some states have been aggressive in enforcing travel restrictions, and failure to comply can result in criminal penalties. It is also recommended to follow CDC guidelines and requirements, especially when traveling from high-risk areas or when living with someone vulnerable to the virus.

Essential Travel Exemptions:

Most states with quarantine requirements exempt essential travel, which may include healthcare, public health, public safety, transportation, and other essential workers. Essential travel also typically includes travel for personal safety, obtaining medical care or essential supplies, and caring for vulnerable individuals. However, specific definitions of "essential travel" may vary from state to state, so it is crucial to check the specific rules for each state you plan to visit or pass through.

Lodging Restrictions:

Some states, such as Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, implemented restrictions on lodging establishments, allowing them to operate only under specific conditions. These conditions may include housing vulnerable populations, accommodating essential workers, being used as a self-quarantine facility, or for other verifiable extenuating circumstances.

Enforcement and Penalties:

Violating quarantine and travel restrictions is generally considered a misdemeanor criminal offense. Law enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce these orders, and penalties can include arrests, fines, or expulsion from the state. Additionally, states like Rhode Island have set up checkpoints to identify and track out-of-state vehicles, and some states have made arrests for violations.

State-specific travel restrictions

In April 2020, four states in New England—Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont—mandated that all travelers arriving from out of state must quarantine for 14 days, unless traveling for "essential reasons." The CDC also specifically warned against traveling into or out of New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. Violating these orders is considered a misdemeanor offense in most states, and while arrests have been rare, they have occurred.

In November 2020, the governors of California, Oregon, and Washington issued a travel advisory urging people entering their states or returning from travel outside their states to self-quarantine for 14 days to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The advisory discourages non-essential out-of-state travel and encourages residents to stay local. California's official tourism body, Visit California, states that while COVID-19 travel restrictions allow travel within the state, recreational travel is discouraged.

When considering travel within the US, it is important to check whether travel restrictions have been lifted in your intended destination and to be aware of infection rates. Some states require travelers from high-risk states to test negative for COVID-19 or quarantine upon arrival. Similarly, if you travel to a state with a high infection rate, you may need to quarantine or test negative upon returning home.

Travel documents needed

The documentation you will need to travel state-to-state within the USA depends on your mode of transport, citizenship status, and the state you are visiting. Here is a list of documents you may need:

• Passport: While a passport is not required for state-to-state travel, it is a valid form of identification for traveling within the US.
• US Attestation Form: This is a mandatory document for all travelers, foreigners, and nationals entering the US. It helps the government keep track of infection rates in the country.
• Driver's License: If you are driving, you will need a valid driver's license. If you are an international visitor, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is because some states require an IDP, and it can facilitate interactions with authorities.
• Other Travel Documents for US Citizens: Depending on your state of residence and the state you are visiting, US citizens may need one of the following: Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) Card, Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), S. Military ID card, American Indian Card, or Enhanced Tribal Card.
• Travel Documents for Lawful Permanent Residents: Permanent residents of the US are required to carry at least one of the following: a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card/Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence.
• Travel Documents for International Visitors: All international travelers entering the US need a passport upon arrival at the border. You may also need a visa, which you must apply for before your trip.

Travel within the US

State-by-State Rules

As decisions regarding closures and restrictions are largely left to state and local governments, it is important to research the rules of your destination state before travelling. Some states have implemented mandatory quarantines for travellers from out of state, especially those coming from states with high rates of COVID-19. For example, four states in New England—Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont—required all travellers from out of state to quarantine for 14 days, unless travelling for "essential reasons". The CDC has also specifically warned against travelling to or from New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. Other states, such as Virginia, have had no quarantine requirements.

Recommendations from the CDC

The CDC recommends that individuals consider the COVID-19 rates of their destination and origin communities before travelling. They also suggest asking the following questions:

• Can I get infected while travelling?
• Can I infect others while travelling, even if I don't have symptoms?
• Will I be within 6 feet of others during or after my trip?
• Are those I am travelling with more likely to get very ill from COVID-19?
• Do I live with someone who is more likely to get very ill from COVID-19?
• Is there a stay-at-home requirement after travelling in my state or the state I am travelling to?
• If I get sick with COVID-19, will I have to miss work or school?

Vaccination and Testing Requirements

As of September 12, 2022, the US no longer requires a negative COVID-19 test for travellers entering the country. Vaccination requirements also no longer apply for visitors, although they must be fully vaccinated and provide contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the US. Masks are also not required on public transportation or in indoor areas but are still recommended by the CDC.

Tourist Destinations

Many tourist destinations across the US are open, including national and state parks, museums, restaurants, entertainment venues, and theme parks. However, it is important to check the rules and regulations of your specific destination, as these may vary by state and locality.

International travel to the US

International travel restrictions are most effective during the early stages of a pandemic, and they are particularly beneficial for states with low infection rates. For example, four states in New England—Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont—have imposed 14-day quarantine rules for all travellers arriving from out of state, unless travelling for "essential reasons". The CDC has also warned against travelling to or from New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.

The transmission risk from infected travellers is a significant concern, and commercial airlines have used HEPA filters to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. However, research suggests that virus particles can travel over a distance of more than three rows in the absence of masks and other precautions. This has been reflected in WHO guidelines for tracking possible tuberculosis transmission, which define a close contact as anyone seated within two rows of an infected person.

To reduce the risk of transmission, policies may include requirements to wear face masks, use hand sanitiser, and reduce crowding onboard and in the airport. Health checks may also be required prior to boarding, and travel operators may consider providing professional-grade protective gear to staff who are in close and frequent proximity to travellers.

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. However, all air travellers aged two and older, regardless of nationality or vaccination status, must show documentation of a negative viral test result within one day of their flight's departure to the US, or provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19.

U.S. citizens who choose to travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19 and should make contingency plans, as they may have to remain in a foreign country longer than originally planned. The Department of State recommends international travel insurance that covers COVID-related trip cancellations and medical benefits.

Frequently asked questions