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Today, the CDC released updated guidelines for vaccinated individuals, emphasizing that fully vaccinated travelers are at a lower risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. However, Director Rochelle Walensky also reminded that being able to travel does not necessarily mean you should.
In a White House briefing, Walensky advised, “I would caution against general travel for now. Our guidance does not specifically recommend or discourage travel for fully vaccinated individuals; it simply discusses the relative safety of doing so.”
The CDC's travel guidance is rooted in the idea that vaccinated travelers face a minimal risk of infection or spreading COVID-19. While these risks are very low, it's important to remain aware of the risks posed to unvaccinated individuals encountered during travel.
For those traveling within the U.S.,
The CDC states that individuals who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-approved COVID vaccine (which includes being two weeks past their final dose of the two-dose Pfizer, two-dose Moderna, or single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine) can travel safely.
According to the CDC, if you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 3 months, testing and self-quarantine are not required. However, travelers must still adhere to other precautions, like wearing masks on public transit, avoiding crowded places, and washing hands frequently.
For those who are unvaccinated, the CDC recommends taking a viral COVID test 1 to 3 days before departure and self-quarantining for 10 days upon arrival, or 7 days if the test result is negative.
It is essential for all travelers to monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms post-trip. If symptoms develop, regardless of vaccination status, seek testing and medical attention, and stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others.
If you're traveling internationally,
The CDC offers a specific set of travel recommendations for each country. Be sure to review their guidelines if you're planning an overseas trip. They advise against international travel unless you're fully vaccinated.
You generally don't need a COVID test before your trip, unless your destination requires one. However, the CDC suggests getting tested for COVID within three to five days after returning from your trip. Quarantine is not required.
If you're flying into the U.S. from another country,
For your return to the U.S., all travelers, including those who are fully vaccinated, must present a negative COVID test taken within three days of departure. The only exception is if you recently recovered from COVID in the last three months and can provide documentation (like medical records). The U.S. doesn't require vaccinated travelers to quarantine after arrival, but it's recommended to get tested for COVID within three to five days of returning.
