Traveling for the Holidays? Check COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Before You Go

Holidays are usually for family, but many get-togethers have been complicated or become virtual this year because of COVID-19.

State vs. City Regulations

Many states are imposing new stay-at-home orders and travel restrictions ahead of the holidays. People are considering whether to proceed with their holiday plans while the CDC is urging no travel.

Some states are discouraging interstate travel by requiring long quarantines, or by presenting recent negative tests. And a few states require health questionnaires when they arrive.

Some cities and counties have issued similar restrictions. So holiday travelers should check government websites for their destination, and anywhere they plan to travel through or stop overnight.

Know Before You Travel

States have ever-changing restrictions and exceptions. For example, Alaska requires a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours, or travelers are quarantined for 14 days. California has enacted regional state-at-home orders where hotels cannot accept out-of-state travelers, restaurants are only allowed takeout services, and campgrounds are closed. And Connecticut has a myriad of strange exceptions that change by the day.

Check the state websites for the latest updates.

As a final reminder, remember that cities, counties, and states have differing requirements. Make sure to plan your travels accordingly.