For the past 2 years, it feels like time around the world has stopped. Life seems to have come to a halt, almost as if someone had pressed the ‘pause’ button on a remote control. But even though we’re living in times of uncertainty, the show must go on. Whether it’s for our own mental health or wellbeing, we must adapt to the new ways of living and moving around. Although we’re not in control of a lot of things, something we can be in charge of is the way we take care of ourselves and are proactive in following the recommended rules and regulations to minimize risk, while keeping healthy and protected. To help you plan activities, or make your transition to the new normality run smoother, we’ve summarized all the travel restrictions by state in the US.
Stay safe, keep healthy, and be kind.
Alabama
Restaurants, tourist attractions, entertainment venues such as concert venues, museums, public playgrounds casinos and theaters are open with restrictions and rules. All tourists are asked to comply with wearing face masks around people from other households, and maintaining a 6 feet distance. Indoor entertainment venues work at a 50% capacity, while outdoor venues are not restricted to capacity as long as social distancing is implemented.
Alabama encourages individuals to engage in sports and exercise, meaning pools, golfing, gyms and fitness centers are open. However, it is highly recommended to stay 6 feet away from people who are not in your same household.
Alaska
Travel restrictions in Alaska are reducing. Hotels, airports, state parks and lodging are open. Entertainment venues are working at a 50 person limit, but restaurants and freestanding bars have opened. Keep in mind that cities can enforce face mask covering rules, so make sure you have one with you at all times
Arizona
Arizona recommends to avoid all nonessential travel. In case of travel to other states in the US, they encourage doing research on other states’ travel restrictions to avoid complications and facing state border closures. Hotels and airports remain open, so visiting Arizona for a weekend getaway could be a good option, while remaining respectful of regulations and safety measures.
Restaurants with indoor spaces are restricted to work at a 50% capacity, although delivery services are encouraged. Gatherings of more than 50 people are not allowed.
Concerning face masks, they encourage using cloth masks instead of surgical or N-95 respirators as these should be reserved for medical responders and healthcare workers. These should be worn when engaging with others in public settings.
Arkansas
Travel restrictions in Arkansas are slightly more open for those who have completed quarantine mandates. State parks have opened lodges, RV rentals and cabins, but popular walking trails are closed to avoid crowding. Hiking, biking or walking is possible and encouraged. Hotels and motels no longer have restrictions as to the type of guests they can welcome, including those coming from international or domestic destinations. On the same note, quarantine retirement is no longer required.
Restaurants, bars and businesses are operating at a 66% capacity, while casinos remain at a 33%. Especially in casinos, social distancing is strictly implemented, requiring people to stay within 6 feet of each other.
California
Travel restrictions in California still allow travel around the state, as tourist attractions have reopened. However, hotel stays should remain among people of the same household, and proper social distancing, face mask wearing, and sanitation practices should be enforced in all public spaces, especially indoors.
Pubs, bars and breweries are banned. Indoor operations of restaurants, theme parks, movie theaters, museums and entertainment centers are also banned. However, state parks, national parks (including Yosemite) and most beaches are open with restrictions.
Colorado
Colorado’s travel restrictions are slowly accommodating the re-establishment of the tourism economy. Currently in the “Great Outdoors Phase”, the state allows and encourages Colorado residents to engage in outdoor activities and spaces, while respecting a 6 feet distance from other people and wearing a non-medical face mask.
Permitted outdoor activities include whitewater rafting, jeep tours, horseback riding, climbing and a lot more in their state and national parks. Group activities are limited to 10 people, so ensure making a reservation prior. However, the reopening and availability of these activities is subject to local approval so make sure to check the websites of your destination before you arrive.
Besides its national parks, main tourist attractions Denver Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and the Denver Botanic Gardens are open. However, arts and cultural venues are closed.
Airports, camping and lodging options are open, but are only available for short term stays. Outdoor pools are functioning at 50% capacity.
Connecticut
The most important travel restrictions for Connecticut you need to look out for are a 14-day self quarantine if travelling from a state that has a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents. This also applies for Connecticut residents that are coming back from one of these states but does not apply for travellers who just had a layover in one of them.
If you’re visiting Connecticut from a non-impacted state or are a resident yourself, entertainment centers, theme parks, zoos and museums are open with restrictions. Make sure to check their websites for indications and requirements. Overall, face masks and social distancing are the most common enforcements. Anyhow, Connecticut disencourage nonessential travel.
Delaware
Since June 15th 2020, Delaware entered Phase 2 of the reopening process. This includes the reopening of businesses, museums, state parks and entertainment centers with limited capacity and safety precautions. Face masks are required in all public spaces including outdoors settings, and a strict rule of 6 feet distance between members of different households must be upkept.
Hotels and rentals are available for out of state travellers without the need to quarantine. Restaurants and bars are open at a 60% capacity, and travel is encouraged during non-peak times or weekdays.
District of Columbia
Since June 22nd, D.C. has entered Phase 2, allowing camps, indoor dining, cultural establishment and retail stores to open at limited capacity. Face masks must be worn when outside the household, including in public transportation.
Hotels and airports are open, but non-essential travel to D.C. is discouraged.
Florida
Florida travel restrictions require people to maintain a 6 feet distance from other individuals and discourage gathering in groups or masses. Face masks rules vary from county to county, but are overall required in indoor and outdoor public spaces. It’s clear that after months of quarantine the idea of a holiday sounds great; theme parks being some of the most requested destinations. Popular parks like Disney, Universal, Busch Gardens and Legoland are open to visitors, but have their regulations and restrictions. Refer to their websites for more information. Museums are operating at full capacity if permitted by local governments.
The travel restrictions of Florida demand that visitors from communities and states of high number of cases self-quarantine for 14 days.
Restaurants allow on-site dining as long as proper social distancing measures are practiced, and only function at 50% capacity. Outdoor dining is allowed with a maximum of 6 people per table.
Georgia
Georgia is happy to accommodate visitors safely. Since June 11, self-quarantine for individuals over the age of 65 have been lifted unless they are in a fragile or delicate condition. On the other hand, Georgian residents are highly encouraged to stay home at least until August 11th, 2020.
Businesses, restaurants and cultural centers are open while staying respectful of wearing face masks in public, and keeping a 6 foot distance between others. If you’re looking to travel to Georgia, entertainment centers, hotels, airports, state parks and beaches are open, but make sure to follow safety precautions.
Hawaii
The travel restrictions in Hawaii may be a little confusing. Airports are open, but hotels and the majority of tourist attractions are closed.Upon arrival to Hawaii, visitors must go through a 14 day self-quarantine. Violating this rule can result in a $5,000 fine, and up to a year of prison so make sure you comply with the rules.
Since hotels are closed, you’ll be responsible for finding a host who will accommodate you like family or friends. This also means that the host will be responsible for ensuring that their guests follow the 14-day self-quarantine. These rules apply until at least the 31st of July.
Idaho
Idaho has entered Phase 4 of the reopening process. This means that as far as travel restrictions, non-essential travel can resume. That being said, travelling to Idaho should be relatively simple as businesses and restaurants are open; adhering to physical distancing and face mask wearing sanitation recommendations.
Illinois
Illinois has entered Phase 4 of the reopening plan. This means hotels and airports have remained open, and restaurants and bars are open for outdoor seating. Gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people. Face masks and 6 feet of distance must be kept in public spaces.
Depending on the state or country you are visiting from (especially China, Iran, Italy and South Korea), you will be asked to fulfill 14 days of self-quarantine.
Indiana
Since June 22, 2020 Indiana has not shown any evidence of travel restrictions; a decision taken as part of being on Phase 5 of the reopening process. Hotels and airports are open, restaurants functioning at a 50% capacity and other indoor businesses working at 75%. However, bar areas will stay closed, and live entertainment will not be provided.
Gatherings of upto 25 people are possible all while remaining physically distanced. Beaches are open, but visitors must meet sanitary standards and regulations. On the other hand, cultural, entertainment and sport venues are closed including typical tourist attractions, so for the time being, it may not be a great state to visit for tourism even though their travel restrictions have been lifted.
Iowa
As of June 12, 2020, Iowa has lifted capacity limits in restaurants, malls, museums, zoos and other entertainment venues but social distancing must be followed. Other forms of leisure and recreational activities are permitted as well.
Hotels and airports are open. Interstate rest areas are open 24 hours a day, which is good news if you’re planning on going on a road trip.
Kansas
The most important travel restrictions for Kansas you should keep in mind are the 14 day self-quarantine requirements for people who have come from California, New York, Washington, Illinois, New Jersey, Colorado or Louisiana.
Entertainment and leisure venues including bars, fairs, summer camps, festivals and nightclubs are closed. Restaurants, community centers, and state-owned casinos are open at limited capacity, while following sanitary and safety measures. These consist of wearing face masks, and enforcing physical distancing of 6 feet. Gatherings are possible, but capped at 15 people.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s travel restrictions have lifted the interstate travel ban. Since June 8th, the government announced the opening of Kentucky’s four state parks: Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park. Campgrounds are also open, which is great news for thoe eager to go on a small weekend getaway.
While it is encouraged that Kentuckians visit the parks for their personal well being and to support the local economy reboot, sanitary and safety regulations must be followed. These include social distancing and wearing an appropriate face mask. Museums, outdoor attractions, tourist destinations and movie theaters have also opened and follow safety measures.
Louisiana
On June 4th, Louisiana transitioned into Phase 2. Restaurants, cafés, museums and shopping malls are open at 50% capacity. Bars are operating at 25% capacity. Face masks and physical distancing in public spaces are mandatory among people of different households. Hotels and airports are open.
Maine
In Maine, travel restrictions have slowly started to decrease. Self-quarantine is not necessary for visitors from Vermont and New Hampshire or for those who are able to prove negative test results. Lodging and accomodations can accept out-of-state residents after having met 14 days of quarantine, or after getting tested.
Outdoor natural parks, beaches, indoor and outdoor restaurants, outdoor bars and popular cities of Maine have opened but asked to enforced face mask requirements as well as appropriate social distancing. Gatherings are capped at 50 people.
Maryland
The way travel restrictions in Maryland are communicated indicate slightly tighter measures. Maryland residents are not encouraged to do non-essential travel out of state. In case of a necessity, residents must fulfill 14 days of self-quarantine.
Restaurants, amusement parks and malls are open at 50% capacity, but with strict safety precautions. Hotels and airports are open, but BWI Marshall Airport is limited to only passengers with a ticket and staff.
Massachusetts
Travel restrictions in Massachusetts include self-quarantine for 14 days for residents returning home. However, residents or visitors from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and New Jersey are able to skip on this. Travel to Massachusetts by individuals showing symptoms of COVID-9 should not take place.
Beaches, parks, zoos and other outdoor activities have reopened, and restaurants with indoor service (as well as outdoor) are functioning as well. Although hotels are open, large event spaces are not.
Michigan
Michigan has partly entered Phase 5 of the reopening plan. This means indoor gatherings of up to 50 people and outdoor gatherings of 250 people can take place. Michigan residents ca return to their homes from out of state locations, although it is largely discouraged to travel between two different residences, including hotels and lodging.
State parks and outdoor spaces are open with the possibility to engage in activities such as golfing and boating all while respecting social distancing rules. Face masks should be worn at all times in public spaces, especially when they are crowded.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s Phase 3 of the Stay Safe Order encourages people to stay close to home, limit outdoor gatherings to 25 people, and indoor to 10. Wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart is strongly recommended.
There is no evidence of travel restrictions for travellers coming to Minnesota, but visitors must follow the state’s order. At the same time, non-essential travel is discouraged.
Restaurants and bars are functioning in indoor and outdoor venues at 50% capacity, and with a limit to 6 people of the same family unit per table.
Mississippi
The Safer At Home Order implies that residents should not engage in non-essential travel, practice social distancing and wear face masks in public spaces. Social gatherings above 10 people are not allowed, and travel between counties is only advised for health reasons, grocery shopping, or when caring for an elderly family member.
State parks have reopened but visits emain restricted according to local authorities. Indoor entertainment centers and cultural establishments are also open with safety regulations and restrictions.
Missouri
Travel restrictions in Missouri seem to have been lifted statewide from June 15th. Public gatherings no longer have limitations and businesses, state parks, campgrounds and historic sites have reopened. However, social distancing should be practiced at all times.
Montana
In Phase 2 of the reopening plan, Montana no longer requires self-quarantine for out of state travellers. Businesses like restaurants, bars, casinos and breweries can operate at 75% capacity. The Glacier National Park has partially reopened, and other entertainment venues function at limited capacity. Gatherings are restricted to 50 people.
Nebraska
Nebraska is one of the few states which has not enforced a stay-at-home order, but rely on health directives. Counties in Phase 2 cap their restaurant capacity at 25%, and their gatherings at 25 people. For Counties in Phase 3, bars and restaurants are operating at full capacity.
Hotels and airports are open, but international travellers into Nebraska must self-quarantine for 14 days.
Nevada
Travel restrictions in Nevada is to not include out of state quarantine measures for travelers, except when experiencing or exhibiting symptoms. Travellers from certain international countries are restricted from entering the US, while domestic travelers are welcome if complying to safety and travel guidelines. These include mandatory use of face masks in public spaces and practicing social distancing.
Airports, hotels and motels are functioning. The gaming and casino industries are open, but adult entertainment remains closed. Restaurants offer indoor dining at 50% capacity (with reservations), and popular tourist attractions like museums, galleries and water parks are open with restrictions.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has lifted travel restrictions from nearby New England States. Travellers arriving to New Hampshire from other states are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. From June 29th, hotels, campgrounds and accomodation have started operating at 100% capacity and outdoor recreational activities are now allowed. Restaurants have opened to work at full capacity in indoor settings in six counties, while the rest of counties operate at 50%.Beaches have also reopened, but people are required to maintain a 6 foot distance from each other. From 29th of June, entertainment centers, performing arts venues and amusement parks have opened at restricted capacity.
New Jersey
New Jersey welcomes visitors inside the state, and out of the state. However, non-essential travel is to be avoided, and a 14 day quarantine must be in held in place when entering the state, especially if coming from a high-risk state. Face masks have to be worn at all times in public areas.
State parks, forests, campgrounds and golf courses have reopened. Beaches, lakes and boardwalks have also reopened, but restrictions like social distancing must be respected. Outdoor recreational activities such as horseback riding, tennis clubs and swimming pools are functioning from June 22nd.
New Mexico
From July 1st, travel restrictions for out of state travellers involve a 14 day self-quarantine period. Face masks are mandatory for all residents or visitors in New Mexico in public spaces with a $100 fine if violated.
Indoor seating at restaurants is not allowed from July 13th, but outdoor service can operate at 50% capacity. Pick-up services are also possible. Hotels and lodging are open but with restrictions. Rooms are only available to be shared among people of the same households and housekeeping will only be provided upon request.
With limited opening hours, New Mexico State Parks are reopening as well as their activities and services. Only 5 people are allowed to be in each group, and 6 feet distance should be kept at all times.
New York
For travellers coming to New York from high risk states, a 14 day self-quarantine period is enforced. Quarantine does not apply for people who have had short layovers in other states for transit purposes or brief passage. When social distancing is too difficult to respect, New Yorkers are required to wear a face mask; including public transport and rented vehicles. Having entered Phase 3, indoor restaurant service is allowed but capped at 25 people . Recreational activities such as drive-in movie theaters and tennis can resume, and hotels, campgrounds and airports have stayed open.
The MTA becomes disinfected every day from 1 AM to 5 AM, so essential workers have free, available transportation during this time slot.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s travel restrictions do not involve self-quarantine, and its borders have remained open. Face masks must be worn in public spaces at all times due to having extended the Safer At Home phase.
Outdoor activities and parks are reopened as long as social distancing measures are followed, while indoor entertainment centers, nightclubs and gyms are closed. The Highway Patrol is no longer stopping traffic to determine individuals’ whereabouts and travel plans, but you may encounter checkpoints and curfews in some counties.
North Dakota
Travel restrictions in North Dakota consist of completing 14 day of self-quarantine in case of out of state or international travel when entering the state. However, people exempt from this order are those who are commuting in and out of North Dakota for work or essential travel. Hotels and lodgings are open, but make sure that exercising quarantine is mandatory, yet possible in these spaces.
If you’re looking to do a little bit of tourism around the state, the marinas, visitor center and campgrounds are open. Keep in mind that venues are capped at 50% capacity, or 250 people.
Ohio
In Ohio, the Stay At Home order has been lifted, but residents are encouraged to stay home and avoid non-essential travel. Face masks are required at all times, and people with COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed to enter the state.
As far as tourism, state parks have been open since June 5th, and other tourist and leisure attractions such as museums, outdoor playgrounds, movie theater, aquariums and zoos have reopened with restrictions. Check their websites before you attend to know the requirements and limitations. Since June 19th, larger entertainment centers like casinos and amusement parks have reopened.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma travel restrictions seem to have limited their Stay At Home measures to people over 65 years old. Restaurants, sport events, bars and entertainment have reopened, but social distancing and wearing face masks rules must be upheld.
The state encourages travellers into Oklahoma to self-quarantine for 14 days, especially if arriving internationally. Cruise ships are largely discouraged as well.
Oregon
In Oregon, face masks must be worn in public places where it is impossible to distance physically. Indoor social gatherings are capped at 10 people maximum, with the exception for restaurants, cultural or faith-based reunions. State parks are open during daylight hours, and museums, zoos, and gardens are operating at limited capacity.
Pennsylvania
46 counties of Pennsylvania find themselves in the green phase of reopening. This means restaurants, bars, beaches, indoor leisure and entertainment venues can open at 50% capacity. State parks and swimming pools have opened as well, and cabins, cottages and lodges have become available for rental.
Pennsylvania seems like a good option for a short summer holiday since outdoor activities like mountain biking, motos sports, rock climbing, paintball and tennis are rapidly entering the green phase. However, travellers entering the state from New York, New Jersey or risky states are required to complete a 14-day quarantine.
Rhode Island
Travel restrictions in Rhode Island include a 14-day quarantine period for those traveling from high risk states. Alternatively, travelers will be able to skip this period with proof of a negative COVID-19 test. At the same time, if you’re able to show a negative test within the 14 days of quarantine, you’ll be exempt from further quarantine. However, going through quarantine is nevertheless preferred. Hotels and airports are still open.
Wearing a face mask is mandatory in public spaces, as well as following social distancing rules. Gatherings of upto 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors. are allowed as long as social distancing and sanitary precautions are taken.
South Carolina
The travel restrictions in South Carolina involve a 14 day quarantine period for those who have come back into the state after international travel. The same rule is applicable for people coming from high risk states. Residents are advised not to organize gatherings of more than 10 people, and to avoid non-essential travel.
Tennessee
Tennessee has declared a state of emergency until at least the 29th of August. Mayors have enforced face mask requirements, and restaurants and other businesses have opened at 50% capacity. Live music in bars is permitted given that there is enough space to practice safety and social distancing protocols. Cultural and entertainment hubs like theaters, amusement parks, museums and sport centers have opened. Gatherings have been capped at 50 people maximum.
Texas
Texas restricts social gatherings to 10 people maximum, while practicing social distancing. Wearing a face mask is required in public spaces. For travelers arriving in Texas from New York, New Jersey, New Orleans and Connecticut, a 14 day quarantine period is mandatory. This rule is applicable for air travellers from California, Louisiana, Washington, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and Miami. Visits to state parks are possible as long as face masks are worn and proper social distancing is practiced. Hotels and airports are open for business.
Utah
Utah has not implemented travel restrictions for travellers going in and out of the state.This means that 14-day quarantine period is not a requirement. COVID-19 tests are only available for those who have symptoms, but you’ll have to find them on your own. This information may be useful if you’re thinking of travelling to another state where proof of a negative COVID-19 test is mandatory.
Although there are no significant travel restrictions in place, Utah discourages non-essential travel, or asks residents to limit it. State parks are open for those who are not under local health order restrictions.
Vermont
The travel restrictions in Vermont ask for a 14-day self-quarantine period for people entering the state from an area with more than 400 active cases per a million residents. Those entering Vermont from one of these areas with a personal vehicle can choose to complete either a 14 quarantine period, or 7 day quarantine period with a negative COVID-19 test from their home state. However, if travelers are entering from an area of less than 400 active cases per a million residents, they are exempt from quarantine.
Hotels and airports are open, but it is highly likely that lodgments will ask guests to complete a certificate of compliance. Outdoor restaurants and bars are functioning at limited capacity, and it is required to make reservations. Vermont’s state parks have become open to the public as long as social distancing rules are followed. Camping and RV rentals are possible, but campgrounds have limited available spaces.
Virginia
Virginia has not implemented travel restrictions or quarantine requirements for people arriving from states within the US. However, those coming from international travel must complete 14-days of quarantine. The government recommends limited non-essential travel, and to practice social distance and wearing a face mask in public spaces.
Virginia’s beaches have opened for the public and state parks are now open for overnight stays. Museums, zoos, and entertainment venues have also opened with limited capacity and restrictions. However, bar seating has stayed forbidden.
Washington
The state of Washington has delayed Phase 4 of the reopening plan. Wearing face masks and practicing correct social distancing is mandatory in public spaces. Washington has various counties in phases 1, 2 and 3, so make sure to check each county’s restrictions when moving within the state. In the majority of cases, recreational activities have started to resume including retail shopping, restaurants, cultural and entertainment attractions. However, non-essential travel is still discouraged statewide.
West Virginia
Since July 7th, the order to wear face masks in indoor spaces has remained in order. As part of their reopening plan West Virginia Strong: The Comeback, public gatherings i outdoor areas have increased to 100 people, state park campgrounds and lodges have become accessible for out of state visitors. However, out of state travellers can only stay in WV for a maximum of 7 days. From July 1st, fairs, festivals, and open-air concerts have restarted. Out of state travelers to West Virginia are no longer required to self-quarantine, and hotels and airports have remained open.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin discourages any form of non-essential travel, and recommends residents to limit it to a minimum; this includes trips to privately owned holiday homes or rental cabins. If needed to travel out of state, the Wisconsin government asks residents to self-quarantine for 14 days in the new destination. The same rule applies for residents returning to Wisconsin from another state. More than 30 state parks and forests have opened to the public with restrictions, and outdoor recreational activities have resumed.
Wyoming
At the current time, there are no travel restrictions for Wyoming. However, safety and sanitary regulations are still enforced statewide through to July 15th. Popular parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park have slowly begun lifting restrictions, as well as well-traveled hiking paths, and rock climbing routes at Devil’s Tower National Monument. Out of state travelers arriving in Wyoming do not need to quarantine for 14 days, but are asked to comply with social distancing measures.
