Requirements for Summer Travel by Air and Sea

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Millions of people are counting the days to summer vacation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asks travelers to add one more thing to the “to-do list” before leaving home.

It recommends travelers get a COVID-19 test as close as possible to the time of departure. If you can’t get a test the day before your trip, the CDC said to schedule a test no more than 3 days before travel.

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There are also other steps the CDC either suggests, or governments or companies require, before traveling.

This is where the U.S. stands ahead of the busy Memorial Day Weekend, and unofficial start of summer vacation.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

For international flights, the U.S. required all passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before traveling to the United States. The negative test is required regardless of vaccination status for everyone age 2 and older.

Travelers coming to the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens are required to be fully vaccinated before entering the country.

Non U.S. citizens are also required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before traveling to the U.S. by air.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

As of April 18, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer enforces a mask requirement. The CDC still recommends people wear masks while flying or using other public transportation.

It also suggests travelers check COVID-19 requirements before traveling because states, tribal, local and territorial governments may have restrictions in place.

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(I also recommend packing a mask because certain attractions and events may require them.)

The CDC asks anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or waiting for the results of a COVID test to quarantine and delay travel plans.

CRUISE SHIPS

Individual cruise companies can implement their own restrictions and rules, so make sure you know the requirements before you leave home so you aren’t turned away at embarkation.