The CDC has updated its guidelines for those who wish to travel within the United States and are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine.

The new guidance says fully vaccinated people can travel within the U.S. without getting tested for the coronavirus or going into quarantine after they travel, however they are recommending precautions like wearing a mask and avoiding crowds.

Updated Information for Travelers:

  • Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.
  • People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States:
  • Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it
  • Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine

Fully vaccinated travelers should still follow CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely including:

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
  • Stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer

 

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky is still urging the flying public to use caution and said she would “advocate against general travel overall” given the rising number of infections. “If you are vaccinated, it is lower risk,” she said.

The CDC is saying that people should still wear a mask, socially distance, and avoid crowds.

For international travel, the CDC says vaccinated people do not need to get a COVID-19 test before leaving unless the destination country mandates it.

People are considered fully vaccinated:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
  • If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.