Universal Orlando’s new face-covering requirement for its park guests and team members began on Christmas Eve, so if you’re headed to Universal today, remember to bring a mask for when you go to indoor areas or will be standing in lines – regardless of vaccination status.

Universal Orlando made that policy change known via their website header and safety guideline page:

The health and safety of our guests and team members is always our top priority. As a result, face coverings will now be required, effective Friday, December 24, 2021, at all public indoor locations within Universal Orlando Resort for both guests and team members regardless of vaccination status – including restaurants, shops, and indoor hotel public areas. Face coverings are also required at all attractions from the moment guests enter the queue to when they exit the experience.

Here are the latest safety updates for your visit.

  • Face coverings are required at all restaurants, shops, indoor hotel public areas, and at all attractions from the moment guests enter the queue to when they exit the experience.
  • Guests are expected to bring a face covering with them for their visit
  • Universal does not require proof of vaccinations
  • Universal says it remains focused on maintaining the highest cleanliness and sanitization standards

Each guest must confirm the following before visiting:

  • You are not feeling sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms such as Fever and/or
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Chills
    • Muscle pain
    • Sore throat
    • New loss of taste or smell
  • You have not been in contact with someone with known or suspected COVID-19 symptoms
  • You are not under any self-quarantine orders

Universal went on to say if you cannot conform with all of the above, you must refrain from visiting.

In May, Universal Orlando removed its mask requirement for fully vaccinated guests, but that has changed given the COVID-19 surge and with Omicron being a very contagious strain. Walt Disney World already has a facial covering requirement for guests in all indoor locations and SeaWorld recommends guests to wear masks while enjoying indoor areas.