Passports and Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 International Travel Advisories

COVID-19 international travel rules change frequently. Check with the Department of State for travel advisories and get recommendations from the CDC before making any international travel plans to or from the U.S.

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Rules for Everyone Entering the U.S.

As of November 8, 2021, all non-U.S. citizen, Non-U.S. immigrant international travelers coming to the U.S. by air must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Accepted vaccines include FDA-approved or authorized or WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines.
All air passengers age two and older traveling to the U.S. must be tested for COVID-19 no more than three days before their flight. This rule includes U.S. citizens and everyone who has already been vaccinated. Travelers must show proof of their negative results before boarding their plane.
- Beginning on December 6, 2021 If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.

U.S. Citizens Traveling to a Country Outside the U.S.

For country-specific COVID-19 travel rules including testing and quarantine, check the embassy's website.

See the CDC's COVID-19 guidance for international travel including:

Risk assessments by country
Frequently asked questions about canceling or postponing trips

Advice for airline and cruise ship travel

Passport Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Find the most up-to-date information from the Department of State about how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting passport services. This includes in-person appointments and how much time to allow for receiving a new or updating an existing passport.

Foreign Nationals Traveling to the U.S. From Another Country

Most foreign nationals who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe within 14 days of their scheduled arrival in the U.S. will not be allowed to enter the U.S.

Learn about the vaccination requirements for visitors entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico by land or passenger ferry.

U.S. Citizens Remaining in a Country Outside the U.S.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive alerts and be located in an emergency.
In case of an emergency overseas, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at usembassy.gov.
Learn what the Department of State can and can’t do for U.S. citizens abroad in an emergency.

U.S. Citizens Returning to the U.S. by Land or Sea

U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. by land or sea aren't required to get tested for COVID-19 or show their vaccination status before entering the U.S. Check with the U.S. embassy travel fact sheets for Canada and Mexico to stay aware of updates to travel requirements. Also check the COVID-19 rules in the city or state where you are entering the U.S.

U.S. Travel During COVID-19

If you're traveling within the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, be aware of safety guidelines and travel restrictions for the area you want to visit.

Tips for Traveling Within the U.S. During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a list of things to consider for vaccinated and unvaccinated people before traveling within the U.S. during the pandemic.

Check the state government and state health department websites of the place you want to visit. Some things to look for are:

A coronavirus cases-by-county map
The state’s masking guidelines
Any restrictions on out-of-state visitors. There may be limits on who can enter and/or a 14-day self-quarantine requirement.

In some states, additional rules are being made at the city or county level, so check the local government website too.

Many museums, aquariums, and zoos have restricted access or are closed during the pandemic. And many recreational areas including National Parks have COVID-19 restrictions and mask-wearing rules. Check with your destination for the latest information.

Find COVID-19 Vaccine Locations With Vaccines.gov

Vaccines.gov makes it easy to find COVID-19 vaccination sites. Select which vaccine you want and search by zip code. Depending on your location, you may be able to choose from pharmacies, health department clinics, and other health care providers.