The CDC recommends that anyone who is not fully vaccinated wait until they have completed their vaccination series before making travel plans.
For those who are fully vaccinated and intend to go out of town, here are some simple steps to follow before departing:
- Assess your risk by visiting the CDC COVID-19 Travel recommendations by destinations page.
- Make a digital copy of your vaccination card (such as taking a photo of your card) or download your digital vaccination record.
- Protect your vaccination card by guarding it in a plastic sleeve (lamination is not recommended at this time in case it is determined that a future booster shot is needed)
- Follow the mask mandates & social distancing requirements of the destination
- Know who to contact if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 while traveling
- Wear a mask while using public transit (planes, buses, trains)
- Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms upon returning
For those looking to travel outside of the country, it is imperative that you:
- Contact the Office of Foreign Affairs beforehand
- Review country specific travel vaccination requirements and COVID-19 restrictions
- Review airline specific travel restrictions
Note: It is advised to verify that the information on your digital vaccination record matches your physical vaccination card. The process for correcting any errors takes an average of 2 - 3 weeks, therefore, we recommend checking that your information is correct in advance.
For more information, please visit our travel page and the CDC travel page.
For information around:
- vaccine verification/negative testing
- capacity limitations
- physical distancing
- masking
- travelers
- and exceptions to mega event guidance
Please visit the California Department of Public Health's website:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Beyond-Blueprint-Framework.aspx.
The CDC has the following recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals who have traveled abroad:
Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. However, international travel poses additional risks and even fully vaccinated travelers are at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading new COVID-19 variants.
After travel:
- Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel.
- Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
- Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.
The following guidelines are for individuals who are NOT fully vaccinated:
CDC recommends delaying international travel until you are fully vaccinated.
After travel:
- Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.
- Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
- If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
- If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
- Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
- Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
- Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements.
Visit your state, territorial, tribal, and local health department’s website to look for the latest information on where to get tested.