Before you travel, the CDC recommends that you get up to date with your age-appropriate vaccines for best protection against severe illness or hospitalization, especially from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
You can also take other precautions to protect your health and the health of others.
- Test for respiratory infection before leaving, during the trip, and once you return. Testing is especially important before visiting people who are at high risk of severe illness from a respiratory infection.
- If you test positive or become sick, stay home and away from other people until your provider clears you to return to normal activities or your symptoms resolve, without the use of medications, after 24 hours.
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces, like on public transportation, on airplanes, and in transport hubs.
- Frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your face (e.g., eyes, mouth, nose) when out in public.
- Avoid contact with people who are showing symptoms related to a respiratory illness.
Travelers should continue to follow CDC guidance for traveling, along with state and local travel return requirements. After a trip, you should self-monitor for newly developed respiratory symptoms, and stay home and test if you develop symptoms.
Updated March 5, 2024