Communicable Disease Service

Traveler’s Health during COVID-19 

COVID-19 has changed travel plans for many. Our goal is to ensure healthy travel and keep you informed with the latest travel-related updates. Policies and practices may change regularly, so be sure to check this site for updated information.

We have updated guidance for holiday gatherings! Please see "Educational Materials" for more details.

Masks must be worn by all travelers while on public transportation including all passengers on board conveyances traveling into, within, or out of the United States. Masks are also required while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs, including seaports and ferry terminals.

It is recommended to delay domestic travel until you are fully vaccinated. Be sure to use the domestic travel checker to help you follow all state and local recommendations and requirements. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should be sure to follow steps to continue to protect others during travel. Some states require proof of vaccination to enter, so please check your destination prior to travel.

• For those traveling to New Jersey, domestic travel is defined as lasting 24 hours or longer to states or US territories other than those connected to New Jersey, such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware.
• Fully vaccinated: Fully vaccinated individuals can travel safely within the United States. Self-monitor for symptoms upon returning.
• Domestic Travel Requirements 
• Domestic Travel Checker

 It is recommended to delay international travel until you are fully vaccinated. If you have proof of vaccination, take it with you. Some destinations require proof of vaccination to enter, so please check your destination prior to travel. You can upload your vaccination card to your phone via the secure Docket App. 

• Effective November 8, 2021, non-U.S citizens who are not immigrants to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status to fly to the United States.
  • Fully vaccinated: Fully vaccinated air passengers, regardless of citizenship, will continue to be required to show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before they board their flight to the United States.
  • Not fully vaccinated: If you are not fully vaccinated, you must test no more than 1 day before you board your flight to the United States.
  • If you have recently recovered from an infection within the last 90 days, be prepared to show documentation of recovery.
• After returning to New Jersey:
  • Fully vaccinated: Travelers who are fully vaccinated should get tested with a PCR or antigen test 3-5 days after travel and self-monitor for symptoms.
  • Not fully vaccinated: Travelers who are not fully vaccinated should get tested with a PCR or antigen test 3-5 days after travel and self-quarantine for a full 7 days upon returning even with a negative test result.
• International Travel Requirements
• International Travel Checker

It is recommended to delay cruise and air travel until you are fully vaccinated. Please be sure to check with BOTH your cruise line and destinations to see what is required.

• Cruise Ship Information
• All air passengers to the United States will be required to provide basic contact information to airlines before boarding flights. This will facilitate public health action in the event of an exposure to a communicable disease, such as COVID-19. 
• The Do Not Board (DNB) List is a tool used to ensure that people with communicable diseases that pose a public health threat do not board commercial flights that have a starting or end point in the United States. This includes domestic and international flights. Airlines are instructed not to issue a boarding pass to a person on the DNB list. Persons placed on the DNB list would be detected if they attempt to enter or leave the United States through any port of entry (i.e. seaport, airport, or land border crossing).

Classes are back in session! We are aware that many universities have international students along with students that depart to study abroad. Students and faculty may also be planning trips both internationally and domestically. Use the tools and infographics on our site to help prepare yourself for travel and inform you with what you need to know. Be sure to use the Destination Checker above to see the risk associated with your travel destination. 

• If you are coming to New Jersey as an international student or are a faculty, staff member, or student returning from international travel, your institution may require that you get tested for COVID-19 prior to returning to campus. Check your institution’s specific policies as they may have free testing on campus. Click here to locate other free COVID-19 testing sites near you.
• Free or low-cost treatment is also available to at Community Health Centers also known as FQHC’s. This treatment is available to you regardless of immigration status and whether you have insurance or not. Click here to locate a FQHC near you.
• If you are not yet vaccinated, consider getting vaccinated prior to travel.