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.

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As of May 3rd, 2022, CDC recommends that everyone aged 2 years or older including passengers and workers properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over the nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation (such as airplanes, trains, buses, ferries) and transportation hubs (such as airports, stations, and seaports). When people properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator, they protect themselves and those around them, and help keep travel and public transportation corridors safer for everyone. 

It is recommended to delay domestic travel until you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. 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.
• Domestic Travel Requirements 
• Domestic Travel Checker

It is recommended to delay international travel until you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. 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. 

• Non-U.S. Citizens and Non-U.S. Immigrants must be fully vaccinated with a primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane. 
• Effective December 6, 2021, all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel 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:
  • Up to date on COVID-19 Vaccines: 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 up to date on COVID-19 Vaccines:
    
    • U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, and Immigrants: These travelers should get tested with a PCR or antigen test 3-5 days after travel and self-quarantine for a full 5 days upon returning even with a negative test result. 
    • Non-U.S. Citizens and Non-U.S. Immigrants: These travelers 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, unless able to provide documentation of COVID-19 recovery within the last 90 days. 

• International Travel Requirements
• International Travel Checker

It is now recommended to delay cruise travel regardless of vaccination status. Please be sure to check with BOTH your cruise line and destinations to see what is required for your specific cruise.

• 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. 

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. 

• Effective February 25th, 2022, CDC has released new guidelines for masking on buses or vans operated by public and private school systems. See the changes here.  
• 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.