COVID-19 Travel Information (2023)

Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic.  U.S. citizens who choose to travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19 as they attempt to travel from one overseas destination to another.  If you choose to travel internationally, be sure to make contingency plans, as you may find yourself having to remain in a foreign country longer than originally planned. 

The Department of State recommends you have access to financial resources and any medication you require to cover an unanticipated overseas stay of a week or more.  Travelers should also consider making arrangements for longer than expected absences from their homes, places of work, and schools before departing.  The Department recommends all travelers consider travel insurance with Covid-related trip cancellation and medical benefits.  In general, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas.  Please also see our Health Abroad page. 

Foreign country COVID-19 measures: In addition to airline requirements, some countries have imposed other travel requirements. Thesemay include quarantine on arrival, mandatory COVID-19 testing requirements, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Some countries have also imposed travel restrictionsthatcaninclude mandatoryquarantine for those testing positiveon departure, which could delay your ability to travel to another country on your itinerary.Foreign governmentsin any countrymay implement restrictions with little notice.

Airline COVID-19 Measures: If you are planning to travel overseas or if you are currently overseas and planning to return to the United States, you should contact your airline for specific information about testing requirements for travelers. Because airlines may adopt and modify their own specific policies, you should contact the carrier for your U.S.-bound flight and not rely on information from other carriers or information or experience from previous trips. 

The Department of State provides country-specific information and advice regarding COVID-19 online.  We update these resources whenever we receive new information, so please review these resources frequently: 

• Travel Advisories   
•  COVID-19 country specific information pages  
• Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more.  

The U.S. Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. We continue to communicate travel advice to U.S. citizens during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the Department of State does not provide direct medical care to private U.S. citizens abroad, we are:

• Working with other countries to ensure all residents, including U.S. citizens, can receive vaccines through their vaccination programs and in accordance with their national vaccination plans.
• Ensuring that U.S. citizens overseas who travel back to the United States can be vaccinated easily and effectively (please visit Vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489) to find a location in the United States).

• Providing all appropriate consular assistance to U.S. citizens in need overseas. This includes providing U.S. citizens with clear information regarding eligibility to receive a vaccination in a foreign country or providing repatriation loans to assist destitute U.S. citizens with travel back to the United States.  U.S citizens can review country-specific information regarding vaccine availability on each embassy’s COVID-19 page. The full list is available here.

Meanwhile, U.S. citizens abroad should also register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP.state.gov) so they can receive important information from their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, including alerts and updates to Travel Advisories.

Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. You still may be able to spread COVID-19 even if you are fully vaccinated.  

Travelers should consult with their personal physician if they have specific questions or concerns regarding their individual medical situation.   

If you are fully vaccinated and are planning international travel, please consider the following:

• If you test positive before travel to the United States, you could be denied boarding and may have to undergo a mandatory quarantine at your overseas location.  Unexpected delays or quarantines may result in unexpected expenses for the traveler.  Have a plan in case you have to remain overseas longer than anticipated. This includes being ready to cover additional lodging costs, flight ticket change fees, and any other additional expenses that may be incurred due to the unexpected extension. Travelers may find it difficult to access general medical care in another country as the pandemic has strained health care capacity in some areas.  

• Border closures, airline disruptions, and other local restrictions may occur and could adversely impact your travel plans.  

The CDC recommends that you do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. Please review additional CDC guidance for fully vaccinated travelers.  

The Department of State recommends U.S. citizens who travel internationally purchase travel insurance. To learn more, please visit this page.

Travelers who wish to get vaccinated after they arrive to the United Statesshould visitVaccines.govor call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489)to find anearby location.

If you travel on a cruise ship, CDC recommends that you make sure you are fully vaccinated before you travel and get a COVID-19 vaccine booter dose if you are eligible.  While even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants, it is especially important that people who are not fully vaccinated and at an increased risk of severe illness avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises. The CDC notes there is increased risk of infection of COVID-19 on cruise ships. Many countries have implemented strict screening procedures and mandatory quarantines, which may cause unexpected delays and expenses. 

Passengers with plans to travel by cruise ship should contact their cruise line companies directly for further information, continue to monitor the travel.state.gov website, and read the latest information from the CDC.

CDC’s new COVID-19 Community Levels recommendations align precautions for educational settings with those for other community settings.