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COVID-19

AND TRAVEL

Travel Recommendations During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Airports, bus stations and train stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus. These are also places where it can be hard to social distance (keep 6 feet apart from other people).

Before travelling internationally, please go to the U.S. Department of State COVID-19 traveler information page. This page includes information on the risk of travel due to COVID-19 and travel recommendations to those countries. It also includes requirements for COVID testing when returning to the United States, and where to find COVID testing.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISKS FOR GETTING OR SPREADING COVID-19, DEPENDING ON HOW YOU TRAVEL:

Traveling by Air During COVID-19

Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and you may have to sit near others (within 6 feet), sometimes for hours. This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

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Traveling by Bus or Train During COVID-19 

Traveling on buses and trains for any length of time can involve sitting or standing within 6 feet of others.

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Traveling by Car During COVID-19

Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks can put you and your traveling companions in close contact with other people and surfaces. When stopping, wear a mask that covers both your nose and mouth, maintain social distance, and wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer.

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Traveling by RV During COVID-19

You may have to stop less often for food or bathroom breaks, but RV travel typically means staying at RV parks overnight and getting gas and supplies at other public places. These stops may put you and those with you in the RV in close contact with others.

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ANTICIPATE TRAVEL NEEDS

  • Bring enough of your medicine to last you for the entire trip.
  • Pack enough alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) and keep it within easy to reach.
  • Bring a mask to wear in public places.
  • Prepare food and water for your trip. Pack non-perishable food in case restaurants and stores are closed.
  • Take steps to protect yourself from COVID-19 when booking accommodations or planning an overnight stay.
  • If you are considering cleaning your travel lodgings, see CDC’s guidance on how to clean and disinfect.

STATE AND LOCAL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Photo of shape of IllinoisBefore you travel check with your destinations local department of public health or state tourism organization for any travel guidance.

While you are traveling, it is possible a state or local government may put in place travel restrictions or COVID-19 prevention measures such as quarantine or masking requirements.

Plan to continually check for updates as you travel