As July 4 approaches and more state economies open up, many Americans may want to get on the road following the months of pandemic lockdowns. Many are already driving more, according to recent Apple Mobility Trends reports.
While worries persist over the safety of traveling by plane, domestic road trips may be a good alternative. If you’re seeking a change of scenery or want to see out-of-town family or friends, not every state is prepared to accept you with arms wide open.
Seventeen states have some kind of restrictions on traveling to their states, and there’s often an extra layer of caution for people traveling from COVID-19 hotbeds. Before you take to the open road, check to see if your destination has restrictions that could alter or derail your plans.
Alabama
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Alaska
Do I have to self-quarantine? Yes, for 14 days.
Unless: Traveler can produce a negative PCR test for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to departure to Alaska; a negative PCR test for COVID-19 within five days of your travel date and then a second test upon arrival and minimize interactions until the second test result is received and confirmed negative.
Arizona
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Arkansas
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
California
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Colorado
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Connecticut
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Delaware
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Florida
Do I have to self-quarantine? It depends. If you are coming from Connecticut, New Jersey, or New York, you must self-quarantine for 14 days. Visitors from other locations are not required to self-quarantine.
Georgia
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Hawaii
Do I have to self-quarantine? Yes, for 14 days.
Idaho
Do I have to self-quarantine? It depends. Those coming from another country or “from an area outside Idaho with substantial community spread or case rates higher than Idaho are strongly encouraged to self-quarantine,” per Idaho’s official state website.
If that applies to you, you’re strongly encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Illinois
Do I have to self-quarantine? No, except if you’re coming from China, Iran, Italy, or South Korea.
Indiana
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Iowa
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Kansas
Do I have to self-quarantine? It depends. If you live in Kansas and you’re returning home from the following states, then you must self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Maryland (on or after May 12)
- Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas (on or after June 17)
If you’ve traveled internationally or by cruise ship on or after March 15, you must also self-quarantine for 14 days.
Kentucky
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Louisiana
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Maine
Do I have to self-quarantine? Yes. All out-of-state travelers coming into Maine, as well as Mainers returning to Maine, must complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
Maryland
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Massachusetts
Do I have to self-quarantine? Yes. All travelers arriving in Massachusetts are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Michigan
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Minnesota
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Mississippi
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Missouri
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Montana
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Nebraska
Do I have to self-quarantine? It depends. If you live in Nebraska and you’re returning home from abroad, then you should self-quarantine for 14 days.
Nevada
Do I have to self-quarantine? No. However, if you tested positive for COVID-19 and have not recovered, if you have been presumptively diagnosed with COVID-19, or if you exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, the state discourages you from visiting.
New Hampshire
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
New Jersey
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
New Mexico
Do I have to self-quarantine? Yes, for 14 days if you traveled by air.
Unless: You identify as an airline employee on travel for work; emergency first responder; health care worker; military personnel; employed by a federal agency or national defense contractor; performing public safety or public health functions; arriving in New Mexico pursuant to a court order, or to conduct business.
New York
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
North Carolina
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
North Dakota
Do I have to self-quarantine? It depends. If you’re arriving in North Dakota from another country, you must self-quarantine for 14 days.
Ohio
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Oklahoma
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Oregon
Do I have to self-quarantine? It depends. The state recommends a 14-day self-quarantine for people returning to Oregon from areas where COVID-19 is widespread and for people who have been in close, prolonged contact with someone ill with COVID-19.
Pennsylvania
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Rhode Island
Do I have to self-quarantine? It depends. A 14-day self-quarantine is only in place for Rhode Island residents returning home from an area still under stay-at-home orders.
South Carolina
Do I have to self-quarantine? It depends. For those coming to South Carolina from international locations or areas of widespread outbreak, the state recommends you self-quarantine for 14 days.
South Dakota
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Tennessee
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Texas
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Utah
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Vermont
Do I have to self-quarantine? It depends. The state requires all visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days before traveling to Vermont and then drive in your own personal vehicle and not make any stops along the way. Visitors to the Green Mountain state can also self-quarantine for 14 days in a Vermont lodging establishment if traveling by plane, train, bus, or other means of transportation if you made stops along the way.
Virginia
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Washington
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
West Virginia
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Wisconsin
Do I have to self-quarantine? It depends. The state recommends canceling or postponing all travel in Wisconsin, especially those traveling to remote areas that have fewer hospitals and doctors. If you’re traveling from certain cities and counties in the state, you may be subject to a 14-day self-quarantine.
Wyoming
Do I have to self-quarantine? No.
Stephanie is a reporter for Yahoo Money and Cashay, a new personal finance website. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @SJAsymkos.
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