Updated June 15, 2021
California’s economy is now fully open. Help keep California and Los Angeles Counties open and keep our communities healthy by following the CDC Travel Policies.
If you are considering traveling in or out of California, ask both the California Department of Public Health and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to:
- DO NOT travel if you are sick, have a recent positive COVID-19 virus test result, or are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 virus test after exposure to the virus. You could pass the virus on to others.
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms (see ph.lacounty.gov/covidcare), get tested, wait for a negative test result and improvement in your symptoms before starting your trip.
- If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, a negative test should not be interpreted as a safety clearance for travel, high risk activities, or staying indoors without a mask with others who may not be fully vaccinated. These tests assess your body for viruses the moment you are tested; You may actually have COVID-19 showing up on a test later that day or in the following days, and a negative test can create a false sense of security.
For more information on when a person should not travel, see the CDCs When shouldn’t you travel? Guidance.
- Delay the trip until you are fully vaccinated.
If you are suitable, get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Wait at least two (2) weeks after receiving your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or after receiving the single dose of Johnson & Johnson / Janssen COVID-19 vaccine to travel – Your body needs time to build up protection after each vaccination.
If you do not wait as described above, you are considered NOT fully vaccinated.
Note: You are considered fully vaccinated even two (2) weeks after completing the COVID-19 streak vaccination which has been approved by the World Health Organization (e.g. AstraZeneca / Oxford and Sinopharm) for emergency use.
- If you are fully vaccinated, Follow the CDC domestic and International Travel advice for fully vaccinated people.
- If you are not fully vaccinated but want to travel,Follow the CDC domestic and International Travel advice for the unvaccinated.
* Note: Testing is not recommended if you have recovered from laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in the past 90 days AND are currently not experiencing symptoms. “Recovered from COVID-19” means that you and yours have had a positive COVID-19 virus test (swab or saliva) isolation. See LACDPHs “When will my domestic isolation end?” Website for more details.
- Read and follow the CDC Tips for safer travelwhich provides advice on people you will come into contact with during travel, transportation, accommodation, eating, camping and other resources.
- If you are traveling with children who are not or cannot be vaccinated at this time, Follow the recommendations for unvaccinated people and choose the one safer travel Options.
- Extra caution should be exercised when traveling for those at high risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19, especially if they are not fully vaccinated. High-risk people include:
- People who are older, smoke, or are overweight
- Pregnant woman
- People with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, COPD, cancer, compromised immune systems, and sickle cell anemia.
Consider reaching out to your doctor for more specific travel tips based on your health and underlying medical conditions.
See CDC website at People at increased risk for more information on who is at high risk for severe COVID-19 and on What to do if you are at greater risk of developing serious illnesses from COVID-19.
- No matter your vaccination status, wear a mask on public transport or at a transport hub. It is a federal requirement.
For the latest information, see the CDC manuals at Travel during COVID-19:
Below are the CDC’s quick references for domestic and international travel during COVID-19 for unvaccinated and fully vaccinated.
Requirements and recommendations for domestic travel
International Travel Requirements and Recommendations – Quick Reference
Additional recommendations for travelers
When traveling, plan ahead:
