Travel in January: COVID State Restrictions
Wondering where and how you can travel in January? We are too. Here is a current round up of some more popular January destinations restrictions. COVID travel restrictions are constantly changing domestically and internationally, and currently 21 states have restrictions in place, so please check with the states website before booking.
Alaska
Searching for some arctic in January, or just want to escape to the ultimate wilderness? Alaska may be calling you.. All visitors entering Alaska must complete a traveler declaration form and either arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure or take a test upon arrival for $250 and self-quarantine until results arrive. Alaska residents must meet the same requirements, though the test is offered free of charge, and there is also the option to self-quarantine for 14 days or the duration of the trip, whichever is shorter, without taking a test. While traveling in Alaska, visitors are asked to complete a second test five to 14 days into the trip, or if and when any symptoms develop.
California
January is a hard month for living and leisure in our favorite state. California has banned non-essential travel statewide, in addition to putting a regional stay-at-home order into place. Because of the stay-at-home order, business operations have also been reduced to “essential” functions throughout the state. As part of the measures, restaurants are only allowed to offer takeout or delivery (no more outdoor dining), campgrounds have closed, and wineries, breweries, and bars have closed to guests.
Hawaii
Travelers must complete a COVID test and upload it to Hawaii’s COVID website 72 hours before departure by a state-approved trusted testing partner. Those unable to do so will be required to complete the 14-day quarantine. Note that Kauai has paused its participation in the program and is requiring all travelers to complete a two-week quarantine; there are also restrictions on how often home rentals can be used as quarantine locations, and renters and owners alike are responsible for compliance. All travelers must also fill out the online Safe Travels application, which includes questions on health and travel history. In addition to the quarantine and pre-testing program, some islands and counties have additional measures in place—you may be subject to a second test or quarantine, whether you're arriving from outside the islands, or traveling between them. Maui is currently requiring inter-island travelers to show proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours of arrival (even if you previously did so to enter the islands). The island of Hawaii is requiring all trans-Pacific arrivals to take a second test upon landing, free of charge, and has restrictions on acceptable places to quarantine, which excludes all short-term rentals and paid commercial lodging. Because the restrictions from one island and county to the next vary widely, and change quickly, make sure to check the website of every Hawaiian destination you plan to visit in advance. Face masks are required throughout the islands.
New Mexico
Checking into one of New Mexico’s world renowned spas for a couple weeks may just be the perfect start to 2021. All visitors and residents are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter, with an exemption for low-risk areas.
New York
A trip to New York used to always be a good idea, but COVID has changed that (for now). New York requires anyone arriving from a noncontiguous state, U.S. territory, or country, to self-quarantine for 14 days—but new guidelines allow travelers to “test out.” To do so, any traveler who has been out of the state for more than 24 hours must: 1. Take a test within three days of departing for New York; 2. Quarantine for three days upon arrival; and 3. Take a second COVID-19 test on day four of being in the state. After receiving that second negative COVID test, the traveler can stop quarantining.
Anyone who has been out of the state for less than 24 hours is exempt from the first test and the three-day quarantine, but will need to take a test four days after arriving in the state. All travelers entering the state—regardless of length of time out of New York, and inclusive of those coming from a contiguous state—are required to fill out a traveler health form that includes information about where you will be staying, where you have been prior, and whether you have or have had any COVID-19 symptoms.
Oregon
Peace, quiet and nature can be found here but plan on restrictions. Anyone arriving from another state is asked to self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival, during which time interactions should be limited to their immediate household. Oregonians are discouraged from leaving their own county and traveling within the state as well.
Vermont
Vermonters are advised against non-essential travel, including within the state. All travelers are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Vermont, though there is an option to shorten this quarantine by taking a COVID test on day seven of the trip, and receiving a negative result (though you are still expected to monitor for symptoms for the full 14 days).
Safe Travels.