Traveling

Traveling in the U.S. and Overseas

 
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. At present, the Department of State is making every effort to assist U.S. citizens overseas who wish to return to the United States. 
 
Americans abroad and in need of assistance from the U.S. State Department
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that allows American citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to receive information from the nearest Embassy about local safety conditions to help make informed decisions about travel plans. It will help the Embassy contact you, as well as help family or friends get in touch with you.
 
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call 1-888-407-4747 (U.S.& Canada) or 1-888-501-444 (Overseas). 
 
For country-specific information regarding impacts due to COVID-19, please see this list of Embassy websites here.
 
Americans thinking about international travel
The State Department has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory, its highest-level advisory, urging all U.S. citizens to avoid international travel.
 
Americans thinking about traveling within the United States

The CDC does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States. However, cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported in all states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease. Crowded travel settings, like airports, may increase chances of getting COVID-19, if there are other travelers with coronavirus infection. Consider the following when deciding whether it is safe for you to travel.

  • The spread of COVID-19 in the area where you are travelling
  • If you or your travel companion(s) will be in close contact with others
  • If you or your travel companion(s) are more likely to get severe illness if you contract the virus
  • If you have a plan to take time off from work or school in case you are told to stay home for 14 days for self-monitoring or if you get sick with COVID-19
  • If you live with someone who is older or has a serious, chronic medical condition
 
Depending on your unique circumstances, you may choose to delay or cancel your plans. If you do decide to travel, be sure to take steps to help prevent getting and spreading COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases during travel. For the most up-to-date COVID-19 travel information, visit the CDC COVID-19 Travel page.
 
Further, the Kentucky Governor Beshear has issued an executive order requiring anyone returning to Kentucky from another location to self-quarantine for 14 days, and banning travel to other states. Travel exceptions include job-required travel, those who live on the border and need necessities, travel for health care reasons, travel to care for a loved one, and court orders. 
 
More information on this order can be found here