The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend delaying non-essential travel until persons are fully vaccinated. While vaccination efforts are underway, safe travel is of utmost importance to prevent introduction of variant strains into Louisiana — particularly because travel itself (especially the use of shared spaces in planes, buses, railways or boats) can increase a person’s chance of spreading and getting COVID-19.
In accordance with the CDC, LDH is making the following recommendations: Postpone non-essential travel until you are fully vaccinated.
All travelers should follow CDC Travel Guidance for Domestic Travel and International Travel.
International air passengers are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery before they can board a flight to the United States.
All travelers who test positive or develop symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate and follow public health recommendations.
Essential travel is related to operation, maintenance or usage of critical infrastructure or travel that is required by law, such as:
- Critical infrastructure (ex: water supply, power grid, etc.) Economic services (ex: banking)
- Supply chains (ex: food distribution) Healthcare and immediate medical care Safety and security
- Work and study
Avoid non-essential travel.
- If you must travel, get tested 1-3 days before travel and 3-5 days after travel.
- Masks are required while traveling on any form of public transportation such as planes, buses, trains and boats.
- Remember to social distance where possible, and frequently wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
- After travel, self-quarantine for 7 days even if you test negative. If you do not get tested, you will need to self-quarantine for 10 days.
Fully vaccinated means it has been two weeks since your final vaccine dose (2nd shot for Pfizer and Moderna or 1st shot after Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine).
You can travel safely within the U.S. and Louisiana because you are less likely to become infected or spread COVID-19.
Masks are required while traveling on any form of public transportation such as planes, buses, trains and boats.
You are not required to test or quarantine before or after travel, but you should self- monitor for symptoms related to COVID-19 during or after travel.
In the unlikely event you develop symptoms of COVID-19 during or after travel, isolate yourself and get tested.
COVID-19 Safe Travel Guidance (pdf version)
