US Domestic Travel Restrictions

Hawaii has pretty stringent travel restrictions at the moment thanks to COVID-19. But, you know what, other states have similar measures in place too. So, let’s talk about the current state of US domestic travel restrictions.

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Hawaii Travel Restrictions

As you all know, Hawaii currently requires a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving in the state with a few exceptions such as first responders and airline crews. And, this policy applies to residents just as much as it applies to visitors.

Hawaii isn’t the only state to have such restrictions, but I feel we get a disproportionate amount of hate for it. Which is odd, as other states have the same or similar policies as well. And, yes, I’ll agree the policies are draconian, but Hawaii has major challenges most other major population centers in the continental US don’t have.

Other US Domestic Travel Restrictions

So, on the continent, a handful of states have the same or substantially similar 14-day quarantine requirement for all inbound travelers as Hawaii. Those states include:

Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Mexico (for those arriving by air)
Rhode Island (for anyone coming for non-work related reasons)
Vermont
Certain cities/counties in Wisconsin

These aren’t the only states that have travel restrictions, though. There are other states that require 14-day quarantines when traveling from certain other states in the US, returning from certain types of travel, or when arriving from an international destination. Those states include:

Arkansas
Florida (though they’re kind of a hotspot themselves!)
Idaho
Kansas
Nebraska
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Utah
Virginia

The New Way Forward?

Many of you are probably aware that Hawaii is considering testing or requiring negative test results for any visitors coming to the islands when we reopen. And, of course, this proposed plan is something else we’re getting hate for too. But, guess what? Another state has already reopened to visitors and has implemented this plan. That state, if you didn’t already know, is Alaska.

In order to enter Alaska, visitors must provide proof that they tested negative for COVID-19 72 hours before they board their flight to the state. If you can’t cut the 72-hour timeframe, you can test five days before boarding your flight and retest upon arrival. Those that choose to do this, though, need to minimize contact with others until they receive their test results.

For those that test positive, you’ll, of course, be quarantined. And for those that refuse to get tested before or upon arrival, you’ll also be quarantined for 14 days. What’s more, even if you arrive with a clean bill of health, you’re asked to avoid contact with others and will be offered a follow-up test.