When the time is right, America's Capital Region is ready to welcome you.

International Arrivals at Washington Dulles International Airport

International Departures at Washington Dulles International Airport

Travel Updates: COVID-19

The latest updates on travel to Capital Region USA.

We are committed to providing the most up-to-date information in order to ensure the health and safety of our visitors. Please review the information below for detailed information.

Please visit the following links for the most recent updates:

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current requirements to enter the United States?

Per US Travel as of 25 October: Beginning 8 November, non-citizen, non-immigrant air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the US, with only limited exceptions.

The updated travel guidelines also include new protocols around testing.

To further strengthen protections, unvaccinated travelers – whether US Citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), or the small number of excepted unvaccinated foreign nationals – will now need to test within one day of departure. Per the United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), “international air passengers traveling to the United States can use a self-test” that meets certain criteria found here.

Travelers can find full details about the latest air travel announcement on the CDC and Department of State websites. A summary is here.

Additionally, visitors should consult entry requirements from their country of residence. Here is a brief list of quick links:

Could the current requirements to enter the US change after 8 November?

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation, in every country across the globe. For the latest United States entry requirements please visit the newsroom of the US Department of State. It is recommended that all visitors check the current US entry requirements prior to travel.

Are there different travel procedures to be followed compared to past visits to the US?

The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the COVID-19 public transportation mask mandate through 18 January 2022. All customers must continue to wear a face mask on public transit. Social distancing at all times is also recommended. Click here for additional information and guidance from the US Department of Transportation.

Additional information:

Should visitors expect longer wait times for customs processing upon entering the United States?

Processing times for entering the United States can vary based on day and time of travel.

The US Department of Homeland Security provides information on expected wait times at airports and borders here.
Washington Dulles International Airport, in Virginia, the primary entry point to the region for overseas visitors, provides information on customs processing here.

What are the Capital Region policies regarding mask-wearing, social distancing, or other safety protocols?

In accordance with guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia no longer require masks for fully vaccinated individuals in most settings, though individual businesses and attractions may continue to require masks. Masks are still required in all public transportation settings including at the airport and on the region’s Metrorail, AMTRAK, and regional commuter trains. Capacity restrictions for tourism and entertainment venues in have also been lifted.

Will proof of vaccination be required to enter an attraction or event and if so, is a print-out acceptable?

The Capital Region has no state-wide mandate requiring visitors to show proof of vaccination. However, individual businesses, attractions and events may do so. It is recommended that all visitors check the requirements for each venue they plan to visit, prior to arrival, and travel prepared to show proof of vaccination upon request.

Are any major attractions closed, either temporarily or permanently?

While most all major attractions have reopened throughout the Capital Region, some have adjusted hours, ticket requirements, and a few remained closed. It is recommended that all visitors check the operating hours for each venue they plan to visit, prior to arrival.

Which major attractions need to be booked in advance?

Only a limited number of major attractions must be booked in advance. It is recommended that all visitors check the access procedures for each venue they plan to visit, prior to arrival.

What are the regional hotel cleaning and safety protocols?

Hotels and other traveler accommodations, similar to other businesses and attractions, have individualized COVID-19 policies and safety protocols. It is recommended that all visitors check the procedures in place at each location they plan to visit, prior to arrival and travel with a mask.

Some major hotel chains in the United States have companywide COVID safety protocols reviewable on their websites:

If visitors must isolate while in the US, will hotels have a flat rate, or will the cost be determined by each individual property?

Hotels and accommodations set their own rates. There is no United States federal government or state mandate requiring hotels to charge a flat rate for COVID-19 quarantines.

What happens if I get COVID-19 while on holiday?

It is recommended that all travelers, even fully vaccinated travelers, have a financial safeguard for pandemic-related problems when they travel, such as travel insurance. Look for a plan that specifically covers COVID-related trip cancellation and medical expenses.

What if COVID rates increase again, is our booking protected?

For all booking questions it is recommended that travelers consult directly with the travel professional or company with whom they booked as policies vary.

General Information

Before any international trip, consult the U.S. State Department’s COVID-related page for your destination. These pages are updated often and will cover entry and exit requirements in that country, as well as testing and local resources. Be sure to bookmark the page or take a screenshot of these resource lists, which include the addresses and phone numbers of testing labs in your destination.

Some airlines have become one-stop shops for travelers, offering resources on where and how to get tested before flying and advice for what to do on the ground in your destination.