Though protected lands in the US are open to all, they’re not necessarily accessible to all – except for a handful of times per year, including today, when the National Park Service (NPS) waives entrance fees at every site in the country.

There are 423 National Park Service sites across the US, with representation in each state and territory as well as the District of Columbia. About one-third of those sites charge an entrance fee – anywhere from $5 to $35 – though today, August 4, is one of the six free-entrance days the NPS announced for 2021.

Each of the fee-free days commemorates a significant event. Today is the one-year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act. The remaining free-entrance days to US national parks are August 25 (the birthday of the NPS), September 25 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). Previous entrance-free days in 2021 included January 18 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) and April 17 (the first day of National Park Week).

Read more: US national parks are overcrowded – here's what experts say to do instead

Of course, some people qualify for free access year-round. Active-duty military aren’t required to pay, and last November, veterans and gold star families were famously granted a lifetime pass to all federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior. Some younger folks get in free as well: as part of the Every Kid Outdoors program. "Throughout the country, every national park provides a variety of opportunities to get out in nature, connect with our common heritage and experience the vast array of benefits that come from spending time outdoors," counselor to the NPS secretary Margaret Everson said in an earlier press release. "Hopefully the fee-free days will encourage everyone to spend some time in their national parks."

Read more: Congress stepping in to curb overcrowding at USA national parks

This year, Americans have needed little encouragement to visit national parks. Lands controlled by NPS have seen an increase in visitors, particularly among first timers, as pandemic-weary hikers, ramblers and day-trippers hit popular parks in their droves. Yellowstone welcomed 40% more visitors in April this year, compared to the same period in 2019, the Associated Press reports; while Grand Teton reported 48% more and Glacier National Park saw a 50% increase.

The boom in numbers has been unsustainable. Indeed it has become somewhat of a crisis with Congress stepping in on July 28 to discuss potential solutions to curb overcrowding, as the NPS continues to report environmental and infrastructure issues such as trail erosion, trash and vandalism, long queues, and traffic jams across US national parks. "It’s great to see so many Americans taking advantage of these parks. It is, after all, why we protect these lands in the first place," Senator Angus King said at the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. "However, at the same time, we must recognize that overcrowding in the parks itself can degrade the natural resources and wildlife that these units are designed to protect. We can, accidentally, love our parks to death."

While real solutions have yet to be implemented or even agreed, some parks, including Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Park, are trying to get ahead of the issue by introducing timed entry to better manage crowds, while others have added more shuttle busses to ease traffic jams. The NPS is also encouraging people to try some lesser-visited alternatives this year to take the heat off the most popular national parks.

For more information, visit nps.gov.

This article was first published on December 22, 2020 and updated on August 4, 2021.

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US national parks are free to enter for two days in August, including today

New York City is the first in the US to require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry for people who wish to enter venues such as restaurants, theaters, stadiums and gyms.

New York officials are racing to get ahead of a potential third wave of the pandemic by stepping up the pressure on residents to get vaccinated. Similar to policies in France, Italy and Spain, New York is launching a mandate called the Key to NYC Pass to encourage vaccine uptake and reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in busy indoor spaces by requiring proof of inoculation from patrons.

At a press conference on Tuesday morning, mayor Bill de Blasio announced details of the plan that will be introduced on August 16 for a transition period before full enforcement on September 13. Fines will be imposed on inspected businesses who do not ask for proof of vaccination at their doors. "We're not going to issue fines before September," Mr de Blasio told reporters. "It's pretty straightforward. People checking in to go to a restaurant or bar or anything, you check the vaccination status at the door. If they have it, great; if they don't, turn around."

How does the Key to NYC Pass work for residents and tourists?

There is no specific pass or paperwork for the Key to NYC Pass. If you're a New York resident, you can show your vaccination card at the door or upload your vaccination status to the Excelsior Pass smartphone app. If you're visiting New York from another state or even a different country, you can present whatever vaccination card that was issued to you by official health providers.

Mr de Blasio said: "As long as the proof is accurate and real, wherever it comes from, that's what they'll need to show."

What about children?

The pass only applies to people who can be vaccinated. Children under 12 will be able to enter venues, though Mr de Blasio said in the coming months it's likely that children between the ages of five and 11 will be eligible for vaccination. More details on how the pass will work for children will be announced within the next two weeks. "The goal is not to exclude anyone who can't be vaccinated," he explained. "Everyone in New York City 12 and older will now have a very clear standard to meet. If they want to do any of these activities indoors, they'll need to be vaccinated."

Where do I need to show the Key to NYC Pass?

For now, it will be required at busy indoor spaces that attract crowds such as restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters, cinemas and stadiums. Essential everyday places like grocery stores and even shopping malls are excluded.

Will more COVID-19 mandates be introduced?

Mr de Blasio told reporters that the approach to managing the pandemic is "vaccine-centric" for now and New York doesn't plan to introduce additional measures like mask mandates, though people are strongly encouraged to wear masks in public spaces. Mr de Blasio explained that he wants to "show very bluntly that life is much better when you're vaccinated" and that people who are not vaccinated have "fewer opportunities." "When you hear those words, I want you to imagine the notion that, because someone’s vaccinated, they can do all the amazing things that are available in this city," Mr de Blasio said of the Key to NYC Pass.

Last week, Mr de Blasio announced that city workers who aren't vaccinated will be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 tests and offered a $100 incentive for the public to get vaccinated.

In the US, having to prove you're vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering venues is becoming more common. In California, a group representing around 300 of San Francisco's bars has directed its members to ask for proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 result from their patrons. The San Francisco Bar Alliance said in a statement it is the group's "official position" from July 29 and "it will be up to each individual bar to decide how best to enforce" the new policy.

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Americans are still flocking to many of the country’s national parks at alarming rates. The increased visitor numbers have led to traffic jams, trash and vandalism, threatening to disrupt the very environment drawing people to the outdoors in the first place.

In response to the overcrowding problem, the USA Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a meeting on Wednesday, July 28, in hopes of finding solutions to curb overtourism at national parks. "It's great to see so many Americans take advantage of these parks; that is, after all, why we protect these lands in the first place," Chairman Angus King (I-ME) said at the committee hearing, according to The Spectrum. "However, at the same time, we must recognize that overcrowding in the parks itself can degrade the natural resources and wildlife that these units are designed to protect. We can accidentally love our parks to death."

Read more: US national parks are overcrowded – here's what experts say to do instead

Over 32 million people visited national parks in July, according to the National Parks Service. And though that is a tick below the 33 million visitors parks saw in 2020, these numbers are often too much for the limited staff to manage.

“The growth in visitation is posing one of the greatest challenges NPS has ever faced,” Kristen Brengel, senior vice president at the National Parks Conservation Association, told the subcommittee via Bloomberg.

Read more: 10 of the least-visited national parks in the US

Several parks around the country have instituted timed entry to alleviate the onslaught of arrivals, while other parks are expanding or looking into shuttle bus services to cut down on the number of cars entering parks. However, even that has its drawbacks. The Press Herald reports, waiting times for Zion’s shuttle service ballooned to four hours this summer.

President Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which is currently being negotiated, includes a $3.5 billion allotment for national parks that would improve the parks’ infrastructure, create jobs and fund conservation efforts around the country.

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Congress stepping in to curb overcrowding at USA national parks

The countdown begins for Australia 's return to international travel. The government today published its four-phase plan out of lockdown, in which it was revealed that borders will reopen when 80% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Australia's prime minister Scott Morrison shared details of the plan today to show how the country will move away from its current lockdown status. Underpinned by vaccination targets, the plan aims to gradually remove local and state-wide restrictions and eventually reopen international borders. Here's what each of those phases mean and how they affect travel.

Phase A (current phase)

Australia is now in phase A of the plan, which is the supression stage, with some states and territories in lockdown as officials try to get ahead of the virus with vaccine rollouts.

Phase B (transition phase)

Australia will move to the next phase when 70% of the eligible population is vaccinated. At that stage lockdowns should be less likely and special rules will be introduced for vaccinated people. There will be capped entry for student and business visa holders and new quarantine rules for vaccinated travelers. "We will allow capped entry of student and economic visa holders, subject to quarantine arrangements and availability, and will introduce new reduced quarantine arrangements for vaccinated residents," Morrison said in a statement.

Phase C (consolidation phase)

Once that's achieved, Australia will move to phase C, that is when 80% of the adult population is vaccinated and international borders can gradually reopen. There will be no caps on returning vaccinated Australians, and vaccinated people will be able to leave the country. The travel bubble with New Zealand (which is currently closed) will also be extended to countries with similar vaccination rates. "There will be a gradual reopening of inward and outbound international travel with safe countries, those that have the same sort of vaccination levels that Australia," Morrison said.

Phase D (final phase)

The fourth and final phase of the the government's plan will see life return to pre-pandemic times, more or less, where COVID can be managed and international travel can return in a sustainable way. "The final phase will see the opening of international borders. Quarantine for high risk inbound travel only. Minimising cases in the community without ongoing restrictions or any lockdowns," Morrison added.

There's no timeline for when Australia will reach each phase; it's expected to be dependent on vaccine supplies and uptake. However, Morrison said that he expected Australia to reach phase B before the end of the year. At present, around 14% of the population is fully vaccinated, according to statistics from Our World In Data.

Australia has some of the strictest restrictions on international travel, which is one of the reasons why it has been relatively successful in containing the virus. Its current strategy also relies on contact tracing, mask mandates, social distancing and targeted lockdowns when outbreaks occur.

This article was first published on May 6 and updated on June 30, 2021.

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Australia sets out plan to open borders to international travel

The US has generally been closed off to international tourism since March 2020, and even though much of the world has been welcoming American travelers this summer, it's unlikely that the US government is prepared to fully open its borders to international visitors without an essential purpose any time soon. Here's what we know so far.

On Monday, the White House confirmed that current travel restrictions in the US will remain in place for now, citing the highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant as the reason for maintaining a cautious approach to border controls. "With the Delta variant, we will maintain existing travel restrictions at this point," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday. She added: "driven by the Delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated, and appear likely to continue in the weeks ahead." "Nothing is indefinite," said Psaki, but no timeline was provided by the White House on when the current travel ban is likely to be lifted. However, it was made clear that any decision on resuming international travel would be guided by public health experts.

European countries were hopeful the US would implement a reciprocal travel arrangement after the EU eased its own restrictions on the US in June. The EU added the US to its "green list" and permitted arrivals of American tourists, regardless of their vaccination status. However, some countries, including Italy, require Americans to be fully vaccinated before traveling there.

England followed suit on Wednesday, when the government agreed it would open its borders to American tourists in August, provided they are fully vaccinated and can present two negative COVID-19 PCR tests; one before departure and another on the second day after arrival. The State Department, however, is advising American travelers not to travel to Britain, Spain, Cyprus or Portugal, and to reconsider travel to other parts of Europe.

Canada is also preparing to drop its restrictions on US visitors in August, but it's likely to remain a one-way system for now, with the US Homeland Security Department extending its closure of land borders with Canada and Mexico until at least August 21.

And while some governments have introduced vaccine certificates to facilitate safe travel, the Biden administration has said the US won't create a similar national framework of vaccine credentials for travel.

Read more: Do you need a visa to go to the USA?

What do current travel restrictions include?

The US currently bars most non-US citizens and permanent residents who within the last 14 days have been in the UK, the 26 Schengen countries in Europe, or in Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil. There are some "essential travel" exceptions to this ban, including most immediate family members of US citizens, as well as diplomats, people travelling to the US to help contain the virus and certain visa-holders—but, for the most part, travel from any of these regions is not permitted.

The US is also closed off to its neighbors to the north and south. The closure of the land borders between the US, Canada and Mexico has been extended until August 21, and even though air travel is allowed, a ban on non-essential travel remains in place.

There are also some additional public health measures in place for travel. Currently, all airline passengers traveling to the US aged two years and older must provide either a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure even if they are fully vaccinated, or provide an official health document that proves they have recovered from COVID-19 within the last three months.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends all unvaccinated arrivals quarantine for at least seven days upon arrival, and to take a COVID-19 test three to five days after arrival. Fully vaccinated travelers with an FDA- or WHO-approved vaccine don't have to quarantine but they are advised to take a COVID-19 test within three to five days of arrival too. See the full list of recommendations here.

If you're traveling within the US, be aware that individual states have their own quarantine and mask requirements, not to mention the CDC updated its mask guidance on Tuesday to recommend fully vaccinated people wear masks in "public indoor settings" with "substantial and high transmission" —so always check the latest advice before travel.

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Britain is set to further ease travel restrictions by dropping quarantine requirements for arrivals who have been vaccinated in the US and the European Union—if they are traveling to England, Wales, and Scotland from amber list countries.

From August 2, most of the UK will no longer require fully vaccinated travelers from EU countries and the US to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival if they are coming from an amber or mid-risk country. Until now, only UK residents returning to England who had been "fully vaccinated with an NHS administered vaccine in the UK" could bypass quarantine, but now the doors are open for arrivals who have been fully jabbed with US- and EU-approved vaccines —as well as travelers from these countries who have recovered from the virus.

Most countries are categorized as amber under the UK's traffic light system, including holiday hotspots like Italy, Greece, Spain, mainland Portugal and the US. France is also on the amber list, but passengers returning from there are still required to quarantine for 10 days due to the concern over the spread of the Beta variant in the country.

But there are still some requirements people need to consider before planning a trip. In addition to a pre-travel test, travelers coming from amber countries must take a PCR test on the second day of their arrival, transport secretary Grant Shapps confirmed. Children will also be required to take a PCR test on the second day, and unvaccinated and even partially vaccinated travelers will still be required to quarantine for 10 days when arriving from an amber country.

For now the rules only apply to people who are traveling to England, Scotland and Wales; the situation remains unchanged in Northern Ireland.

We're helping reunite people living in the US and European countries with their family and friends in the UK 👪

From 2nd August at 4am people from these countries will be able to come to the England from an amber country without having to quarantine if they're fully vaxxed 💉
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) July 28, 2021

There are no changes to the rules for arrivals coming from green list countries – destinations where infection rates are low and vaccination rates are high. They're also required to take a PCR before and after travel but they don't have to quarantine.

Arrivals from red list or high-risk countries will continue to be required to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine at their own expense. You can see a detailed breakdown of travel rules here.

Meanwhile, England has reopened the nation, dropping almost all domestic COVID-19 rules, despite the ongoing surge in cases due to the Delta variant. While the British Medical Association (BMA) has called for continued face mask use, the government's mask mandate is now removed, along with social distancing guidelines. Entertainment and hospitality sectors fully reopened on July 19 for the first time since last March without restrictions; gigs and festivals are returning; sporting games are permitted to operate at full capacity; and life has more or less return to pre-pandemic times.

In London, however, masks are still mandatory on public transport including the Tube, bus, tram, DLR, Overground and TfL Rail. Passengers will continue to wear a face covering in transport stations and for the duration of their journey.

In a tweet announcing the news, London's mayor Sadiq Khan said: "there is overwhelming evidence that face masks reduce the transmission of COVID. Face masks will stay compulsory on services—to protect vulnerable Londoners and give everyone the confidence to travel."

In Scotland, officials have downgraded COVID-19 restrictions to their lowest level, but the mandatory use of face masks will remain in place for "some time", the country's first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said as she urged citizens to continue to "stick to limits on gatherings, observe appropriate distance, wear face coverings, ventilate rooms and wash hands".

Like England, Wales dropped COVID-19 restrictions on July 19 but masks will continue to be required on public transport and in health and social care settings. While in Northern Ireland, masks are required in public, and social distancing will apply in most public settings.

This article was originally published on May 7, 2021 and updated on July 28, 2021.

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In a similar move to France and Italy, some regions in Spain are now requiring individuals to show that they have been vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 before entering cafes, bars and restaurants.

From July 31, Galicia will require proof of vaccination or testing status from people before they're allowed to dine or drink indoors at cafes, bars and restaurants, according to Spanish newspaper El País. That means people will need to prove they have been fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 within the past 72 hours, or have recovered from the virus within the last six months.

Measures like this are increasingly required across Europe, with proof of vaccination now a condition of entry to many venues across Italy and France too.

Read more: France's new health pass is now required for your trip - here's how to get it

For citizens and travelers visiting Spain from an EU county, that proof can be the information that's stored on the EU digital COVID-19 certificate. For travelers who have arrived from the UK, the NHS certificate or app is accepted as proof of COVID-19 health status. Visitors from elsewhere should be able to show their official vaccination card as proof but the regional government has yet to set out clear guidelines.

On Monday, the Canary island of Tenerife joined Galicia in requiring similar proof from patrons who want to dine or drink indoors in cafes, bars and restaurants. The pass will also open doors to theaters, cultural centers, sports venues and indoor tourist attractions. It comes as the region raised its coronavirus alert to level four, the highest level. The popular tourist destination is the worst-hit of the Canary Islands, but the regional government warned the same requirement will apply across the archipelago if any other islands move up to level four.

Those who aren't vaccinated and need to show a negative COVID-19 test result can get a PCR test in many pharmacies and medical clinics across Spain. The Covid Testing Locations list will help you find your nearest testing site, as well as Google Maps. In Spain, the average cost of a PCR test is €120 and an antigen test is comparatively much cheaper at about €30.

Elsewhere, as the fifth wave of the pandemic takes hold, nighttime curfews are in place in the regions of Catalonia and Valencia and there are caps on social gatherings across much of the country. The fast spread of the Delta variant in Spain has also spurred the US to update its travel advisories. On Monday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised its travel advisory to "Level Four: Very High", telling Americans they should avoid travel to Spain, while the State Department issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory.

“The  Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice  for  Spain due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country,” the US Department of State said on Monday. Travel advisories were also increased for Portugal, Cyprus and Kyrgyzstan due to rising coronavirus case numbers.

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Parts of Spain now require a health pass from visitors to enter indoor spaces

As France enters its fourth wave of the pandemic with infections rising sharply, the government passed a law on Monday requiring health passes for all restaurants, cafes, bars and long-distance transport networks from August 1. It's an extension of a pass that currently covers access to many cultural, entertainment and leisure venues across France—and is required of both locals and tourists.

If you're traveling to France, here's a guide to understanding what the health pass is, where you need to present it, and how you can sign up for it.

Read more: Some popular European destinations are tightening COVID-19 restrictions again

What is the health pass?

The pass sanitaire (health pass) indicates that the holder has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (in France that means one week after the final dose of a Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine course or 28 days after a Johnson & Johnson vaccine), has recovered from the virus within the last six months, or has tested negative in the past 48 hours with either a PCR or antigen test.

It came into effect on July 21, granting the holder access to any leisure or cultural venue across France with a capacity of more than 50 people, including museums, galleries, theaters, cinemas, concert halls, exhibition spaces, nightclubs, discos, zoos, open-air festivals, sporting venues, theme parks, libraries, swimming pools, and tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower.

On Monday, the government agreed that from August 1 the health pass will be extended to restaurants, cafes and bars (both indoors and outdoors), some shopping centers, long-distance trains and coaches, domestic flights, hospitals and nursing homes.

It's required of anyone over 18 years old and by August 30, it will be extended to children between the ages of 12 and 17 as well.

Read more: This reimagined museum in Paris is welcoming visitors after five years

Do tourists need to sign up for the health pass?

If you're traveling from the EU, you can present your digital COVID-19 certificate or any approved European health certificate that documents your vaccination or testing status. The French embassy in Germany confirms that if the certificate issued to you appears with a European flag, your certificate is compatible and "will be recognised during [checks] in France in the same way as French certificates."

#PassSanitaire - As of July 21, the French government has not provided official information on obtaining a health pass for people vaccinated outside the European Union. pic.twitter.com/eJZ1trvnbp
— U.S. Embassy France (@USEmbassyFrance) July 22, 2021

If you're traveling from the US, your CDC vaccination card won't be compatible with the French system. According to tweets from the US Embassy in France: "As of July 21, the French government has not provided official information on obtaining a health pass for people vaccinated outside the European Union". The embassy notes that some US travelers have been able to have their vaccination information entered into the French system by a French doctor or pharmacist, while others have been told this isn't possible. As the system remains unclear, please check the latest information with the US Embassy in France.

If you're traveling from the UK, the French embassy in the UK confirms that you can "present your NHS certificate through the NHS app, by downloading or printing the document, or by presenting your NHS letter."

1-Vous pouvez maintenant scanner votre QR code NHS le plus récent dans l’app. "TousAntiCovid"

2-L’app. « TousAntiCovid verif » (TAC verif) permettant de vérifier la validité des QR code ne permet pas encore de lire ceux du NHS 👉 une preuve de vaccination du NHS est nécessaire. pic.twitter.com/ztETIORkkE
— ConsulFranceLondres (@ConsulFranceUK) July 23, 2021

If you're traveling from elsewhere, check your local embassy for information. It is possible that the certificate you need to enter France can be converted into the French system by a pharmacist or doctor but check ahead before making any appointments.

I'm not vaccinated, where can I get tested in France?

Testing is widely available in France in most pharmacies and medical facilities but you'll generally need to make an appointment in advance. Most pharmacies can do antigen tests for about €25, and PCR tests can cost about €45. When using the health pass, your testing status is only valid for 48 hours, which means you'll need to be regularly tested to enter venues.

Why is it being introduced?

France is entering the fourth wave of the pandemic, with government spokesperson Gabriel Attal telling reporters at a press conference last week that cases are rising "by nearly 125% in one week"—a figure that hasn't been seen since the start of the pandemic. The highly transmissible Delta variant now accounts for about 80% of infections. “We have entered a fourth wave of the virus," Attal said. "The dynamics of the pandemic are extremely strong. We are seeing a wave faster, a steeper slope than all the previous ones."

The spread of the Delta variant has been compounded by a slow vaccine uptake in France in recent weeks. By introducing the pass, the government hopes that more residents will be encouraged to sign up to the vaccine campaign. And already it seems to have paid off. On Monday, president Emmanuel Macron said on Twitter that more than four million doses have been administered over the past two weeks, meaning that about 60% of the French population is now vaccinated. For more information on the health pass, see here.

This article was first published on July 21 and updated on July 27, 2021.

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While the rebound of travel has seen about 2 million daily passengers going through TSA checkpoints in recent weeks, it’s come with a disheartening side effect: busy, and at times chaotic, US airports. Headlines have ranged from bad behavior over mask mandates, delays stemming from staffing shortages, and an onslaught of weather delays. Many travelers have faced a number of smaller inconveniences, from a lack of open shops and restaurants to trouble finding an Uber to the airport.

Despite the constant news of airport nightmares, I recently joined the masses and boarded my first flight in 16 months, traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport to El Paso International. Without any direct flight options, I gave myself ample time to transfer at what I knew was the nation’s busiest airport—Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International. During the outbound flight, I was able to navigate away from the (shockingly large) crowds for a breather—but the return flight was a different story. Though my transfer was at the prime dinner time of 7 pm, the only grab-and-go vendor open in the wing was McDonald’s—with a line snaking well into the terminal. I dodged into the only gift shop still open, just in time to grab a soda and bag of crackers before they closed for the night. Sure enough, days later, a story came out in the local paper that one-third of ATL’s restaurants remained shut down.

If you haven't flown in a while and are getting ready to travel again, here’s what you need to know before you go. (Note: With the Delta variant quickly spreading in the US, always check the latest information before making travel decisions.)

What documentation do I need to board a plane?

If you’re traveling domestically, no additional documentation is currently needed in the US, just your normal government identification and boarding pass, which in most cases can be downloaded on your phone digitally. Vaccinated travelers are asked to self-monitor for symptoms after travel and unvaccinated ones are asked to get a viral test one to three days prior to travel and another three to five days after, as well as quarantine for seven full days (or 10 days if you don’t get tested), according to the CDC.

However, those traveling internationally do need to check specific requirements for their destination on the US State Department's site. Some counties may require vaccination records or recent test results, while others may also have a health declaration form. (The Delta Discover Map is a great tool to check what’s needed.) While there is no federal mandate to check COVID-19-related documentation at the time of departure, many airlines are doing so to make sure passengers don’t run into trouble upon arrival. For example, Delta is checking documentation at both check-in and the gate, while United passengers can pre-register their status via the Travel-Ready Center and American via VeriFLY, so check with your airline to find out how and when document checks will occur to best prepare.

Upon return from international travel, no matter where you’re coming from — including if you’re a US citizen and fully vaccinated — you will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test taken no more than three days before the travel date, or recovery from COVID-19 in the past three months before boarding. Your particular state may also have additional requirements, so also check for the latest information.

To quickly navigate through the airport, make sure the necessary documentation, as well as your government ID and boarding pass are easily accessible—TSA will check the ID and pass, and the pass will be scanned again before boarding the plane. Keep those items handy by putting them in zipped pockets of a travel jacket—or have them in a pouch or wallet that you can quickly access at the top of your personal item.

As requirements can change, be sure to keep an eye on the airline and state department’s site to ensure no additional documentation is needed.

How do I check for specific airline requirements?

Without any global mandates overseeing the specific requirements, it’s wise to check the fine print of your specific airline before boarding. For example, some airlines have their own guidelines for freshening up masks. KLM says they must be switched out if they get dirty or moist—and that everyone must switch to a new one every three hours, so bring enough for the journey. Alitalia requires a change every four hours, while British Airways and Air France simply recommend changing one every four hours, but Air France doesn’t allow cloth masks.

Major airlines have a COVID-19 hub for information on all topics ranging from change fees to extended deadlines on travel certificates. (Check here for Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, and United.)

How early do I need to get to the airport?

Experts agree that travelers should generally arrive at the airport two hours before domestic flights and three hours ahead of international flights—with those times being padded during heavy travel periods, like weekends or holidays.

“Despite many airports having invested in contactless technology, things may take a little longer than they did previously,” Airports Council International’s North American senior vice president of security, Christopher R. Bidwell, tells Lonely Planet. “There have been some longer lines at checkpoints with the increase in travelers, [but] TSA has hired and deployed additional staff.” He suggests checking the security check wait times on the MyTSA App, which can be downloaded for Apple or Google.

How do I maintain social distance when airports are busy?

“As the number of customers coming back to travel increases, maintaining social distance in the airport at all times might be a challenge,” Delta’s senior vice president of customer experience Ranjan Goswami tells Lonely Planet. “Even so, you can do your part by leaving space between the customers in line ahead of you. Many airports continue to feature floor markers and signage to remind customers to give extra space.”

Whether it’s at the check-in counter, security check, or boarding gate, the best way to truly  keep your distance is to get ahead of the issue. Bidwell suggests checking in online to skip that first step. Even if you’re checking baggage, many airlines now have kiosks to speed up the process. Downloading the airline’s app can also provide further shortcuts to better navigate the terminals. Delta also suggests booking on Saturdays, which is consistently the day of the week with the least travelers.

Have TSA checkpoints changed post-pandemic?

While lines have gotten longer, the process is pretty much the same. The major differences are that passengers may be asked to unmask briefly to confirm identity and that each passenger can have one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces in their carry-on, in addition to the normal quart-sized bag of 3.4-ounce containers of other liquids.

Many airports now also have Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) at the checkpoint. “To provide a contactless process, travelers may be asked to insert their driver’s license into the CAT unit,” Bidwell says. “TSA has also deployed scanners at all checkpoints to scan the barcode on the paper or electronic boarding passes [from their smartphones].”

Otherwise, Bidwell recommends putting everything from pockets, including metallic items like jewelry, in carry-on bags and to be ready to remove shoes and laptops and place them in the bin.

One surefire way to speed through is by joining TSA PreCheck, Bidwell also suggests, adding that 98 percent of PreCheck passengers in April 2021 waited less than five minutes. Once registered, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number that should be entered in every booking.

Depending on frequency of travel, Goswami also suggests considering CLEAR, which allows going through security through the touch of a finger or blink of an eye at select airports, or other expedited entry options like Global Entry and airline specific ones like SkyPriority.

How do I stay safe on my flights?

Many safety measures have been built into the flight protocols. For instance, upon boarding Delta flights, every passenger is handed a Purell wipe, and all onboard sales are done by contactless payment. But if any issue comes up on board, don’t hesitate to call attention to the problem.

“Always feel empowered to speak with a flight attendant and raise any questions or concerns with your in-flight team,” Goswami tells Lonely Planet.

Within the US, the CDC requires masks to be on at all times, even between bites of food and sips of drink. Also check to make sure the mask complies with federal requirements. Note that bandanas and masks with valves do not meet the standards.

How do I ensure I get a ride to and from the airport?

One of the biggest surprises has been the shortage of private transportation options, be it the lack of car rentals or the long waits and surge pricing on rideshares.

“Earlier this spring, as vaccines rolled out and people started moving again, we began to see the demand for rides outpace the number of available drivers,” a Lyft spokesperson tells Lonely Planet. “We’ve added thousands of drivers in the past few weeks and it’s already leading to a better rider experience with wait times down more than 15% nationwide, and down 35% in some major markets.” The company added a Wait & Save option for those who have more time, and recently revamped their shared ride options in Philly, Chicago, and Denver.

Uber has also been working to increase the number of drivers on the road. A spokesperson recommends to Lonely Planet to book rides up to 30 days ahead with Uber Reserve or Schedule a Ride, as well as gauging live ETAs by looking at the app 20 minutes before you need to leave. They also suggest riding with friends by adding a pickup, as well as considering other options, like Uber Rent for car rentals.

What else?

As the pandemic continues, restrictions will continue to evolve, always with the travelers’ safety in mind. Unexpected situations may arise, but across the board, the experts all recommend one essential item to pack: patience.

Still have questions? Visit the Department of Transportation’s complete guide to traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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