Looking to visit Boston anytime soon? From local and state travel advisories to vaccination requirements, this article highlights some helpful tips and resources when visiting Boston. These Boston travel restrictions are being updated regularly. So, be sure to review the local and state government websites for the most up-to-date information as it relates to COVID-19.
Everything you need to know about visiting Boston in 2022
Boston is currently open for tourism, however, there are rules and requirements in effect that all visitors should be aware of. This includes Boston travel restrictions mandated by local, state, and federal governments. Below are some important resources and tips to help you plan a fun and safe trip to Boston, MA. Please note that this Boston travel advisory is meant to serve as an educational and planning tool, and does not replace official government guidance.
Arriving to Boston by plane, train, or car
Before planning a trip to Boston, be sure to read up on the latest CDC guidance as it relates to domestic and international travel.
– CDC Guidance of Domestic Travel
– CDC Guidance for International Travel
To summarize the resources above, domestic travelers wishing to visit Massachusetts do not currently have to adhere to any quarantine or testing requirements. However, if you are traveling by air, be sure to check with your airline to see if they have any specific requirements as it relates to COVID-19.
International travelers, on the other hand, must adhere to additional requirements based on citizenship status and vaccination status.
U.S. citizens re-entering the country must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before arrival to Logan International Airport. Refer to the Massport website for everything you need to know when coming to Logan Airport.
Non-U.S. citizens must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination in addition to other entry requirements outlined by the U.S. government. Note that some travelers are prohibited from entering the United States altogether. In addition, both U.S. citizens and non-citizens entering the country must complete a pre-departure attestation. Refer to the CDC website for specific guidance as it relates to air passengers entering the United States.
Additionally, when traveling by air or public transportation, wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is strictly required.
Isolation and quarantine requirements for visitors of Massachusetts
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you will need to isolate for a period of 10 days (whether you are vaccinated or not). Not only is this a Boston travel advisory, but one that is applicable to anyone who resides in the state of Massachusetts.
If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you are unvaccinated, you must quarantine for 14 days.
If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you are vaccinated, you do not have to quarantine. However, you should still monitor your symptoms for 14 days and seek testing when necessary.
Boston Indoor Mask Mandate
In the city of Boston, face masks are required in all indoor public settings. This applies to all individuals over 2 years old. There are currently no mask requirements outdoors in Boston.
At the time of writing this article, there is no state-wide mask mandate. So, if you are planning to visit other cities and towns across Massachusetts, you may not be required to wear a mask. Refer to the local government websites where you will be visiting for more COVID-19 information.
New Boston Vaccination Mandate – Effective January 15, 2022
Beginning on January 15, 2022, the City of Boston is requiring proof of vaccination to enter certain indoor spaces in Boston. According to the policy, this applies to indoor dining (including bars and nightclubs), indoor fitness facilities, and indoor entertainment facilities. There are more covered locations and exceptions as well. Refer to the City of Boston website for more information.
Note that proof of vaccination must be in the form of any one of the following:
– CDC vaccination card
– Digital image of CDC vaccination card
– Image of any official immunization record
– City of Boston app or any other COVID vaccine verification app (i.e. Clear Health Pass, Common Pass, Key to NYC, VaxYes, IATA Travel Pass, and Excelsior Pass).
MBTA – Public transportation requirements in Boston
Boston travel restrictions also apply to public transportation in and around the city.
According to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) website, all riders and employees are required to wear face coverings while on MBTA vehicles and in MBTA facilities. This includes all public trains, buses, subway, commuter rail, and trolley systems associated with the MBTA.
Note that the aforementioned public transportation requirements extend outside of Boston. So, even if you are staying in the suburbs and plan to ride with the MBTA, you must adhere to these mask requirements, regardless of vaccine status.
For the most accurate and up-to-date Coronavirus requirements for the MBTA, refer to their official website.
Mask requirements in other locations
According to the Massachusetts government website, masks are also required in the following locations:
Private transportation vehicles (i.e. Uber, Lyft, taxis)
Healthcare facilities (i.e. physician and dental offices and hospitals)
Congregate care facilities (i.e. group homes)
Emergency shelter programs (i.e. homeless shelters)
Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of Massachusetts mask requirements. Visit the Mass.Gov site for more details regarding mask requirements in Massachusetts.
Boston travel restrictions for businesses
Boston travel advisory: As of May 29, 2021, all COVID-19 capacity limits for businesses in the state were lifted. This re-opening plan also applies to the City of Boston.
Some attractions and establishments in Boston may have abbreviated hours and other rules due to COVID-19. Be sure to reach out to specific sites and attractions in advance of your visit to learn about their rules and requirements.
Hotel requirements when visiting Boston
Per the mask mandate from the City of Boston (effective 8/27/2021), face coverings are required indoors, which includes hotels. There are no other hotel requirements at this time. Refer to specific hotel websites for any business-related rules.
Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Boston, Massachusetts
Does Massachusetts have a travel ban?
While the state of Massachusetts encourages only fully vaccinated people to travel, there are no formal restrictions outside of those specified above. There are currently no travel bans.
Are there any Massachusetts flight restrictions?
International travel to Massachusetts is subject to the same laws and regulations as all of the U.S. In addition, interstate travel is currently permitted. Refer to the Massport website for more Boston Logan International Airport travel information.
Do I need to fill out a travel form to enter Massachusetts?
Visitors of Massachusetts are no longer required to fill out the Massachusetts travel order form. Instead, travelers are advised to visit the Mass.gov COVID-19 Travel Advisory website.
Can New Yorkers travel to Massachusetts?
Yes, as long as you have not recently tested positive for COVID. Refer to the Mass.gov website for the latest guidance.
How is Boston during COVID?
While Boston does have COVID rules and regulations, the city is still open for tourism. There’s a lot going on in the city, including festivals, events, and concerts. Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are open, so there’s plenty to see and do in Boston on the weekends.
Is Boston COVID safe?
Generally speaking, Bostonians are taking COVID quite seriously. Masks are frequently worn by people in public settings (both indoors and outdoors). In addition, most businesses are adhering to CDC guidance and COVID-19 best practices. From restaurants and bars to shops and entertainment venues, many local businesses have signage stating that they are disinfecting surfaces regularly and encouraging patrons to practice social distancing.
Boston Travel COVID Testing
During your time in Boston, you may wish to get a COVID-19 test. It is recommended or required to get one for international travel, and there may be other situations where you need one (i.e., contact tracing). As you’re planning your trip to Boston, it’s a good idea to have a few testing sites in your back pocket (just in case).
To find a COVID testing location in Boston, refer to the following MA government website: Mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test
This page includes a list of free testing sites, drive-thru services, and more COVID test sites in Boston.
Summary of Boston Travel Restrictions in 2022
Aside from the indoor mask mandate and vaccination mandate (effective 1/15/2022), there are no other Boston COVID restrictions that are mandated by the City of Boston. At the time of writing this article, there are no curfews in Boston. However, given that rules and laws are constantly changing, be sure to refer to the relevant local, state, and federal websites for the most up-to-date COVID-19 requirements:
Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Page
City of Boston COVID-19 Update
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Page
Wishing you a fun and safe vacation to Boston! For travel tips and inspiration when visiting Boston, check out the following articles:
– Coolest Restaurants in Boston
– Best Time to Visit New England
– Best Weekend Getaways from Boston
– Things to do in Cambridge MA
– Unique Lighthouses to Visit in Massachusetts
– Best Vacation Rentals in Massachusetts
– The Ultimate New England Road Trip Guide
– Coolest Hidden Gems in New England
COVID-19 Disclosure: This article was written to help travelers plan their trips to Boston and is in no way intended to replace official government guidance. While attempts are made to keep all information in this article current and accurate, this website does not attest to the completeness and accuracy of the information herein. This page is strictly meant to be a helpful resource for visitors of Boston, and the website does not make any recommendations or assertions related to traveling to Boston.
