Communicable Disease Service

Traveler’s Health 

It is important to stay aware of circulating diseases while traveling. Our goal is to ensure healthy travel and keep you informed with the latest travel-related updates and alerts. Policies and practices may change regularly, so be sure to check this website for updated information.

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CDC and NJDOH recommend that everyone aged 2 years or older including passengers and workers properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over the nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation (such as airplanes, trains, buses, ferries) and transportation hubs (such as airports, stations, and seaports). When people properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator, they protect themselves and those around them, and help keep travel and public transportation corridors safer for everyone. 

• On March 21, 2023, an outbreak of MVD was declared in Tanzania. Click here for travel-related information on this outbreak.  
• On February 13, 2023, an outbreak of MVD was declared in Equatorial Guinea. Click here for travel-related information on this outbreak. 

Additional information about MVD can be found at the following websites: 

CDC Marburg Outbreaks

NJDOH Ebola and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Be sure to use the domestic travel checker to help you follow all state and local recommendations and requirements. If traveling by air, check airline requirements prior to your flight. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should be sure to follow steps to continue to protect others during travel. 

• For those traveling to New Jersey, domestic travel is defined as lasting 24 hours or longer to states or US territories other than those connected to New Jersey, such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware.
• Delay travel if you are feeling sick 

COVID-19

• It is recommended to delay domestic travel until you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
• Taking a COVID-19 test is recommended if you:
  • Develop symptoms before, during, or after travel
  • Will be traveling to visit someone who is at high risk for COVID-19
  • Were in high risk situations such as being crowded places without wearing a well-fitting mask. 
  • If you have had COVID-19 within the last 90 days, see these specific testing recommendations. 

Be sure to use the international travel checker to help you follow all recommendations and requirements for your destination. Certain destinations may require specific vaccines prior to entering. If traveling by air, check airline requirements prior to your flight. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should be sure to follow steps to continue to protect others during travel. As a reminder, you can upload your vaccination card to your phone via the secure Docket App.

• Delay travel if you feel sick
• International Travel Checker

COVID-19

• It is recommended to delay international travel until you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine.
• Taking a COVID-19 test is recommended if you:
  • Develop symptoms before, during, or after travel
  • Will be traveling to visit someone who is at high risk for COVID-19
  • Were in high risk situations such as being crowded places without wearing a well-fitting mask. 
  • If you have had COVID-19 within the last 90 days, see these specific testing recommendations. 

If you are feeling sick before your cruise, it is recommended to not travel and you should ask your cruise line about other options such as rescheduling. Watch out for respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold. Be sure to get your annual flu shot and be up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine prior to travel. Check in with your cruise line directly to see if they have any testing or vaccination requirements in place. 

• Cruise Ship Information
• Prepare a travel health kit

We are aware that many universities have international students along with students that depart to study abroad. Students and faculty may also be planning trips both internationally and domestically. Use the tools and infographics on our site to help prepare yourself for travel and inform you with what you need to know. Be sure to use the Destination Checker above to see the risk associated with your travel destination. 

• If you are coming to New Jersey as an international student or are a faculty, staff member, or student returning from international travel, your institution may recommend that you get tested for COVID-19 prior to returning to campus. Check your institution’s specific policies as they may have free testing on campus. Click here to locate other free COVID-19 testing sites near you.
• Free or low-cost treatment is also available to at Community Health Centers also known as FQHC’s. This treatment is available to you regardless of immigration status and whether you have insurance or not. Click here to locate a FQHC near you.
• If you are not up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine, consider getting vaccinated prior to travel.