orlando florida covid 19 travel restrictions

Select an option

MICHELIN Guide Honors 48 Orlando Restaurants in 2024

Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld® Orlando

Virtual Tours

Look at this cool new tool for exploring Orlando!

Orlando Health Partnership 2023

Healthy travel resources.

Visit Orlando is proud to partner with Orlando Health , a not-for-profit healthcare organization that serves the southeastern United States. Start here to help ensure a healthy travel experience while enjoying wondrous experiences in Orlando.

As the Official Health and Wellness Partner of Visit Orlando, Orlando Health offers health-related benefits for the millions of travelers who help make Orlando the Theme Park Capital of the World, including access to high-quality, health-related options and medical services, as well as valuable health information. In short, Orlando Health is your one-stop source for any health-related questions or needs while adventuring in Orlando.

When you travel to Orlando, you become part of our health and wellness community. That’s why Visit Orlando is proud to partner with Orlando Health, a not-for-profit healthcare organization that serves the southeastern United States. This alliance designates Orlando Health as the Official Health and Wellness Partner of Visit Orlando and offers health-related benefits for the millions of travelers who help make Orlando the most visited destination in the United States and the Theme Park Capital of the World.

With this partnership, you can rest assured that when you visit Central Florida, you will have access to high-quality, health-related options and medical services for when accidents happen or a sickness occurs. These services include a concierge telephone number, (321) 265-4200, established to help connect visitors who may need access to local medical resources while visiting Orlando.

Via the concierge service, Orlando Health can help you determine the best place to go based on your symptoms and provide you with easy access to the right medical providers, including:

• Emergency Room Care
• Urgent Care for Non-Life-Threatening Injuries
• On-Demand 24/7 Virtual Care With Board-Certified Physic ians

For information to help you plan your visit to Orlando or to know how to stay safe and healthy while you’re in town, our trusted health and wellness partner has also provided valuable information for travelers, including tips on hydration, how to stay sun-safe, and instructions on what to do in an emergency.

Orlando Health is proud to provide health solutions for attendees at the Orange County Convention Center through the Orlando Health Virtual Care Center (OHVCC), which is located on Level II of the West Concourse near the Visit Orlando Welcome Center.

During larger conventions, the OHVCC is staffed by an Orlando Health team member who can help triage visitors’ needs. If you require care, the Orlando Health team member can connect you with a medical provider via a virtual visit in a private room. Symptoms that on-demand virtual care doctors can treat include:

• Cold and Flu Symptoms
• Insect Bites
• Respiratory Infections
• Skin Rashes
• Sore Throats
• Sprains and Strains

During convention days, the Orlando Health Virtual Care Center will be open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. If you need medical attention and the Orlando Health Virtual Care Center is not open, Orlando Health offers on-demand virtual visits  with a board-certified doctor 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from any location.

Learn more about the OHVCC, including its scheduled events , and use the following map to find the center during your next visit to the Orange County Convention Center.

Use this handy guide to determine which medical service is best for your needs.

Virtual Visit

Get 24/7 care through the Orlando Health Virtual Visit app for:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Respiratory infections
• Skin rashes
• More  

Urgent Care

Use urgent care for any of the following conditions:

• Abdominal pain
• Cuts that require stitches
• Flu symptoms
• Fractures and sprains
• Minor injuries
• Rashes and hives
• Vomiting or diarrhea  

Emergency Room

Go to an ER for life- or limb-threatening conditions:

• Broken or dislocated bones
• Deep cuts or burns
• Loss of consciousness
• Serious allergic reactions
• Severe trouble breathing
• Trauma injuries

Use these healthy travel tips from Orlando Health the next time you visit the Theme Park Capital of the World.

​Family Traveling Tips

• Six Tips for Staying Safe (and Sane!) While Traveling With Kids
• Eating Healthy While Traveling
• A Trip to Take Before You Travel
• What to Know While Traveling Pregnant  

Hydration & Heat

• How to Stay Hydrated This Summer
• Keeping Children Hydrated and Healthy in Summer Heat
• Keep Your Cool! Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses This Summer
• Let the Sun In, but Safely
• Heat, Humidity and Your Heart  

​Florida Sun Safety

• Avoid Sunburn With These Tips
• 10 Essential Items to Keep in Your Beach Bag
• Playing It Safe in the Sun
• How to Choose a Sunscreen
• What Every Golfer Needs to Know About Skin Cancer
• How Medicine Can Increase Your Skin Sensitivity to the Sun
• How to Protect Your Eyes From the Sun’s Rays  

Water Safety

• Summer Safety Checklist for Children
• 7 Water Safety Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer
• The Salt Life: Playing It Safe
• What Is Swimmer’s Ear and How to Avoid It  

Theme Park Safety

• Safety Tips to Make Your Amusement Park Experience a Success

Connect With Us

From planning to visiting, we are here to help make your Orlando experience seamless. Connect with our Vacation Planning Services at (407) 363-5872 , or via email or Live Chat , Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET. You can even make an appointment to receive advice and guidance on building the perfect Orlando itinerary with personalized assistance from our Vacation Planners.

You can also connect with us on our social channels Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and Pinterest to get the latest updates or see how other travelers are experiencing the destination. Visit Orlando also moderates a Plan Your Orlando Vacation Facebook group where you can interact with other members about planning a trip to Orlando or your favorite memories of the destination. The group welcomes travel agents and influencers as well, and you can also interact with our Vacation Guides ahead of your next getaway.

Orlando's Only Official Website

• Accessibility
• Copyright & Trademarks
• Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
• Cookie Preferences

Receive Visit Orlando news

and special offers.

© 2024 Visit Orlando

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Find Your Favorite Beach

Atlantic Coast

Beach Camping

Family-Friendly

Places to stay.

Campgrounds

Travel Ideas

Accessible Travel

Eco-Friendly Travel

African American Heritage Travel

More Travel Ideas

Popular links.

Florida Webcams

Toll Roads Info

Travel Guides

No travel safety advisories are in effect at this time. .

View live webcams and get updates from all over the state here .

Additional Resources

• Visit  FloridaDisaster.org  for the latest on the state's response actions.
• Follow  FLSERT  on Twitter for real-time updates from the State’s Emergency Response Team.
• Florida 511  has the latest information on traffic conditions.
• Go to  Alert Florida  to sign up for emergency alerts and other public safety notifications in your community. 
• Check  The National Hurricane Center  for the latest information on any storms.
• The Expedia Emergency Accommodations Portal  
• Florida Attractions Association - Attractions Status Page
• Florida State Parks - Current Park Closures

STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS

For the latest storm information and safety alerts, visit   FloridaDisaster.org . For real-time traffic information throughout the state, visit  FL511.com .

Emergency Travel Information

Covid-19 call center, guidance on the essential critical infrastructure workforce.

~See the full list on page 8~

In accordance with Executive Order 20-91, workers who support crucial supply chains and enable functions for critical infrastructure are typically exempt. If you are unsure if your work is considered essential, please contact your employer or review the robust list of essential activities linked here .

COVID-19 Public Health Emergency EMERGENCY ORDER (Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-52)

EMERGENCY ORDER (Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-52)

First Amended EMERGENCY ORDER (Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-52)

Second Amended EMERGENCY ORDER (Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-52)

Third Amended EMERGENCY ORDER (Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-52)

FDOT Accelerates Significant Portions of I-4 Ultimate Project

~ Segments of westbound general use lanes and SR 408 interchange to be completed 1-2 months early ~

April 11, 2020

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –  Furthering Governor Ron DeSantis’ direction to accelerate transportation projects across Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is expediting significant portions of the I-4 Ultimate Project in Orlando. With the ability to increase lane closures and extend work hours because of the reduction in traffic from COVID-19, FDOT plans to complete segments of the westbound general use lanes and their connection to the SR 408 interchange by Summer 2020, which is 1-2 months earlier. This acceleration will also help continue to provide much-needed jobs throughout Central Florida.

“The Department completely understands that I-4 is a major artery within our state’s transportation system and delivering these significant portions of the I-4 Ultimate Project is a huge win for Florida’s residents and economy,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “We are thrilled to accelerate as many segments of the project as possible so Central Florida residents can experience enhanced mobility on the corridor once we return to normal after COVID-19.” 

The $2.3 billion I-4 Ultimate project will reconstruct 21 miles of I-4 from west of Kirkman Road to east of State Road 434 in Longwood. The specific segments of the I-4 Ultimate project that will be accelerated include:

• Segments of Westbound I-4 through downtown Orlando.
• Portions of the SR 408 interchange.

Acceleration of work in these areas will put more lanes of westbound I-4 into final configuration, reduce the number of construction sequences that would have occurred, and greatly reduce congestion through the most heavily traveled interchange within the I-4 Ultimate project.

No additional costs will be incurred or paid to accelerate these work activities. Maps of the planned detours and lane closures are attached and posted below reference. 

FDOT continues to look for opportunities to accelerate projects across the state during this low traffic period and will share those updates as they are available.

Read the press release here.

View the planned detours and lane closures here.

Click on an image to view it at full size

FDOT Accelerates Critical Infrastructure Projects Valued at $2.1 Billion

~ Reduction in traffic allows state to expedite transportation improvements, provide needed jobs ~

April 1, 2020

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –  At the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has started accelerating critical infrastructure projects, which are valued at $2.1 Billion. Due to a reduction in traffic throughout Florida during the fight against COVID-19, FDOT will expedite crucial improvements to the state’s transportation system and provide much needed jobs.

“The Governor understands that Florida’s transportation system is the backbone of our economy and FDOT is proud to accelerate projects, which will help expedite goods to market and provide much needed jobs throughout the state,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “Safety is our top priority, so we will continue to ensure that employees have the sanitation supplies needed to follow the guidance from the CDC and work with our industry partners to implement these same precautions to keep workers safe and healthy.”

Following an initial review of all pending construction projects across all FDOT districts, including the Florida Turnpike Enterprise, FDOT has identified the following projects to be accelerated:

• The $864M Howard Frankland Bridge project in the Tampa Bay area will be accelerated by nearly 4 weeks.
• The widening of Southern Boulevard (SR 80) in western Palm Beach County will be accelerated by nearly 3 months.
• In Miami-Dade, the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design Build Project is an $802 million reconstruction project being done in coordination with the local expressway authority that will be accelerated by 4 weeks. 
• The project at Sand Lake Road (SR 482) near the heavy tourist area of International Drive and Universal Boulevard in Orlando will be accelerated by 4 to 6 weeks.

Several other projects, by region, include:

Southeast Florida

• Phase one of construction on the US-1 Cow Key Bridge in Monroe County will be accelerated by 1 week.

Southwest Florida

• Paving along I-75 at the SR 70 Interchange in Manatee County will be accelerated by 2 weeks.
• Paving, widening and signal upgrades along State Road 951 in southern Collier County will be accelerated by 4 weeks.

Northwest Florida

• The 23rd Street Flyover project at the intersection of US 98 and 23rd Street in Bay County will be accelerated by 1 week.

Northeast Florida

• The Diverging Diamond Interchange on SR 200 (A1A) at Interstate 95 in Nassau County, the first of its kind in Northeast Florida, will be accelerated by two months.

View the Accelerated Project Map here.

For the latest updates, visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

Follow these social media accounts for update-to-date information: 

Governor Ron DeSantis https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis https://www.facebook.com/GovRonDeSantis/ https://www.instagram.com/flgovrondesantis/

Florida Department of Health https://twitter.com/HealthyFla https://www.facebook.com/FLDepartmentofHealth/ https://www.instagram.com/florida.health/

Florida Division of Emergency Management https://twitter.com/FLSERT https://www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT/

FDOT: https://www.facebook.com/FLDOT/ https://twitter.com/MyFDOT

Vacation savings from Orlando Informer! Save with Orlando Informer! X

on select Universal Orlando Resort tickets

No blockout dates. Savings vary by day. Restrictions apply.

Pandemic Guide – Walt Disney World Resort

The closing of the theme parks around Orlando due to the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 was an unprecedented and anxious time, but with safety at the forefront, the parks, restaurants, and hotels have since reopened and continue to welcome guests back to Walt Disney World Resort. If you’re ready for a visit filled with magic and adventure, there are a few things you’ll want to take note of before you pack your bags, and Orlando Informer is here with your pandemic guide – everything you need to know about the ins-and-outs of having fun and staying safe during your visit.

Skip to: Before you travel | Theme parks | Water parks | Disney Springs | Transportation | Dining | Hotels | Events

Traveling during the pandemic

Before you book that plane ticket or hop in the car, make sure you consult any travel advisories both going to and returning from your vacation destination. There are no travel restrictions in place when arriving in Florida from other US destinations, but some states and countries have mandatory quarantines upon returning from travel. For the most up-to-date information, check out the  FloridaHealthCovid19.gov  site, along with your local travel advisories.

Across Disney World, you’ll find a number of precautions in place to keep guests safe and healthy. Face coverings are no longer required, but are still recommended for any unvaccinated visitors over the age of two all around the resort. A great deal of helpful signage and distance markers remain, encouraging guests to sanitize frequently and maintain adequate space between parties. Temperature screenings are no longer required for any guests when arriving at any theme or water park, including Disney Springs. Finally, all parks are still operating at reduced capacity and require reservations ahead of time, so you’ll have more space to spread out in the ride queues.

What’s it like to visit the theme parks during the pandemic?

The most important change to Disney’s admission protocols is that all guests must have a park reservation to visit their chosen theme park on any given day. Regardless of whether you have dining reservations, dated tickets, etc., you’ll have to go online or use the My Disney Experience app to reserve your park pass , as you will be denied entry without it. Although it adds an extra step in the booking process, this is how Disney is capping capacity to each of the four parks to ensure that guests can visit safely. In addition, the park operating hours are also somewhat shorter than in past years, and Extra Magic Hours have been discontinued, so check the calendar for the up-to-date park hours during your trip.

The next major change has been the elimination of FastPass+ reservations for all guests in favor of the Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane system. During the height of the pandemic, the FastPass lines were repurposed as standby queue areas but are now once again being used as the “express lane.” Disney continues to utilize the Disability Access Service (DAS) passes, so you may see guests with special needs using alternate entrances, including the Lightning Lane entrance.

Rides and attractions

Now for the good news – most rides and shows are open and operating with normal loading procedures ( while requiring guests to wear masks when indoors and in queues ). While there is lots to see and do, the following adjustments to operations are currently in effect:

• No parades – to avoid drawing crowds, Disney characters may appear in impromptu cavalcades (on a float riding down Main Street, USA at Magic Kingdom, for instance) or cruises (on barges traveling down the Discovery River at Animal Kingdom).
• Most playgrounds/play areas are closed – little ones love exploring the play areas, but in order to reduce any contagion in high-touch areas, most of the playgrounds are temporarily shut down.
• Some shows are closed – shows and entertainment are slowly being added back to the schedule, including the recent re-installment of Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along at EPCOT, and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Hollywood Studios, so check the times guide during your visit to see what’s open.
• Tours – Disney’s private tours are exquisitely curated and always fun for guests who want to go behind-the-scenes at the parks, but to protect both visitors and cast members, only a selection of tours are available at this time and must be reserved in advance.

Disney has announced that single-rider lines are returning , and two fireworks and nighttime spectacular shows recently returned . At Magic Kingdom, “Disney Enchantment” is currently showing to the public, while “Harmonious” is showing at EPCOT during Disney’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Character meet-and-greets

Characters can still be found throughout the parks, but the typical meet-and-greets are organized a little bit differently. Guests may get a glimpse of Pooh frolicking in the green areas of the United Kingdom pavilion at EPCOT, or see characters waving from the upper balcony of the train station at Magic Kingdom. Other, more notable characters are once again available for interactions and photos. Review our article here for character details.

Is park-hopping available to guests?

Park-hopping is back, but with some restrictions – guests with park-hopper tickets can only switch parks after 2:00 pm, and can only go to a park with open availability. You do not have to make a reservation for the park you are hopping to.

Our number-one tip for visiting Walt Disney World Resort during this time is to download the My Disney Experience app . Nearly everything you could want to do, from booking a park-pass reservation and mobile-ordering your lunch to finding your way with maps and checking wait times, can all be found on Disney’s proprietary application. You’ll want to get this before you even leave home in order to familiarize yourself with all the content that’s available to you within this one little program.

What about visiting the water parks during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Water-park fans can rejoice – Blizzard Beach reopened for the spring and summer season at Disney World (it had been closed during the winter). Typhoon Lagoon is now open on days when it’s warm enough to welcome guests.

To keep everyone safe during the pandemic, the water parks operate with reduced capacity and remind to all attendees to maintain a safe physical distance. Face masks are required for anyone two and up when entering and exiting the park and, also, while in the shops and restaurants. The masks must be removed when in any of the pools or on the slides.

What changes are in effect at Disney Springs during the pandemic?

Disney Springs was the first area of the resort to reopen, and it pioneered the safety precautions eventually implemented at the parks: ubiquitous signage and queue barriers reminding you to maintain social distance, plus the requirement to wear a mask. Now, the dining/shopping/entertainment district is operating almost entirely normally. This includes the AMC Disney Springs dine-in movie theater. And while most of the restaurants – including Planet Hollywood, Homecomin’, and Raglan Road – are open daily, some entertainment options and experiences are still temporarily suspended.

Again, masks are required for guests to wear when indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

How have Disney transportation options changed during COVID-19?

Disney’s Magical Express has long ferried travelers from Orlando International Airport directly to their hotels, even taking luggage straight from the tarmac to their rooms. However, the pandemic has necessitated a few tweaks to the current service, and Disney has announced that Magical Express will end on January 1, 2022 (timed to coincide with the opening of Orlando’s proposed high-speed rail).

For now, Disney hotel guests can still book a seat on the Express, but they must grab their own bags off the luggage carousel and bring them to the bus check-in.

Theme-park transportation

Disney’s transportation system dwarfs that of even some large cities, and guests may utilize any of the free transportation methods, including buses, Skyliner gondolas, boats, ferries, and, of course, the monorail (depending on access at your hotel, that is). The now-standard precautions have been put in place for all transportation: limited capacity, physical barriers, and spacing between different parties. While the purpose of all these changes is to increase safety, they may mean a longer wait for a bus or a ferry, so plan your travel time accordingly.

Although Uber and Lyft continue to operate in the Disney resort area, the branded Minnie Van service is no longer available.

Dining options, tips, and tricks during the pandemic

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the restaurants and dining venues at both the Walt Disney World parks and hotels have been steadily reopening, with some operational and menu changes. For example, many of the buffet restaurants, like The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom, now offer a fun family-style option, where a variety of your favorite foods is delivered directly to your table to share and enjoy with your pandemic pod. However, dining plans (and Tables in Wonderland discounts) are not currently available, and capacity is limited, which may make for longer waits at some venues – but which also provides a nice buffer so that you can dine in safety.

Be prepared to use your smart phone to scan a QR code to utilize mobile menus. Contactless payment is encouraged.

To make the most of your dining experience, we offer the following tips:

• Reservations may be made at table-service restaurants 60 days in advance. This is strongly recommended, as walk-in availability is very limited.
• That said, some restaurants have walk-in spots that can be booked day-of via the My Disney Experience app.
• Even if you have a theme-park admission and a dining reservation, you will still need a park reservation to enter the theme park – try to make dining reservations for the park you know you will be in that day.
• Check out the current menus, as many have changed in the past year. Peruse the options on the Disney site to find your favorites.
• Visit OpenTable to see which Disney Springs restaurants take online reservations to help cut down on your wait for a seat.
• Investigate outdoor dining options, or plan to snack at the many kiosks and outdoor stands found throughout the resort – some of our top picks include outdoor seating at Capt. Cook’s at Polynesian Village Resort or Flame Tree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom.
• And, finally, mobile ordering is your new best friend! Download the My Disney Experience app (seriously – don’t go to Disney without it) and see which of your preferred locations offers the ability (and convenience) of ordering right from your phone. Once your food’s ready, you just head right over to pick it up. But be forewarned – some mobile-ordering timeslots can fill up quickly at the most popular restaurants, so we recommend checking the app and placing your order 45 minutes to an hour before you want to eat.

Character dining

Character dining continues to return with socially distanced meet-and-greets – characters may wave as they walk by your table, but they won’t stop for hugs, photos, or autographs. Available locations include:

• Chef Mickey’s at Contemporary Resort
• Garden Grill at the Land Pavilion at EPCOT
• Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios
• Topolino’s Terrace at Riviera Resort

What safety precautions are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the hotels?

Many changes have been implemented at the hotels to put your mind at ease and let you enjoy your vacation. Disney continues to utilize and recommend contactless check-in via My Disney Experience, and other minor changes are in effect throughout the hotels for the protection of both guests and cast members. If you have any questions during your stay, you can also use Disney’s app to chat virtually with an employee to resolve any issues.

When it comes to cleanliness, rooms are given a thorough scrubbing between guest stays, but room cleanings have been relegated to every other day (except for DVC guests, that is, whose rooms are cleaned on the fourth and eighth days). Patrons may opt out of room service at the time of check-in but can always call the front desk for more towels or toiletries.

Some resort experiences are limited and/or unavailable, including arcades, campfires, character experiences, spas and salons, and marina rentals. Disney has brought back some resort activity programming, particularly things that can be done outside and with socially distant rules in place, such as movie nights, dance parties, and games, so don’t forget to check with the front desk if you’re interested. Pools and fitness centers are open, but with capacity limitations. Dining venues at the hotels may have limited menus or shortened hours – or be closed entirely; as such, we urge all guests to check the restaurants and menus at any hotel before booking to make the best dining strategy for their families.

Which hotels are open?

Most hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts are open and welcoming guests.

What resort services are unavailable?

• Room service food delivery
• Disney Floral & Gifts will deliver flowers or gift baskets to your room, but in-room celebrations are not available
• Dry cleaning and valet laundry service
• Bell Services will bring your luggage to your room but will not accompany guests who are checking in
• Shipping services and resort airline check-in

Are Disney’s special events going ahead during COVID-19?

Epcot’s festivals.

The Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT ran in 2021 from July 15 through November 20, and if you are a foodie, this is the can’t-miss event at Walt Disney World. With drinks and snacks from around the world, guests can take a culinary tour of Morocco, China, Japan, Germany, France, America, Norway, Mexico, Greece, Ireland, Africa, and more – without ever leaving Orlando!

EPCOT is happily hosting EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts . The Flower and Garden Festival is also scheduled to take place in spring 2022, with current COVID-19 protocols in place.

A huge indicator that things were becoming more normalized was the return of in-person run Disney races. These events draw thousands of visitors and their families for the weekend to stay at hotels, enjoy the race expo, run the race, and then go to the parks afterwards. Their absence was sorely felt during the height of the pandemic, and their return met with enthusiasm! Read our article here for full details on these events.

Additional venues and entertainment

• ESPN Wide World of Sports – closed to guests
• The NBA Experience – closed to guests, closing permanently
• Mini-golf at Disney – both Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland are open
• Electrical Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon – showing nightly

Get Savings

• About Us | Contact Us | Newsroom

It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

• Programs & Services
• Licensing & Regulation

Statistics & Data

Certificates

• Diseases & Conditions
• Environmental Health

UPDATE REGARDING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL: Department of Health COVID-19 Update

March 09, 2020

Share This Page

Contact: Communications Office [email protected] 850-245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health is responding to COVID-19. In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the virus, the Department is issuing regular updates as information becomes available. The Department will be sending this press release update every morning, seven days per week.

International Travel Advisory

The Florida Department of Health is advising all individuals who have traveled internationally to follow the new CDC guidelines , summarized below:

• Level 3: Mandatory 14-day self-isolation and practice social distancing upon return to the United States. Social distancing includes avoiding going out in public and close personal interactions. If you become symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and contact your county health department or health care provider.
• Level 2 and Cruises: Monitor your health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United States. If you become symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and contact your county health department or health care provider.
• For more information regarding current CDC travel advisories related to COVID-19, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

Nile Cruise Advisory

The Florida Department of Health is advising all individuals who traveled on a river cruise on the Nile River in Egypt in February 2020 to self-isolate for 14 days following their date of return to the United States. Several passengers in the United States recently developed symptoms and have been confirmed to be infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including two positive cases in Florida. 

COVID-19 Cases

COVID-19 Testing Results

• 18 Florida cases (17 Florida residents)
• 12 diagnosed in Florida
• 5 diagnosed and isolated in another state
• 1 confirmed positive non-Florida resident isolated in Florida.
• 115 tests in state results pending 
• 140 negatives
• 1,104 people monitored to date  
• 302 of 1,104 are currently being monitored

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 will remain in isolation until they test negative.

COVID Public Website and Call Center

Please visit the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida.

For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling  1- (866) 779-6121 . The Call Center is available 24 hours a day . I nquiries may also be emailed to  [email protected] .

Department Activities

• Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order directing the State Surgeon General to declare a public health emergency.
• State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees declared a public health emergency for the novel coronavirus in Florida.
• Established an incident management team to coordinate response operations.
• Activated a dedicated incident command post for on-site response activities.
• Conducted three public health and healthcare stakeholders conference calls to provide statewide updates on the current outbreak situation, response actions, and guidance for pandemic planning. Over five hundred participants joined the calls. Calls are scheduled for each Wednesday at 2:00 EST.
• Participated with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on statewide conference calls with nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals.
• Established a public call-center for questions regarding COVID-19.
• Developed and distributed the communications approved COVID-19 Presentation to CHDs for use at community meetings.
• Developed and implemented protocols for investigation, surveillance and monitoring for COVID-19 to rapidly detect and contain cases. 
• Established mechanisms for on-going monitoring and coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding epidemiological activities.
• Distributed CDC Interim Guidance for Public Health Personnel Evaluating Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) and Asymptomatic Close Contacts of Confirmed Cases at Their Home or Non-Home Residential Settings to County Health Departments
• Distributed the updated Clinician Screening Tool for Identifying Persons Under Investigation for Coronavirus Disease and a healthcare provider letter regarding Enhanced Surveillance and Preparedness for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to associations, licensed providers, Health Care Coalitions (HCCs) and County Health Departments (CHD).
• Implemented testing at all three State Public health Laboratories.
• Distributed updated CDC guidance for schools to CHDs and the Department of Education.
• Distributed updated Laboratory Guidance regarding implementation of testing at State Public Health Laboratories.

What you Should Know

COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure. Most people recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The Department recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
• Staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with persons in poor health;
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue;
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty; and
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

The CDC does not recommend that asymptomatic, healthy people wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for  health workers  and  people who are taking care of someone in close settings  (at home or in a health care facility).

A person that experiences a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and any other destination under  CDC travel advisory  should call ahead to their health care provider and local county health department (CHD) and mention their recent travel or close contact.

If a person has had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from this area or been in contact with a person with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, they should call ahead to a health care professional and the county health department. The health care professional will work with the Department to determine if the person should be tested for COVID-19.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board , works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook . For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov .

Corrections & Clarifications 

For media inquiries.

• 850-245-4111
• [email protected]

Connect with DOH

Featured Programs

Florida Health Across the State

• State Surgeon General
• State Leadership
• County Health Department Leadership
• Boards, Councils & Committees
• Birth Certificates
• Death Certificates
• Divorce Certificates
• Marriage Certificates
• www.floridacharts.com
• Request Vital Statistics
• Research Data
• Inspection Reports
• About Florida Health
• Accreditation
• Public Meeting Notices
• Public Notices
• Public Records Requests
• State Health Improvement Plan
• Annual Regulatory Plans—Florida Department of Health (pdf)
• Annual Regulatory Plans—Boards (pdf)
• Certificates and Registries

By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy .

• Accessibility Information
• Email Advisory
• Social Media

COVID and Orlando theme parks: Face masks, vaccines, social distancing, other things to know

Are face masks necessary if you visit a theme park in Central Florida? The short answer is it depends.

With the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, Universal Orlando, Disney World and Kennedy Space Center are asking guests to wear face masks as health experts advocate people get the COVID vaccine.

Masking up: Where in Florida should I wear a mask indoors? The answer isn't complicated.

Disney World announces guests must mask up indoors, on transportation starting July 30

Florida is the national epicenter of the current COVID-19 wave. The state accounted for roughly a fifth of all new infections nationwide earlier this month. The Florida Department of Health reported a weekly tally of 73,199 new infections in  a report issued July 23. That's more infections than California, New York, Texas and Illinois had combined during the same time period.

Florida has reported more cases per week than any other state since June 16. A check online July 30 show coronavirus safety precaution messages per CDC on theme park websites. Here's what to expect at Central Florida theme parks amid the COVID pandemic.

Check back for updates on this story.

SeaWorld Orlando

• Is this theme park open? Yes.

As of July 30, SeaWorld is not closing. The park is open year round in 2021, but park hours may vary. Social distancing also is recommended.

• Are face masks required? No.

• Is proof of vaccination necessary? No.

According to the park's website, "Based on the recently announced guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, we are modifying our policy regarding face coverings at SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove. Face coverings will no longer be required for guests and Ambassadors who are fully vaccinated in accordance with CDC guidance. We will not require our guests to provide proof of vaccination but ask everyone to respectfully comply with our revised policy."

Call 407-545-5550 or visit  seaworld.com/orlando.

The water park Aquatica, SeaWorld Orlando's sister park, is open through November. Social distancing is recommended.

• Is proof of vaccination necessary? No. (See above entry. The face mask recommendations for SeaWorld apply to Aquatica and Discovery Cove.)

Call 407-545-5550 or visit aquatica.com/orlando .

Discovery Cove

• Is this Florida attraction that specializes in dolphin encounters open? Yes. Social distancing is recommended.

• Is proof of vaccination necessary? No. (See SeaWorld Orlando entry. The face mask recommendations for SeaWorld apply to Aquatica and Discovery Cove.)

Call 407-545-5550 or visit discoverycove.com/orlando .

What's the science behind masks?  Do masks prevent or reduce COVID infection?

Busch Gardens

• Is this theme park open? Yes. Social distancing is recommended.

According to the park's website, "Based on the recently announced guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, we are modifying our policy regarding face coverings at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Face coverings will no longer be required for guests and Ambassadors who are fully vaccinated in accordance with CDC guidance. We will not require our guests to provide proof of vaccination but ask everyone to respectfully comply with our revised policy."

Call 813-884-4FUN or 813-884-4386 or visit buschgardens.com/tampa .

Adventure Island

• Is this water theme park open? Yes. Social distancing is recommended.

• Is proof of vaccination necessary? No. (See above entry. The face mask recommendations for Busch Gardens apply to Adventure Island.)

Call 813-884-4FUN or 813-884-4386 or visit adventureisland.com .

Kennedy Space Center

• Are face masks required? Yes for indoors, not required for outdoors.

On July 29, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex updated its mask policy. Guests, including those who have been vaccinated, must wear face coverings in all indoor locations at the visitor complex. This includes attractions, attraction queues, show viewing areas, restaurants and bus transportation to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, according to a news release. However, face masks are not required outdoors.

• Are there other precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic? Yes.

The news release states the visitor complex will have limited guest attendance and increased sanitization and disinfection measures.

Call 877-313-2610 or visit  kennedyspacecenter.com .

• Is this alligator-themed attraction in Orlando open? Yes. Social distancing is recommended.

• Are face masks required? No, but they are recommended.

The park's website states: "In accordance with new state guidelines, face masks are recommended for guests within the park, but they are no longer mandatory."

Call 800-393-JAWS or 800-393-5297 or 407-855-5496 or visit gatorland.com .

Weeki Wachee Springs

• Is this mermaid-themed attraction open? No.

According to a notice posted at floridastateparks.org/WeekiWachee : "Effective July 30, 2021: The mermaid shows and wilderness cruise at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park are temporarily unavailable. Guests are welcome to visit Buccaneer Bay Water Park. Kayaking, picnic areas, concessions and the park gift shop are available. It is anticipated that the mermaid shows will resume in mid-August."

Call 352-597-8484 or visit weekiwachee.com .

• Is this brick-building-themed resort in Winter Haven (about 45 minutes from Orlando) open? Yes. Social distancing is recommended.

• Are face masks required? Unknown.

While there was a message online about COVID-19 precautions, there is no mention about face masks. There is an extensive section about rescheduling a vacation at the resort due to hurricanes. In reference to the coronavirus, the site does state: "As the health and safety of guests and employees at Legoland Florida Resort continues to be paramount, the resort’s extensive plan of enhanced health and safety measures includes cashless payments, social distancing practices and enhanced cleaning regimes. The resort will also have adjusted operating hours and event content based on the reopening changes to ensure we’re making it safe to play." 

Call 888-690-5346 or visit  legoland.com/florida .

Disney World

• Is Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando open? Yes, all four theme parks — Disney World, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios — are open. Social distancing is recommended at each site.

Last week, Disney announced guests ages 2 and older will have to wear face coverings for all indoor attractions and on Disney transportation. Face masks will remain optional outdoors. The theme parks had lifted their indoor mask mandates on June 15. While proof of vaccination was not required, masks were recommended for those who are not vaccinated.

"Face coverings are required for all guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors and in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status,"  according to a July 28 update on the Disney website. "This includes upon entering and throughout all attractions."

Disney also requires employees be fully vaccinated. That applies to salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S.

Call 407-939-5277 or visit disneyworld.disney.go.com .

Universal Orlando

• Is Universal Orlando Resort open? Yes, both theme parks — Universal Studios, which includes the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, and Islands of Adventure, which includes the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade — are open. Social distancing is recommended at each site.

• Are face masks required? No, but they are recommended, especially for those who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Universal Orlando Resort will encourage guests to wear face coverings indoors, spokesperson Alyson Gernert told USA TODAY. On July 31, staff  started wearing face coverings while working in indoor guest areas.

According to its site, "Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated guests. Non-vaccinated guests are asked to wear face coverings at all indoor locations." Guests also are asked to social distance: "We encourage all guests to keep a safe distance between your travel party and others."

Contributing: Zac Anderson , USA TODAY Network-Florida, and Britt Kennerly , FLORIDA TODAY

•   Weather

Search location by ZIP code

Orlando international airport instates new us covid-19 travel restrictions.

• Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

As international travelers head back into the US, the fear is the coronavirus and its omicron variant could travel with them.

So starting Monday, people flying into the U.S. must show a negative COVID-19 test within one day of boarding.

President Joe Biden announced the change last Thursday.

“It was a lot. Everybody we talk to said it was a lot of paperwork,” said traveler Nancy Fabish. But Fabish was on vacation in the Bahamas and unplugged.

“You want to relax and just walk the beach and do whatever you want to do in Atlantis without going on email,” Fabish said.

She told WESH 2 that thankfully many resorts alerted guests immediately.

But another traveler fresh from the Bahamas, Anthony Thompson, said not everyone got the news in time.

“Yeah at the airport in line a lot of people didn't know what it was, they had to get it explained,” Thompson said. There’s some confusion too.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says travelers must get tested one day before their flight leaves, not exactly 24 hours before.

The CDC explained if a passenger’s flight to the U.S. is on Sunday, that person can have a negative test taken any time on Saturday. But every international traveler we spoke to said they’re game to get tested any day. That is, as long as they can come and go as they please.

“I'm just going with the flow,” Thompson said.

“They were happy they were in a hot tub,” Fabish said.

The new rule does not apply to passengers with flights from a U.S. territory into a U.S. state.

The CDC confirmed passengers can also show documentation that they tested positive for COVID-19 on a sample taken within the past 90 days and have been cleared to travel.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Information & Resources

The Orange County Administration Building and some other County facilities are temporarily closed to the public in order to reduce the potential for spread of COVID-19. Residents are still able to reach many County services online and via phone. For more information, dial 311 or chat with a representative online .

• Latest Updates
• Social Media

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to provide direct relief to Americans, contain the COVID-19 virus, and rescue the economy. Within ARPA, it contained an allocation of $362 billion in state and local fiscal recovery funds to assist state and local governments in the recovery. Orange County’s direct allocation based on population is $270.7 million. All ARPA funding has been received from the U.S. Department of Treasury. The Orange County Annual Recovery Plan Performance Report provides a general overview of the programs and projects the county will be undertaking with the ARPA funding under the Public Health, Negative Economic Impacts, Infrastructure, Revenue Replacement, and Administrative categories.

COVID-19 Data

Visit the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 Response website for a weekly report of COVID-19 data for Orange County and the state of Florida. Additional data can be found on the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website . For more information, please dial 1-866-779-6121 or email [email protected] .

Please note: All figures represent Orange County Residents. COVID-19 data displayed in the COVID-19 Snapshot is provided by the Florida Department of Health. For more information on this data, please visit the State's dashboard .

Stay Informed

Visit the Coronavirus Updates webpage on the Orange County Government Newsroom to watch and read summaries of our past news conferences. To get notified of the latest important articles and press events, download the OCFL News App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store .

• County Commission (BCC)
• Open Government
• Media Center
• Animals & Pets
• Convention Center
• Culture & Parks
• Economic Development
• Emergency & Safety
• Employment & Volunteerism
• Environment
• Families, Health & Social Svcs
• Jail & Inmate Services
• Medical Examiner
• Neighborhoods & Housing
• Permits & Licenses
• Planning & Development
• Traffic & Transportation
• Vendor Services
• Water, Garbage & Recycling

Florida Has Reopened to Travelers—but Should You Go?

The florida keys, miami and walt disney world are all welcoming back travelers. but before you throw your weekender bag over your shoulder, read up on florida’s latest coronavirus case numbers..

• Copy Link copied

The Florida Keys reopened to travelers in June.

Photo by Zhukova Valentyna/Shutterstock

Updated Nov. 4, 2020. Florida currently has no travel restrictions.

In June, the Florida Keys and Miami announced that they were welcoming back visitors. Universal Orlando opened back up to the general public on June 5 (with limited capacity ), and the Walt Disney World Resort reopened on July 11.

But this has not been a typical summer in Florida. After the state reopened following business closures that were put in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, Florida has experienced a spike in coronavirus cases and deaths . Travelers interested in heading to Florida should check with the Florida Department of Health to see what the latest case counts are—the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against traveling to areas where transmission levels are high.

In the Keys, the first phase of reopening requires that lodgings be limited to 50 percent of full capacity. Hotels and tourism establishments must follow disinfecting and social-distancing guidelines issued by the Florida Department of Health, the CDC, and the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and face masks are required for both tourists and hospitality industry workers. Officials did not say how long these measures would last. The majority of the beaches in the Keys are currently open, but beachgoers are being asked to remain in groups of 10 people or fewer.

In Miami, beaches, hotels, restaurants, museums, retail stores, attractions, salons, and city and county parks have been given the green light to reopen. Masks are required in the county inside commercial businesses and outdoors when social distancing of at least six feet is not possible.

All beachgoers in Miami Beach are required to have a face mask on hand to show to local authorities when asked, and they must wear the masks if a distance of six feet cannot be established between groups who are not from the same household. Officials said they will mark areas on the sand to indicate six feet of distance between groups. Hotels have a long list of health and safety guidelines they need to follow in order to reopen.

Florida has 67 counties and each is taking a slightly different approach to reopening. It will be a process. Here is where things stand thus far.

Who is allowed to travel to Florida right now?

As of August 6, those traveling to Florida from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Louisiana are no longer required to self-quarantine for 14 days. The quarantine orders had been put into place at the end of March by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

As for international visitors, as per U.S. government restrictions, foreign nationals who have been in China, Iran, Europe, the United Kingdom, or Ireland in the previous 14 days will be denied entry into Florida.

Are the roads to Florida open?

All of the roads and highways into Florida remain open.

Also of note for road-trippers: To reduce the risk of transmission for toll workers, tolls are being collected electronically on Florida’s Turnpike. When you come to a toll plaza, you don’t need to stop—you will be billed through “toll-by-plate”—a snapshot of your license plate will result in an invoice being sent via mail, according to the Florida Department of Transportation . There are also “exact coin lanes,” where there is no toll operator and you can submit exact payments in coins.

Are there flights available to Florida?

All of Florida’s major airports, including Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, and Orlando International Airport, remain open. While service has been reduced due to a downturn in demand, there are still plenty of flights operating to these hubs from throughout the United States, including on American, United, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue.

Which businesses, hotels, and attractions are open in Florida?

As stated above, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World reopened on June 5 and July 11, respectively. Universal Orlando reopened its CityWalk shopping area with limited hours on May 14, and Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs dining and shopping district partially reopened on May 20.

Hotels in Florida were never required by the state to close, but many were forced to temporarily close due to a demand nosedive or because of city or county restrictions. Now, many that closed are starting to reopen. Check with each individual property to see whether it is open or plans to reopen soon.

As of May 18, individual counties were able to request approval to begin allowing vacation rentals to operate anew (on March 27, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order barring vacation rentals in an effort to deter nonresidents who were fleeing to the state from locations that were experiencing larger coronavirus outbreaks). There are 67 counties in Florida, and as of August 13, 55 counties had been granted approval for vacation rental operations. They include Bay, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gulf, Highlands, Jackson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe (which includes the Keys), Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange (which includes Orlando), Osceola, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, St. Johns, Wakulla, and Walton counties. A comprehensive and regularly updated list of which counties are allowing vacation rentals to operate is available on Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation site .

Florida has also eased the restrictions on numerous businesses. In addition to delivery and take-out services, restaurants and dining establishments throughout the state are allowed to have outdoor seating when there are six feet between parties and parties consist of 10 or fewer people.

Retail stores, museums, libraries, gyms, and fitness centers have been allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Not long after numerous counties in Florida allowed bars to reopen and serve alcohol in June, alcohol consumption at bars was suspended as the state responded to its spike in coronavirus cases.

Are Florida beaches and parks open?

Numerous trails and areas of Everglades National Park reopened this month.

Photo by Anthony Ricci/Shutterstock

Most Florida beaches are open, and Visit Florida has a comprehensive county-by-county list that breaks down the status of the beaches in each county. For counties where the beaches are open, there are different rules and restrictions that are specific to that jurisdiction. Before visiting, read up on the regulations surrounding specific beach destinations so that you’re fully versed in what you will and won’t be able to do on the sand. For instance, some only permit walking, jogging, and riding along the beach, while others allow sunbathing, but with social-distancing measures or time restrictions in place.

Florida State Parks have begun to reopen for day use, albeit with limited hours, capacity, and amenities, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which recommends going to the site of each individual park for the fine print. Some national parks in Florida have also begun to reopen a portion of their recreational areas and trails, including the Everglades National Park , Big Cypress, Biscayne , and Dry Tortugas National Park .

Social distancing and safety in Florida

Just like anywhere in the country, Florida reminds residents and visitors that they should follow the CDC’s latest guidance about COVID-19 and what we can all do to minimize our risk and the risk to others, which includes frequent hand washing and social distancing.

Wearing face masks is not a requirement statewide, and each individual county has different requirements and recommendations regarding face masks, so you should double-check the requirements for wearing masks in the destination you are interested in visiting. The CDC recommends that we all wear face masks in public settings, in places where we cannot establish a distance of six feet between ourselves and others, and especially in areas of the United States with large numbers of coronavirus transmissions .

If you want to know the latest numbers for coronavirus cases and deaths in Florida, the state’s health department maintains updated counts on its website , along with other helpful information about Florida’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

This story originally appeared on May 20, 2020, and has been updated to include current information.

>> Next: Reservations, Temperature Checks, and Extended Passes: The Future of U.S. Theme Parks

Do you have to wear a mask at Universal Orlando? Not if you're vaccinated, starting Feb. 12

Universal Orlando Resort is easing COVID-19 rules  for vaccinated visitors.

"Fully vaccinated guests will no longer be required to wear face coverings indoors or outdoors effective, Saturday, February 12," the resort said in a statement via senior manager of public relations Kristen Clark Smith. "Guests who have not been vaccinated will be encouraged to wear face coverings while indoors."

The Florida resort had required face masks in all public indoor locations, regardless of vaccination status, since Dec. 24, 2021, as the  omicron variant soared across the U.S.

"We are updating our policy for face coverings based on local trends and conditions," the resort said Friday. 

The latest numbers from Florida's Health Department showed 132,622 new cases of coronavirus from Jan. 28 through Feb. 3. That's less than a third of the new cases ending the week of Jan. 7.

Universal Orlando does not require proof of vaccination but asks guests who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to refrain from visiting. 

The resort is comprised of three theme parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.

FREE CONCERTS: Universal Orlando visitors can see Diana Ross, Jason Derulo, Styx  during Mardi Gras

WHAT'S NEW IN 2022: From Disney World to Kennedy Space Center

Help Center

How can we help you.

Disney Theme Parks & Water Parks – Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Walt Disney World Resort responding to COVID-19, commonly referred to as novel coronavirus?

Important Walt Disney World Resort Update Concerning Coronavirus/COVID-19

As we continue to monitor the coronavirus situation, we wanted to share a few updates you should know about concerning the Walt Disney World Resort.

Update on operations at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Did you find this answer helpful?

Related Questions

How should I begin planning my Walt Disney World Resort vacation?

What procedures do you have in place to minimize the spread of illness at Walt Disney World Resort?

What procedures do you have in place to ensure the cleanliness of Walt Disney World Resort?

• Getting Results.
• Newsletters

WEATHER ALERT

2 rip current statements in effect for Coastal Flagler and Coastal Volusia Regions

Dropped covid-19 travel restrictions could be boon for florida economy, public officials estimate a 20 percent increase in international travel following the ease.

Lauren Cervantes , Reporter

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Biden administration announced that, as of midnight on June 12th, international travelers coming to the United States will no longer need a negative COVID-19 test to get into the country .

Travelers headed to Cancun leaving out of Orlando International Airport said they were relieved to hear that COVID-19 testing restrictions for travel had been lifted.

[TRENDING: 4 Orlando restaurants earn coveted Michelin stars | Missing baby of dead Florida couple found alive over 40 years later, authorities say | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!) ]

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer were two of 38 mayors across the country who wrote a letter urging the Biden administration to drop the mandate.

Demings said, “I believe that’s going to be positive for our economy, it will help increase international business into our area; if we do that, it has been estimated that we could see a 20 percent increase in international travel, and when they come to the US, we know that they come to Florida.”

A spokesperson for Visit Orlando told News 6 in a statement that they are encouraged by the move and the potential impact on area tourism.

“This news comes right on time for the summer season — one of the most anticipated seasons for travel — and we can expect to welcome an increased number of visitation from global travelers, business to thrive and a positive impact of our economy,” said Denise Spiegel, Sr. Director of Public Relations for Visit Orlando.

Bob Cook, a representative of Go Travel, said the company has been inundated with requests ever since the policy change was announced.

“It probably wasn’t even ten minutes after this was announced this morning that we were getting phone calls by people saying, ‘I think I wanna go to Europe now because I don’t have to do the testing coming home,’” Cook said. “...The clients that we’ve had go to Europe said the biggest inconvenience has been finding a place to get tested.”

Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

RELATED STORIES

Governor’s office says state tourism on the rise in 2022, japan to resume tourism in june; only packaged tour for now, another record: orange county reports nearly $35m in tourism tax for april.

Recommended Videos

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

A Guide to All 50 States' COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

What to know about each state's quarantine or travel rules.

The coronavirus pandemic continues to have a major impact not only traveling abroad , but on domestic travel as well and many states have taken precautions to prevent its spread within local communities.

But while all international travelers returning to the U.S. must get tested before boarding a flight, domestic restrictions are still done on a state-by-state basis.

Below is a state-by-state breakdown of what travelers need to know about quarantine rules and travel restrictions if they're planning a trip. For the number of coronavirus cases in each state and local protocols, please see their official state or health department websites listed for the most updated information.

Alabama Department of Public Health

Alabama currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

Alaska no longer requires visitors from out-of-state to arrive with a negative COVID-19 test. However, the state's Gov. Mike Dunleavy said travelers can still choose to get tested upon arrival at the airport for a cost.

Arizona Department of Health Services

Arizona currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

State of Arkansas COVID-19 website

Arkansas currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

California's COVID-19 website

California urges visitors as well as returning residents entering the state to self-quarantine for 10 days. Those who travel for essential reasons are exempt.

In January, the state lifted a regional stay-at-home order .

Notable closures: Disneyland Resort in California remains closed even as the theme park has reopened shopping and dining in its Downtown Disney District. In addition, Lake Tahoe had closed to tourists for the holiday season.

Official State of Colorado COVID-19 Info

Colorado currently has no statewide travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining. However, Pitkin County — home to Aspen — requires visitors to complete an online travel affidavit , test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of arriving, and be symptom-free for 10 days before traveling.

Please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants throughout the state are handling the pandemic.

Connecticut

Connecticut COVID-19 Response

Travelers heading to Connecticut must either self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival or arrive with a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test within 72 hours and complete a travel health form . Travelers who have tested positive within 90 days and recovered are exempt, but vaccinated travelers are not.

Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine for each violation.

Travelers from New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island are exempt from the order. Connecticut residents who travel to a neighboring affected state for less than 24 hours are also exempt.

Delaware Division of Public Health, Coronavirus Response

Delaware currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

District of Columbia

Washington D.C. COVID-19 website

Washington D.C. requires anyone coming from a high-risk state (found in the link above) — which currently includes the majority of the country — to get tested within 72 hours of traveling, and not travel if they test positive for the virus. Visitors who stay in D.C. for more than three days will have to get re-tested within three to five days of arrival.

Travel to and from several states is exempt from the order, including neighboring Maryland and Virginia.

Florida COVID-19 Response

Florida currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic. Disney World and Universal are open with new health and safety protocols in place.

Georgia Department of Economic Development

Georgia currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Hawai'i State Department of Health

Hawaii allows visitors to skip the state's mandatory quarantine if they arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a certified laboratory taken within 72 hours. The islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii participate in this pre-testing program .

Several airlines, including United Airlines , Hawaiian Airlines , and American Airlines have introduced pre-flight testing programs for passengers heading to the Aloha state.

The island of Kauai has opted for stricter protocols , requiring visitors to test negative with a pre-travel test within 72 hours of traveling to the island, stay at an approved "resort bubble" property, and test negative for a second time more than 72 hours after arriving.

A second, free COVID-19 test may be required upon arrival at the airport in the county of Hawaii.

Those who arrive without a negative test and violate the state's 10-day mandatory self-quarantine may face fines of up to $5,000 and one year in prison.

Idaho COVID-19 website

Idaho currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Illinois Department of Public Health

Illinois does not have statewide travel restrictions in place, but does recommend people "avoid travel to areas of higher risk." Chicago, however, has implemented a color-coded advisory system , requiring either quarantine or testing protocols be followed depending on where travelers are coming from.

Chicago has grouped states into yellow and orange categories , requiring different protocols for each. Those coming from an "orange" state, which encompasses most of the country, must obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival or quarantine for 10 days. Those coming from a "yellow" state are asked to avoid non-essential travel, but are not required to quarantine or get tested.

Indiana COVID-19 website

Indiana currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Iowa COVID-19 website

Iowa currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Kansas requires travelers who have been on a cruise ship or attended an out-of-state mass gathering of 500 people or more where guests do not social distance and wear masks to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Kentucky COVID-19 website

The Kentucky Department for Public Health discourages all out-of-state travel. Anyone traveling for leisure purposes from another state is encouraged to self-quarantine for 14-days upon entering Kentucky.

Louisiana Department of Health

Louisiana currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

State of Maine COVID-19 Response

Maine requires travelers to either arrive with a negative COVID-19 molecular or antigen test taken within 72 hours before arrival or quarantine for 10 days. Visitors from New Hampshire or Vermont are exempt from the order.

Those who stay at a hotel will be asked to sign a Certificate of Compliance.

Maryland Department of Health

Maryland requires visitors to either get a COVID-19 test 72 hours before traveling to the state or upon arrival. Conversely, visitors can self-quarantine for 10 days. Maryland residents traveling to Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or West Virginia are exempt.

Maryland "strongly" encourages travelers to then get a second test within 72 hours of arrival.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts COVID-19 website

Massachusetts requires travelers over 18 years old as well as unaccompanied minors to complete a travel form and either arrive with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours or quarantine for 10 days. Additionally, travelers can get tested upon arrival, but have to quarantine until the negative results are available.

Visitors from Hawaii, North Dakota, and Puerto Rico — considered lower-risk areas with less than 10 average daily cases per 100,000 people and a positive test rate below 5% — are exempt from the order.

Those who do not comply with Massachusetts' order are subject to a $500fine per day.

Michigan COVID-19 website

Michigan currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Minnesota COVID-19 Response

Minnesota requires anyone visiting from out of state or returning to the state quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in Minnesota, and out-of-state travel is "highly discouraged."

Mississippi

Mississippi State Department of Health

Mississippi currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Missouri currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services

Montana currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Nebraska currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

State COVID-19 website : Nevada Health Response

Nevada currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire COVID-19 website

Travelers heading to New Hampshire from non-New England states must self-quarantine for 10 days. Asymptomatic individuals with a negative PCR test on or after day 7 of quarantining can shorten or end their quarantine.

Those coming from Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are exempt. Fully vaccinated travelers as well as those who contracted COVID-19 in the past 90 days and recovered are also exempt.

New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub

New Jersey requires anyone entering the state to following CDC guidelines, either quarantining for 10 days; or getting tested one to three days before the trip, again three to five days after the trip, and quarantining for seven days. Visitors are also asked to fill out a voluntary online survey .

Visitors from New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware are exempt.

New Mexico Department of Health

Travelers who come to New Mexico from high-risk states (defined as having a 5% positivity rate or higher on a 7-day rolling average or a positive test rate of more than 80 per 1 million residents) are "strongly advised" to self quarantine for at least 14 days. Those coming from low-risk states — which currently includes Hawaii — are exempt.

The state also recommends people get tested after arriving in the state.

New York Forward

Domestic travelers heading to New York will no longer need to quarantine starting April 1, although a voluntary quarantine period is recommended.

Additionally, travelers who have been fully vaccinated within 90 days of heading to New York will not need to quarantine or undergo a COVID-19 test or a quarantine period.

New Yorkers who leave the state for less than 24 hours will be required to fill out a traveler information form when they return and get tested four days after coming back, but will not be subject to quarantine or have to complete any pre-departure testing.

Travelers who leave the airport without completing the state's Traveler Health Form are subject to a $10,000 fine.

Visitors from New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania are exempt from the new order.

Notable closures : Broadway has gone dark through at least June 2021, and the city's Metropolitan Opera won't reopen until at least September 2021. The New York Philharmonic has also canceled its shows until June 2021, the first time in 178 years the renowned orchestra will miss a season.

North Carolina

North Carolina COVID-19 Information Hub

North Carolina currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

North Dakota

North Dakota Department of Health

North Dakota currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Ohio Department of Health

Ohio asks travelers coming from states with a positive test rate of 15% or higher to voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days.

Oklahoma State Department of Health

Oklahoma currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Oregon Health Authority

Oregon asks people entering the state from other states or countries to self-quarantine for 14 days . Oregon has also categorized counties in the state under different risk levels — Extreme, High, Moderate, and Lower Risk — based on cases per 100,000 residents, and implemented closures for each.

Pennsylvania

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires visitors or returning residents to arrive with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of traveling or quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Anyone who does not comply with the order could face a fine between $25 and $300.

Rhode Island

State of Rhode Island Department of Health

Travelers heading to Rhode Island from a state with a positive rate higher than 5% can either arrive with a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours or quarantine for 10 days. International travelers, however, are not eligible for the testing option.

Rhode Island requires travelers to complete a certificate of compliance upon arrival, which they may have to give to their hotel when they check in.

South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

South Carolina currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

South Dakota

COVID-19 in South Dakota

South Dakota currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, but some tribal lands have put restrictions in place on traveling through their land. Please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

TN Department of Health

Tennessee currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Texas Department of State Health Services

Texas currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Utah COVID-19 website

Utah currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Vermont Department of Health

Vermont requires most visitors to the state to quarantine upon arrival , allowing them to test out of that quarantine with a PCR test on or after day 7. Visitors who are traveling to Vermont in a personal vehicle also have the option of quarantining at home (as well as using the test-out option after a week).

Vermont residents leaving the state for essential reasons like work or health care do not need to quarantine.

Vaccinated visitors who received their final shot at least 14 days before coming to the state are exempt from quarantine.

Virginia Department of Health

Virginia currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, but recommends people who do follow the CDC's guidelines and get tested one to three days before travel, and three to five days after travel, and "consider reducing non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel if you get tested after travel or a full 10 days if you don't get tested after travel."

Please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Washington State Department of Health

Washington requires visitors and returning residents to self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. Those who travel for essential reasons are exempt.

West Virginia

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources

West Virginia currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Wisconsin currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, but the state does not recommend Wisconsinites travel between multiple private homes within the state and several counties have issued travel advisories for seasonal and second homeowners. Please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Wyoming Department of Health

Wyoming currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.

How do I prevent and prepare for COVID-19?

Public health is everyone’s responsibility. The best way to prevent disease and illness is to practice good public health mitigation measures, including:

Cover coughs and sneezes

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes or coughs, expelling respiratory droplets that contain particles of the virus. Other people can breathe or come into contact with these droplets and become infected.

With this method of transmission, it is important to cover coughs and sneezes that can transmit the virus over long distances. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw used tissues in the trash, and use your sleeve or the inside of your elbow when a tissue is not available.

Good respiratory hygiene can protect those around you from airborne illnesses like COVID-19, influenza (flu), and the common cold.

Improve ventilation

COVID-19 is an airborne illness that spreads when a healthy person comes into contact with the respiratory droplets of an infected person. Improving ventilation (airflow) can slow the spread of COVID-19 by preventing virus particles from collecting in your home.

Use the following methods to improve ventilation and clear virus particles:

• Bring fresh air into your home by opening windows and doors – be mindful of risks such as the presence of young children, outdoor pollution, and allergens.
• Set the HVAC fan to “on” rather than “auto.”
• Use properly fitting pleated filters rather than furnace filters.
• Change your filter every three months or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have your ventilation system professionally inspected each year.
• For extra protection, use a portable high-efficiency particulate air cleaner with a Clean Air Delivery Rate that meets or exceeds the square footage of the room where it will be used.
• Use standing and ceiling fans to improve airflow – when used in proximity of an open window, fans can help expel virus particles from your home.

Additional Steps

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to help stop the spread of germs. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Make sure to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, and before and after visiting sick people.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth . Studies have shown that, on average, people touch their face between 15-23 times an hour. Your hands may touch infected surfaces and become contaminated with disease-causing bacteria.

Maintain a hygienic environment by cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, countertops, handles, and phones using a household cleaner that contains soap or detergent. To disinfect your home, use a disinfectant from EPA List N or a bleach solution.

What do I do if I think I was exposed to COVID-19?

What do i do if i'm sick, what are the symptoms and signs of covid-19.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.

People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Read about  COVID-19 symptoms .

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Florida has many sites that are providing free COVID-19 vaccines.

Is there a cost or a fee for the vaccine?

AAA offers interactive COVID-19 Travel Restriction Map

LAKE MARY, Fla. - Fewer Floridians will be traveling this Labor Day weekend, with COVID-19 restrictions still in place across much of the country.

According to AAA, the vast majority of people who are still going on vacation during the unofficial last weekend of summer will be taking shorter trips by car and staying close to home.

Triple-A spokesman W. D. Williams says anyone traveling needs to research their destination because all aspects of the tourism industry have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic since March.

“This year does require a little bit more travel planning than usual. There are states that have travel restrictions and quarantines in place, so you do need to check ahead," Williams said.

For those driving this weekend, the average price of gas in the state is currently two dollars and 20 cents per gallon, up 12 cents from one week ago, but down 25 cents from last year.

Triple-A has published a COVID-19 Travel Restrictions interacive map to assist for vacation planning.  Mobile user can click here to see the map .

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check with the Department of State for travel advisories.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

• As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S.  arriving by air  or  arriving by land or sea  no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 
• As of June 12, 2022,  people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test . 

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific COVID-19 travel rules from the Department of State.

See the  CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.