Boston has a very large international population and is one of the most popular destinations for domestic and foreign travelers. Travel bans have been lifted, but visitors still face specific COVID-19-related travel requirements when traveling to Boston. This article will help you understand Boston travel restrictions and make clever business or holiday travel plans! Use the info and our tips to have an enjoyable stay in the capital of Massachusetts.
MA Travel Restrictions for Domestic and International Travelers
According to www.mass.gov, fully vaccinated individuals can travel within the United States without any hassle. However, depending on whether you fly domestically or internationally, you need to accept certain Massachusetts travel restrictions.
Domestic air travelers—people traveling within the U.S. territories—must be up to date with their vaccines against COVID-19. If you plan on traveling within the country, but you’re not fully vaccinated, don’t forget to do the test before and after your domestic trip.
U.S citizens, nationals, permanent residents, and immigrants traveling internationally must be up to date with their vaccines before flying into or out of the country. If not, a negative test would fit the bill. According to International Travel Advisory, Massachusetts flying restrictions differ for non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. immigrants—they must be fully vaccinated to enter the United States. In addition to proof of vaccination, all passengers on international flights must provide a negative COVID-19 test.
Travel Requirements for All Travelers
All passengers traveling to Boston by bus or plane have to do the following:
- Provide proof of negative COVID-19 test;
- Wear masks properly within all indoor areas of public transit and transportation hubs;
- Check their transportation providers’ official websites to see whether they require any additional documents.
Isolation & Quarantine Requirements
Based on the Massachusetts travel guidelines, quarantine and isolation requirements for those visiting Boston vary according to several factors. If you haven’t tested positive for COVID or been in contact with someone who tested positive, there is no need for quarantine or isolation.
If you’ve been in contact with an individual who tested positive, the repercussions depend on your COVID-19 vaccination status. A vaccinated adult will not be quarantined, but they should be on guard and wear a mask around other people for ten days. Non-vaccinated individuals are put in quarantine but can end it by testing negative after 5 days.
If you test positive for COVID-19, an isolation period of at least five days is mandatory. After the fifth day, you may resume the usual daily activities if you haven’t had any symptoms for at least 24 hours. However, you must wear a face-covering for another five days whenever you’re near other people.
Face Mask Requirements in Boston, MA
Since March 5, 2022, the City of Boston does not require residents and visitors to wear masks in indoor public spaces like museums, bars, restaurants, or entertainment venues. However, private operators may choose to still require covers, and some of them do, so keep an eye out for a sign when entering any place.
Note that public transportation hubs and all public healthcare facilities are still subject to federal face mask orders. So, don’t forget to wear one on a bus or plane, at train and subway stations, and at all ports of entry.
Boston’s Indoor Vaccination Mandate
While the City of Boston does not demand wearing masks in most indoor spaces, selected properties require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 from both visitors and employees. This refers to indoor bars, nightclubs, fitness centers, and entertainment venues.
To verify your vaccination status, you need to bring one of the following:
- Your CDC vaccination card;
- A digital image of the CDC card;
- Proof of an official immunization record;
- a COVID vaccine verification app.
Vaccines are free in the City of Boston, and appointments are not required.
How To Travel Safely Throughout the City
Face masks are still mandatory for anyone using a private or public transportation service, including buses, commuter rail, ferries, airplanes, taxis, and rideshares. Learn more about MBTA’s Coronavirus Updates if you plan to use Boston’s public transit.
Face coverings are also required in all transportation hubs, including Boston Logan International Airport. If you’re searching for a safe ride from BOS and want to avoid crowded public transfers, we suggest arranging a Lyft at Logan Airport or Boston Airport Shuttle. The safest and most convenient alternative is renting a car—we recommend finding a good car rental deal on Turo, Virtuo, Getaround, QEEQ, or AutoSlash.
COVID Testing Sites in Boston
If you plan to fly out of Boston or visit a property that requires negative tests, there are many testing sites in the city. Check out the list of all walk-in testing facilities.
| Walk-In Testing Facility | Address |
| Government Center | 3 Center Plaza #101, Boston, MA 02108 |
| Tufts Medical Center | 276 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116 |
| Anna M. Cole | Mildred Hailey Apartments, 24 Heath Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 |
| Bowdoin Street Health Center | 230 Bowdoin Street, Dorchester, MA 02122 |
| Bruce Bolling Building | 2300 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 |
| DotHouse Health | 1353 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02122 |
| Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center | 24 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA 02121 |
| Jubilee Christian Church | 1500 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan, MA 02126 |
| West End House | 105 Allston Street, Allston MA 02134 |
In addition to walk-in sites, the city offers many public health sites that organize testing by appointment. So, you can call the following facilities to schedule an appointment for testing.
- Massachusetts General Hospital: 617-726-2000
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital:617-732-5500
- Codman Square Health Center: 617-822-8271
- East Boston Neighborhood Health Center: 617-569-5800
- Health Waterfront North End: 617-643-8000
Click here to see the complete list of testing facilities.
FAQs
- Is Boston safe to visit?
The City of Boston is safe and open for travel and tourism. People wear masks in most indoor public areas and all public and private transportation systems. Most local businesses also encourage social distancing and regularly clean and disinfect all the surfaces.
- Do I need to fill out the Massachusetts Travel Form to enter the city?
Filling out the form is no longer required, but you should check Boston Travel Advisory and COVID-19 Travel Information before you enter Massachusetts.
- Do I need to wear a mask outside in Boston?
No. If you haven’t tested positive or been in contact with someone who did, you don’t have to wear a mask outside nor in most indoor areas.
- What states can I travel to from Massachusetts?
As long as you are fully vaccinated, you may travel freely within the United States. Domestic air travelers who are not up to date with their vaccines can travel with negative tests.