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New York residents will soon need a REAL ID to board an airplane

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. —  Travelers who want to board an airplane will soon need a star or flag on their New York state driver’s license, indicating that it is a REAL ID-compliant credential or they will need another form of approved identification to board their flight or enter a secure federal facility. New York’s REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards have a star inside a black circle, in the upper right corner. Additionally, New York state enhanced IDs have a flag in the corner and they also are valid for boarding a flight.

“Travelers are not required to get a state-issued REAL ID, however, starting May 2023, if you typically use your driver’s license or non-driver ID to fly within the United States then you probably want a New York enhanced license or a REAL ID,” said Robert Duffy, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Westchester County Airport. “Otherwise you will need to use a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved valid form of identification when you walk up to the TSA document checking podium. The consequence for not having a valid ID is that you won’t be permitted to board your flight.”

REAL ID is a “coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards,” Duffy said. “The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.”

New Yorkers have three options from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. They can get an enhanced ID , a REAL ID or a standard ID. The enhanced ID and REAL ID are both compliant with the REAL ID laws, however the standard driver’s license is not. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles offers an online tool to help residents determine which ID is right for them. An enhanced ID can be used instead of a passport to return to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean, although it is not acceptable for air travel between these countries. However, an enhanced ID is REAL ID-compliant and is accepted to board a domestic flight.

“The good news is that you do not have to wait to get a REAL ID or Enhanced ID,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.  “You can get one now at your local DMV office. We urge all New Yorkers who want to travel within the US to act now, and we certainly are doing everything we can so people know about this change and act before May 3, 2023. We don’t want any customers caught by surprise when they go to travel after May 3.”

To get an enhanced license or a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals will need to visit a local Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring certain documents to prove U.S. citizenship and state residency. Required documents include one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of state residency, one proof of your Social Security number (if you’ve been issued one) and a current driver’s license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state.

Transportation Security Administration officers who staff the ticket document checking station at airports will not allow travelers into the checkpoint without a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID after May 2023, because of the federal law (The REAL ID Act of 2005) that mandates that a REAL ID is needed. Individuals who are unable to verify their identity will not be permitted to enter the TSA checkpoint and will not be allowed to fly.  

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Updated 3/1/2024

WHILE IN NEW YORK

Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available.

The CDC recommends staying home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others. If you test positive for COVID-19, call the following numbers for information on treatments and other assistance: 1-888-364-3065 (All of New York State) 1-212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) (New York City only)

MASKS & VACCINATION

Wearing a well-fitting face mask or respirator (i.e. KN95, KF94 or N95 or higher rated mask)  completely covering your nose and mouth  and staying current on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters can help keep you and the communities you are visiting safe. 

Masks and proof of COVID-19 vaccination continue to be required in all cities, localities, and private businesses that choose to require them despite the removal of statewide mandates. Businesses and venues may require COVID-19 safety measures for some or all events they host.

Please be respectful of the request to put on a mask properly covering both nose and mouth, or other COVID-19 safety mitigation requirements, at an attraction or in a place of business.

Visitors to NYC who are interested in finding mask-required venues and events can find relevant information on the NYC Mask Guide site  (note: clicking this link will take you to a separate website created by local residents, these listings are not curated by I LOVE NY).

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

As of May 12, 2023, international visitors are no longer required to show proof of vaccination to enter the United States.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

World Health Organization: Coronavirus

CDC: How to protect yourself & others

CDC: 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Local NYS County Health Departments

NYC Department of Health

US Travel Association - Emergency Preparedness and Response: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Vaccination in New York Stat e

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Thinking of Traveling in the U.S.? Check Which States Have Travel Restrictions

Some states still have measures in place for visitors, from testing to quarantine requirements.

By Karen Schwartz

This list, updated May 12, will not longer be updated, as many of the states have removed travel restrictions put in place because of the pandemic. The updates for international destinations will continue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says those who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus can safely travel within the United States, but others are asked to avoid traveling to minimize the chance they will expose themselves or others to the potentially deadly virus.

For those who aren’t two weeks out from their final shot, the C.D.C. asks that they get a viral test one to three days before their departure, and again three to five days after their return. Even with a negative test, travelers are advised to stay home and avoid nonessential activities for a week upon their return. People who don’t get tested should extend that to 10 days, and both groups should avoid others at high risk for 14 days.

People who are fully inoculated do not need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it, according to the C.D.C. The same applies to self-quarantine.

The C.D.C. offer two useful tools online to help vacationers plan their trips. One site links to state and local restrictions by city, state or ZIP code. The other includes a color-coded map of the infection rate by state , so people can easily see how prevalent the virus is at their destination.

All travelers regardless of vaccination status should keep their guard up and use safety precautions when away from home: wear a face mask in airports and stations, and on planes, trains, and buses, avoid large gatherings and stay at least six feet from others, wash hands frequently and keep hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol in close reach.

Here is a summary of restrictions in the United States for leisure travelers in effect as of May 11, unless otherwise noted. Many states do not apply them to those staying for less than 24 hours. Some municipalities or counties may have more stringent regulations. There are generally exemptions for essential workers who are on the job, including health care workers, members of the military and others, but even they may be subject to some restrictions . Visits for medical care or study are considered essential in some states, but not in others.

International restrictions can be found in our companion story on international destinations that have reopened to American citizens.

There are no statewide restrictions in Alabama.

There are no requirements, however a state advisory says, “Since testing of non-vaccinated travelers is the best means for limiting the spread of Covid-19 virus and variants, it is recommended that non-vaccinated travelers test prior to travel or take advantage of free and optional Covid-19 testing available at primary ports of entry in Alaska.”

An optional online travel portal is the hub for traveler information. Current plans are for the state to start offering free Covid-19 vaccines at some airports beginning June 1.

Some communities have their own restrictions, which can be looked up on an interactive website .

There are no statewide restrictions in Arizona.

There are no statewide restrictions in Arkansas.

The state is recommending people follow C.D.C. guidance , including limiting nonessential travel to those who are fully vaccinated.

Most of California is open to visitors, but regional and local restrictions may be in place. All restrictions, except those for conventions of more than 5,000 attendees, are expected to lift on June 15 .

There are no statewide restrictions. The state is recommending people follow C.D.C. guidance , including limiting nonessential travel to those who are fully vaccinated.

Connecticut

There are no statewide restrictions in Connecticut. Visitors are advised to follow C.D.C. guidance .

There are no statewide restrictions in Delaware.

District of Columbia

Except for those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and asymptomatic, or those who were infected with the virus in the previous 90 days and are fully recovered, anyone visiting for more than 24 hours from a high risk area must get a negative coronavirus test no more than 72 hours before their arrival. If they are staying in Washington for more than three days, they must have another test done three to five days after arriving. If the test is positive the visitor, and any close contacts, must complete their isolation before traveling home. A high risk area is considered any jurisdiction with more than 10 positive cases per 100,000 people per day. The local government isn’t providing a list, but an interactive map put together by The New York Times provides that information.

The order does not apply to travelers from Maryland and Virginia who have not been in a high risk area in the previous two weeks. As of May 2, it also excludes visitors from Alabama, Arkansas, California, Guam, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands.

There are no statewide restrictions in Florida.

There are no statewide restrictions in Georgia.

Travelers ages 5 and older wishing to bypass the 10-day mandatory quarantine on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui and Oahu must have a negative Nucleic Acid Amplification result from an approved testing site that was taken within 72 hours of the final leg of the trip. Those without a test or with pending test results must quarantine, and test results will not be accepted once the traveler is in Hawaii. The results must either be uploaded online into a mandatory health form or travelers can bring a hard copy when boarding their flight.

In addition to the pre-travel test for trans-Pacific passengers, some counties mandate a second test. The county of Hawaii is randomly testing at least 25 percent of arriving passengers at the airport at no charge. Maui and Kauai counties are requesting another free voluntary test 72 hours after arrival.

Those who were fully vaccinated in the state of Hawaii at least two weeks prior may travel inter-county without pretesting or quarantine. For others, however, there are also testing requirements in some areas for traveling from one county to another. People entering Hawaii County can either have a test 72 hours before arrival, or be tested after entering the county and quarantine until a negative result is received. Visitors to Maui County must have a test 72 hours before arrival and if unvaccinated, take a free rapid coronavirus test upon arrival at Kahului Airport. Alternatively, they may quarantine for 10 days. Visitors to Kauai County may avoid a 10-day quarantine with a pretest, but those who arrive with a pretest approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but not by the state of Hawaii can participate in a “resort bubble” policy that allows travelers at certain hotels to move about the grounds, and then take a virus test on the third day. If the test is negative, the visitor is released from quarantine. There is no inter-island test or quarantine required for Honolulu County.

There are no statewide restrictions in Idaho, but the state recommends following C.D.C. guidelines for isolating after travel.

There are no statewide restrictions in Illinois. However, under an emergency travel order, Chicago has implemented a two-tier color-coded travel system . Domestic travelers who are more than two weeks out from being fully vaccinated are exempt, as are those who tested positive for the virus in the past 90 days, but are beyond their 10-day isolation period and asymptomatic.

Those from the “yellow” areas may enter without quarantine or testing. They include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Those travelers from other areas fall under an “orange” advisory, meaning they are asked to avoid traveling into the city unless they are asymptomatic and two weeks out from their final Covid-19 vaccine. Others who visit must either quarantine for 10 days (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter) or have a negative result from a virus test taken in the 72 hours before their arrival. These higher risk areas are: Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Washington and West Virginia.

People should travel with a copy of their vaccination certificate or if coming from an orange state, a copy of their coronavirus test result. The list is updated every other Tuesday, with the next update expected on May 18.

There are no statewide restrictions in Indiana.

There are no statewide restrictions in Iowa. Visitors are advised to follow C.D.C. guidance .

A quarantine requirement applies to residents and visitors who traveled on or after May 6 to certain counties in Colorado, on or after April 22 to Minnesota, on or after April 8 to Pennsylvania, between April 8 and April 22 to Connecticut, on or after March 26 to Delaware, Michigan or Rhode Island, and on or after March 12 to New Jersey or New York. It also applies to those who participated in any out-of-state gathering that included 500 people or more where individuals did not wear masks and socially distance by six feet, and to those who were on a cruise or traveled to some international destinations. In some cases, the quarantine period is shorter for those with no symptoms who on the sixth day get a PCR test that comes back negative. They can leave quarantine on the eighth day. Those with no symptoms who opt not to have a coronavirus test can leave on 11th day. States with a diagnosed virus rate three times that of Kansas may be added to a quarantine list. Local health departments may have other restrictions.

There are no statewide restrictions in Kentucky. Visitors are advised to follow C.D.C. guidance , including avoiding nonessential travel until fully vaccinated.

There are no statewide restrictions in Louisiana.

There are no statewide restrictions in Maine.

There are no statewide restrictions in Maryland.

Massachusetts

Those entering the state, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days unless they had a negative Covid-19 test in the previous 72 hours. Tests can be taken in Massachusetts but people are asked to quarantine until they receive a negative result.

Those who were fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior and are asymptomatic, and those who are recovered but who previously tested positive for the virus more than 10 days but less than 90 days before arrival do not need to obtain a negative pretest nor quarantine. Testing for children 10 years and younger who are traveling with an adult from their household is not necessary, though they should follow the quarantine advisory for the adult they accompanied.

There are no statewide restrictions in Michigan.

There are no statewide restrictions in Minnesota. Visitors are advised to follow C.D.C. guidance .

Mississippi

There are no statewide restrictions in Mississippi.

There are no statewide restrictions in Missouri.

There are no statewide restrictions in Montana.

There are no statewide restrictions in Nebraska for domestic travelers. Those arriving from international destinations are required to follow C.D.C. recommendations.

There are no statewide restrictions in Nevada.

New Hampshire

There are no statewide restrictions in New Hampshire for domestic travelers, although the state recommends people follow C.D.C. recommendations .

A 10-day self-quarantine is in effect for travelers or residents coming from an international destination or travel on a cruise ship. Alternatively, they can get a molecular test for Covid-19 on day six or day seven and if it’s negative, leave quarantine on their eighth day after travel. No quarantine requirement is in effect for those who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus and at least 14 days have passed since their second dose, or for those who had a positive result to a PCR or antigen test for the virus in the previous 90 days, but are no longer ill.

Nonessential travel by those who aren’t immunized against Covid-19 is discouraged. Unvaccinated travelers and residents returning after 24 hours or more in any place other than New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware are asked to follow C.D.C. guidance. They are also asked to complete an online survey providing details about where they have been and where they plan to stay.

Those who have been vaccinated and people who tested positive for the coronavirus in the previous three months and recovered do not need to quarantine or be tested again as long as they don’t have symptoms.

People arriving in New Mexico from a high risk state or territory, which is any place other than Hawaii, are advised to self-quarantine for 10 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter, and be tested for the virus at their earliest convenience. Nonessential travel should be avoided.

Asymptomatic domestic travelers may enter New York without mandatory testing or quarantine. However, other than those who are fully vaccinated, or who recovered from Covid-19 in the previous three months, people are asked to voluntarily follow C.D.C. recommendations . Those arriving from international destinations must follow C.D.C. requirements for testing and quarantine.

All travelers entering New York after 24 hours away must complete a traveler health form unless they are arriving from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont.

North Carolina

There are no statewide restrictions in North Carolina.

North Dakota

There are no statewide restrictions in North Dakota. However, the state recommends following C.D.C. guidance .

There are no statewide travel restrictions in Ohio.

There are no statewide restrictions in Oklahoma.

Oregon is urging visitors and returning residents to self-quarantine for 14 days . An exemption exists for those who are asymptomatic and at least 14 days from having been fully vaccinated. Oregonians are discouraged from traveling for nonessential reasons.

Pennsylvania

There are no statewide restrictions in Pennsylvania.

Puerto Rico

Visitors need to present a negative molecular test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Those awaiting test results, those arriving without a test and those arriving with symptoms must quarantine for 14 days or until a negative result is provided to the Puerto Rico Health Department. An online travel declaration form must also be completed.

Rhode Island

Anyone visiting from a hot spot or an international destination must complete a certificate of compliance . Those arriving from a high risk state need to quarantine for 10 days or provide proof of a negative result from a test taken after arrival or in the 72 hours before arrival. People who receive a negative test during their quarantine can stop, although the state recommends the full duration.

The high risk areas are: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.

Travelers coming from an international destination must quarantine for 10 days, though a negative result from a test taken at least five days after arrival will allow that to be shortened to seven days.

Both domestic and international travelers who tested positive for the virus in the previous 90 days and are fully recovered do not need to retest or quarantine. Similarly, those who were vaccinated at least two weeks before arrival and have no virus symptoms do not need to quarantine.

South Carolina

There are no statewide restrictions in South Carolina, however those returning from travel in the previous 14 days are asked to stay home as much as possible.

South Dakota

There are no statewide restrictions in South Dakota. Some routes entering tribal lands are closed to the general public.

There are no statewide restrictions in Tennessee.

There are no statewide restrictions in Texas.

There are no statewide restrictions in Utah.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Visitors age 5 and older must have a negative coronavirus test taken within five days of arrival and submit the result through a travel portal to obtain permission to enter the country. People who can show a positive test for antibodies taken within the previous four months may submit those. A travel certification will be sent back, and it and the original test result must be shown upon landing. Those who don’t have an acceptable test result must quarantine for 14 days at their own cost or the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter. They can also get out of quarantine by producing the needed test result.

A C.D.C. rule requires travelers into the United States to show proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight does not apply to people going to or from the U.S. mainland and the U.S. territory.

There is no quarantine for domestic travelers, but people who are unvaccinated and arriving from out-of-state must have a negative PCR test within three days of arrival, while Vermonters who leave the state must get a PCR test within three days of their return. Those who are within 90 days of recovering from the virus are exempt from the testing requirements.

International travelers must follow C.D.C. guidance.

There are no statewide restrictions in Virginia, although nonessential travel is being discouraged.

There are no statewide restrictions in Washington. However, the state recommends following C.D.C. guidance

West Virginia

There are no statewide restrictions in West Virginia.

There are no statewide restrictions in Wisconsin but following C.D.C. recommendations is advised. The state’s Department of Health Services recommends Wisconsinites cancel or postpone all travel, including travel within the state, unless they are fully vaccinated.

There are no statewide restrictions in Wyoming.

Follow Karen Schwartz on Twitter: @WanderWomanIsMe .

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New York State prepares for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse

R OCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — In just two weeks — people will be looking to the skies for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse, Governor Hochul and state leaders are preparing residents for the big day.

The eclipse will take around two hours to pass across all of New York State, with only a brief window of being in the path of totality. State officials say they have been planning for the eclipse for 18 months.

State officials said if you plan to travel in order to view the eclipse, you are encouraged to leave lots of time for traveling and be patient. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected in New York State and this may lead to congestion.

In order to aid with congestion, Commissioner Jackie Bray of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management says the state is sending out assets such as heavy tow trucks and help trucks from the Department of Transportation to help those driving in. Residents and travelers are encouraged to use 511NY for updates. All gas stations are topped off for April 8.

Those parking for the eclipse are told to park in designated spots so emergency vehicles can maneuver on the roads safely. Residents are encouraged to try and not travel on the day of the eclipse.

Those heading to a state park are warned that state parks’ campgrounds are 100% sold out for Sunday and 93% sold out for Monday, the day of the eclipse.

Residents are also encouraged to purchase a pair of Eclipse-viewing glasses for safe viewing and to check to make sure the glasses you buy are effective.

Those traveling from outside New York to view the eclipse are encouraged to “arrive early and stay late.” The state has a website set up dedicated to the eclipse, such as glasses, merchandise, and a music playlist.

Everyone is warned that cell phone service will be overloaded on the day of the eclipse, but 911 calls will still go through.

Many people, businesses, and organizations are preparing for the eclipse. Several schools are closed for the day , police are preparing to handle traffic , Wegmans is closing some stores for half an hour for employees to view the eclipse, and residents are grabbing their Eclipse-viewing glasses .

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