wv travel advisory

Update May 10, 2024

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Charleston, WV

West Virginia

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Travel restrictions and advisories in West Virginia

Check the links below to find government orders and decrees related to COVID-19. Government responses continue to evolve, so please check back often for updates and rely on your local and national government for the most current information.

Statewide Guidance General COVID-19 Information and Resources

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Discover fall in almost heaven.

Featured Destinations

From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. It’s all waiting for you this summer in Almost Heaven.

Chase stunning fall foliage this season aboard a scenic train ride or ATV excursion. Reconnect with friends and family in a cozy cabin. From charming small towns to flavorful farm-to-table dishes, an autumn adventure awaits in Almost Heaven.

Featured Road Trip

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route.

Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, you’ll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. Pair that with the region’s compelling historical past and vibrant small towns, and you’ve got one very memorable trip....

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Culture & Lifestyle

Check Out These Charming Small Towns in Almost Heaven

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route, a memorable trip through the potomac highlands.

Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation.

Explore Some of West Virginia's Most Stunning Sights

Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway.

You Can Take a Drive and a Dip Along This Historic Loop

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Cabins & Vacation Rentals

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Explore lodging.

Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away.

Current Season

Blooming rhododendrons. Wildflower hikes. Rushing waterfalls. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive.

Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam.

Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall.

The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe.

Request A Free Vacation Guide

West Virginia awaits your arrival with rich mountain culture, sweeping landscape views and unlimited outdoor adventure. Plan your trip with our exclusive Vacation Guides leading the way. Order a brand new 2024 Vacation Guide to start planning in style!

Welcome to West Virginia

The Mountain State is home to spirited small towns, undiscovered hidden gems and world-class outdoor adventures. In West Virginia, let country roads lead you far away from everything. And a little closer to heaven. Feel free to stay awhile.

Almost heaven in the news

West Virginia’s Blue Ridge peaks, dramatic gorges, and rushing rivers put it on the map for hikers, rafters, and rock climbers.

Perhaps one of the country’s most unsung – but most beautiful – destinations, West Virginia is a foliage fan’s dream.

West Virginia’s New River Gorge, encompassing more than 70,000 acres, became the country’s newest national park and preserve in December.

Whitewater rafting, a treetop obstacle course and the precarious Bridge Walk across the New River Gorge Bridge are particular highlights for families with big kids and tweens.

Although barely a five-hour drive from the Washington D.C. suburbs, this area is enveloped in enough national forest land to allow extra-clear skies.

West Virginia is a beauty queen of a state, with ragged mountains to hike or ski and white-water rapids to paddle. It’s also stuffed with Civil War history and charming small towns. To explore it all, you’ll need a home base.

Our collective obsession with the outdoors this past year turned out to be fortuitous timing for West Virginia.

Located on more than 70,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountains of the state’s southern region, the park’s titular waterway snakes through densely wooded hills and imposing sandstone cliffs.

America’s newest national park is one of the world’s finest river-rafting destinations. The site protects a slice of the New River, one of the oldest in the world, as well as the 876ft-tall New River Gorge Bridge.

When it comes to our national parks, there's definitely something of a hierarchy not too unlike Hollywood.

West Virginia has been getting the word out about all its spectacular nature of late—notably the churning whitewater, forested trails and sandstone cliffs of America’s 63rd national park.

The Ascend West Virginia initiative pays remote workers to move to one of five participating communities, with some extra perks aimed at attracting outdoor enthusiasts in particular

West Virginia lives up to its “Wild and Wonderful” slogan, and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve—voted the best park in the state in our annual South's Best Awards—perhaps epitomizes this catchphrase most of all.

With five participating communities, Ascend West Virginia is a public-private initiative with an impressive pedigree: Its founders are West Virginia native Brad D. Smith, former CEO of software company Intuit, and his wife Alys.

One of West Virginia’s best treasures is New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a 70,000-acre park where the world’s second-oldest river cuts through a vast valley of geological formations and ecological wonders.

Of the free, primitive campgrounds offered at New River Gorge National Park, we like Grandview Sandbar best for its easy river access, shady picnic tables, and designated fire rings.

New River Gorge, in West Virginia, became America’s newest national park in December 2020.

This former mining town has been reborn as an adventure hub with quick access to world-class rock climbing and whitewater rafting inside the New River Gorge.

Spring Into Almost Heaven

From scenic hikes between the mountains to charming small towns, West Virginia is sure to bring a new meaning to spring getaways.

Spring Inspiration

Find Your Own #AlmostHeaven

One of the best ways to stay in the loop on all things West Virginia is by following along with us on social media. From road trip ideas to must-visit trails, you are sure to be inspired by our feeds. Use the buttons below to join the conversation. Be sure to share your very own captures using #AlmostHeaven to be featured.

A Getaway Full of Spring Adventures

Let the warmth of spring air and cool mountain shade lead you to the getaway of your dreams. With everything from scenic trains and cozy cabins to world-class whitewater rafting, you are sure to find the adventure you are looking for here.

Cozy Cabins

Find More Inspo

Explore the West Virginia Waterfall Trail

Chasing waterfalls takes on a whole new meaning in West Virginia with the first-ever statewide Waterfall Trail. Download your virtual passport to start your waterfall hunt and earn exclusive prizes today.

Get Your Virtual Passport

Discover Featured Getaways

5 waterfalls to add to your spring bucket list in west virginia.

Nothing is quite like embarking on a spring adventure in Almost Heaven, and waterfall chasing is certainly a must-do when you’re here. All of these waterfalls are featured on the ...

These 6 Spring Glamping Sites in West Virginia Will Leave You Speechless

Imagine camping in the beautiful rolling hills of West Virginia without compromising the comforts of home. From secluded tree houses to domes fit for avid stargazers, Almost Heaven crafts stunning ...

Plan Ahead: A Whitewater Rafting Getaway

West Virginia is home to the highest density of whitewater runs in the country. From family-fun to thrilling adventure, here, there is a river for everyone. Meander through nature while ...

Visit America's Newest National Park

The New River Gorge has always been a celebrated landmark in the Mountain State, but now it gets recognition as the country's 63rd national park. From action-packed adventures like whitewater rafting and rock climbing to the southern hospitality of uncrowded mountain towns, the New River Gorge is a must-visit.

Discover The New River Gorge

Featured Destinations and Deals

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Beautiful Views in #AlmostHeaven West Virginia

• International Travel Information
• Travel Procedures

international activities to promote safe travel by students, faculty, and staff to and from activities or events that advance the University’s mission of research and discovery, teaching and learning, and community and cultural engagement.  

(CDC) has issued Travel Notices as well as countries for which there is a reasonable concern for the health and security of travelers even if they are not specifically identified on either list, a Risk Designated Travel Petition must be submitted for special review by the International Travel Advisory Committee (ITAC).

Students, faculty and staff will need to consult the policy for specific details before making arrangements for travel to countries where there are recognized dangers, instabilities or severe health risks. The WVU ITAC is responsible for implementing this policy, including review of requests and recommendations. However, final authority and approval for activities covered by this policy rests with the Provost. This policy stands in addition to all other relevant WVU policies and procedures for travel. Additional information and forms can be found on the Office of Global Affairs Travel Site.

West Virginia University International Travel Policy for Students

This procedure below applies to all undergraduate, graduate and professional student travel sponsored, organized, supported or recognized by WVU.  Travel is sponsored, organized, supported, or recognized by the university when any of the following occurs:

• Programs organized and/or sponsored by West Virginia University that are part of or contribute to an academic course or degree program including internships, practicum, and research;
• Academic related international service learning, internships, practicum, research, and volunteer opportunities organized and/or sponsored by WVU;
• Travel by members of a registered student organization regardless of whether or not the organization requires its student members to attend the activity or event;
• Other trips organized or sponsored by WVU including the activities of sponsored student organizations;
•  A program or trip administered by another institution or organization under an agreement with WVU;
• Travel to meetings of academic-related, professional associations including conferences;
• Any programs organized by WVU groups such as parents club, alumni organizations, etc.

Travel to countries under a Level 4 travel Advisory even during independent breaks during an approved international program may jeopardize a student’s continued participation in the program. 

If a Level 4 Travel Advisory/CDC alert is issued while a student is already in the subject country, the International Risk Manager in conjunction with the International Travel Advisory Committee will review and assess the situation and make appropriate recommendations and decisions based on concerns for the safety and security of student participants.  The International Risk Manager and ITAC may recommend immediate departure and/or suspension of the program if applicable. 

If a student wishes to travel to a destination for which there is a Level 3/4 or CDC warning, the student must complete a Risk Designated Travel Petition 3 months prior to travel.  This Petition will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the ITAC and the Associate Vice President for Global Affairs.  Notification of approval of permission for travel or denial will be provided to the student in writing by the International Risk Manager. Approval of travel to a Risk Designated country may be revoked at any time due to a change in a Travel Level Advisory or CDC alert.

All students who are United States citizens traveling are required to sign up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at https://step.state.gov/step/ .

WVU recognizes that when conducting research, teaching, or public service on a global level, opportunities will arise for faculty and staff to travel to countries that are under a Travel Warning, or Center for Disease Control warning/advisory.  The University does not prohibit such travel, but does endeavor to balance the risks of travel against the value and necessity of the travel.  The following rules and conditions may apply to such travel:

• All faculty or staff who are traveling for a university related purpose, must register their travel at:  https://international.wvu.edu/travel/registration When completing the travel registration, all WVU employees are required to provide information concerning Federal Export Controls regulations.  The gathering of this information is part of the travel registration process.  Completion of the registration automatically enrolls you in WVU’s international insurance and emergency response program. 
• Faculty or staff who wish to travel to countries under Level 3 or 4 Advisories are urged to review the Consular Information Sheet and the Advisory ( http://travel.state.gov/ ) and other available materials concerning the conditions in the destination country and to continue to evaluate the value and necessity of the travel against the risks that he/she will encounter if he/she chooses to travel.
• The Faculty/Staff will take precautions concerning his/her personal safety.  He/she must recognize that the University and the US State Department may not be able to help in the event that difficulties abroad are encountered. 
• Approval for travel with be at the discretion of the Chair, Dean and/or Associate Vice President for Global Affairs.  They may authorize, prohibit, or require modification to the travel schedule as needed to manage risk.
• Faculty/Staff who are already in country when a Level 4 Advisory is issued, will be contracted by the International Risk Manager.  The Faculty/Staff member must communicate with his/her Chair, Dean, and/or the Associate Vice President for Global Affairs concerning whether he/she will be required to return to the US or relocate to a safer area.
• If the Faculty/Staff elects to travel to a country under a Level 3 or 4 Travel Advisory or to remain once an Advisory has been elevated and is against the direction of the Chair/Dean and Associate Vice President, then the travel and all associated activity will be deemed outside the scope of his/her employment with WVU.  In this situation, WVU funds may not be used for travel or any associated expenses. 
• All faculty who are United States citizens are required to sign up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at https://step.state.gov/step/ .
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Thursday, May 09, 2024

Reminder for registering international travel issued

All faculty or staff who are traveling internationally for a University-related purpose or taking University-owned equipment or personal equipment with a University program, including email, abroad on personal travel must register their travel.

When completing the travel registration, all WVU employees must provide the information needed to help ensure compliance with U.S. export regulations.

The gathering of this information is part of the travel registration process. Documentation prior to your travel assures that you are in compliance with Federal Export Control regulations and that you are registered for international SOS/health/evacuation insurance coverage. It is best to complete the registration process at least six weeks prior to your travel.

If you will have students accompanying you on this trip and have not completed the Education Abroad process, please contact Vanessa Yerkovich. All student travel — credit or non-credit — with University faculty, must be conducted through Education Abroad.

Before inviting or accepting a visit by a foreign visitor, register the visit in the Office of Global Affairs’ International Visitor Registry.

Read more about hosting international visitors.

Upon receipt of the registration, the Export Control Office will review the visit to determine if the visitor is on a federal restricted party list, associated with a restricted entity, and/or whether there are any additional export control restrictions or requirements based on the nature and scope of the visit. The ECO will contact the host if any additional information is required, and provide any applicable export control requirements or guidance, where appropriate.

Find more information .

For questions, contact Tara George-Jones, international risk manager with the Office of Global Affairs, at [email protected] .