In the enthusiastic eyes of a visitor, California is a country in its own right. With its lively cities, varied landscapes and warm climate, the state of California sets the stage for the Great American Road Trip.

While the raging pandemic has left the travel industry in tatters for the past few months, it is now gradually gearing up for a return to small normalcy with borders reopening, easing of quarantine requirements, and creation of travel bubbles. Travellers around the world are now keen to find out if, when and where they can travel to the Golden State of California. Can anyone travel to California now?

Who can travel to California?

Interstate travellers

There are currently no restrictions in place for interstate travel to and from California. There are also no COVID testing requirements in place for both residents and visitors. However, all residents of the State of California are currently under order to stay home or at their place of residence, except for permitted work, local shopping or other permitted errands, or as otherwise authorized.  

International travellers

International travellers are subject to entry rules and requirements of the United States. Regardless of nationality, travellers who have spent the last 14 days in the following countries may not enter the United States.

• China
• Iran
• European Schengen area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City)
• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Republic of Ireland
• Brazil

Exceptions may apply to US citizens and their families or legal permanent resident. For details on quarantine measures and other exemptions, please consult our US travel restrictions article.

Do I need to quarantine if I travel to California?

On 13 November, the State of California issued a travel advisory urging persons arriving in California from other states or countries, including returning California residents, to practice self-quarantine for 14 days.

However, although the travel advisory was formally issued by the Governor of California himself, there are currently no control or tracking mechanisms officially put in place by the authorities. The travel advisory is just that — advice, with no legal repercussions involved.