Tybee Island, Georgia. Photo by @nelliebradfordphotography

Tybee Island, Georgia. Photo by @nelliebradfordphotography

How to Travel Safely in Georgia

We know that traveling right now comes with a new set of challenges. You want a change of scenery, but you have a lot of questions before you hit the road. What's open in Georgia? What can you do when you get here? What do you need to bring with you to be prepared? How can you stay safe while you travel? We'll answer those questions below and direct you to the resources you need to make fully informed decisions about your next trip in Georgia.

Providence Canyon in Lumpkin, Georgia. Photo by @capturecalliope
Providence Canyon in Lumpkin, Georgia. Photo by @capturecalliope

What’s open, and what can you do when you get here?

Georgia is open, but many businesses have adjusted operations to keep customers and employees safe.

Modified operating hours and practices

You might find that some businesses have changed their regular operating hours and practices. Restaurants might offer only takeout or outdoor dining, and stores might not be open every day or might have reduced their hours. Be sure to check the website or social media for the business before you visit should you need to make a restaurant reservation or buy attraction tickets online ahead of your visit.

Local travel advisories

Many of Georgia's cities and counties are keeping tabs on the businesses and attractions in their communities and sharing the most current information on their websites. We've compiled a list of those sites on the Explore Georgia Local Travel Advisories page. Check those pages as you plan your trip to see how your destination is adjusting its practices. Also, because things can change daily, check your destination’s social media pages for updates.

Georgia State Parks

Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites are a great place to be outdoors, safely. But, please know that some of the more popular parks are experiencing large crowds, especially on weekends. To ensure social distancing and protect the health of the public and employees, some parks may need to temporarily limit access or close a park. And, some amenities may be closed. For the most updated information, visit the Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites COVID-19 page.

Georgia Visitor Information Centers

Georgia's nine Visitor Information Centers (VICs) are open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Restroom facilities at the VICs are open daily. The Georgia Department of Transportation has performed a deep clean of all VIC restroom facilities and will continue with enhanced cleanings, maintaining all required health and hygiene standards. More information about the VICs can be found on the Explore Georgia website.

Georgia Visitor Information Center in Augusta, Georgia
Georgia Visitor Information Center in Augusta, Georgia

What do you need to bring with you to be prepared?

Face coverings

All non-vaccinated Georgians and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings in public when social distancing isn't possible. Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. So, be sure to bring along cloth face coverings for you and your family. Help protect yourself. Help protect others. And help protect the employees of your favorite Georgia businesses. Wearing a mask helps keep us all safe. Learn more about the Georgia Safety Promise.

Hand sanitizer

You'll also need to wash your hands regularly and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), particularly after you have been in a public place and touched an item or surface that may be frequently touched by other people, such as door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping carts, or electronic cashier registers/screens. When you can’t use soap and water, you should use hand sanitizer. Bring some along on your trip.

Mountain road in Chickamauga, Georgia. Photo by @hogjowlroad
Mountain road in Chickamauga, Georgia. Photo by @hogjowlroad

How can you stay safe while you travel?

Given new evidence on the Omicron variant currently circulating in the United States, all visitors and Georgians are encouraged to follow health guidance, which recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated and for everyone in areas of substantial or high transmission to wear a mask in public indoor places, even if they are fully vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) made changes in guidance for fully vaccinated people as of Jan. 5, 2022.

Social distancing

Practicing social distancing by staying at least six feet from people not in your household is one of the best ways you can stay safe as you travel in Georgia. You'll find that businesses have marked places to stand to maintain your distance while visiting. When in doubt, spread out.

Avoid touching your face

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. And, review the CDC's guidance for daily life and going out that recommends questions to ask when deciding to go out, as well as practices for visiting beaches, running errands, using transportation, and more.

Milky Way over Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia
Milky Way over Driftwood Beach. Photo by Brian Lee, @jekyll_island

Where will you go next in Georgia?

Travel FAQs

If you decide to travel, please protect yourself and others from COVID-19. For more answers to questions about travel restrictions and openings, visit the Explore Georgia COVID-19 FAQ page.

Georgia travel inspiration

As you're planning a trip, the 2021 Explore Georgia Travel Guide has trip ideas, travel resources, and more information about exploring Georgia. Subscribe to receive Explore Georgia newsletters in your inbox, and follow @exploregeorgia on social media for more travel inspiration.

We want you to experience all of the amazing places and things to do in Georgia, but your health and safety are paramount. Consider your options, stay safe, and we look forward to your visit as soon as you are ready.

Published: January 2022
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