Washington, DC is Open for Business

The nation's capital is ready to welcome you. The DC government has announced mandatory indoor mask requirements and proof of vaccination requirements for most indoor establishments. Find the latest information from the DC government at coronavirus.dc.gov.

Indoor Mask Requirement

Masks are required indoors through at least Jan. 31, 2022.

All people, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask indoors in public settings.

Proof of Vaccination

Starting on Jan. 15, 2022, proof of vaccination is required at indoor gathering locations in DC:

Indoor food and drink establishments (restaurants, coffee shops, food halls, nightclubs)

Indoor cultural and entertainment establishments (concert venues, live entertainment and sporting venues, movie theaters, bowling alleys)

Indoor event and meeting venues

The requirement applies to hotel meeting rooms, ballrooms and hotel restaurants and bars, but proof of vaccination is not required at check-in for individual hotel guests.

Visitors to museums generally do not have to show proof of vaccination, unless attending a private event or dining in a café. However, Smithsonian museums and private museums may have their own requirements and visitors should check with individual establishments.

Retail stores, grocery stores and private offices are not currently subject to the city’s requirement.

Patrons ages 12+ must provide proof of one dose by Jan. 15, 2022 and full vaccination by Feb. 15, 2022.

Visitors are encouraged to check with individual establishments about COVID-19 protocols.

Current Travel Requirements

Fully vaccinated travelers (or visitors who tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 90 days) may travel to DC from domestic locations without testing or quarantining unless showing symptoms of COVID-19. If traveling from an international location, visitors and residents must show a negative test before boarding a flight to the U.S.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must follow COVID-19 testing and quarantining requirements for non-essential travel. Proof of vaccination is generally required to visit indoor gathering locations. If visitors are requesting medical or religious exemption, documentation and proof of a negative antigen or PCR test within 24 hours is required.

General travel requirements for unvaccinated visitors include getting a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before visiting DC, getting a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after returning home from their trip and self-quarantining for 7 days after returning home. You do not need a COVID-19 test if traveling from Maryland and Virginia or in DC in less than 24 hours. Private institutions and local government officials may ask for proof of a negative test.

Where you can get vaccinated: Check out DC Government resources on pediatric vaccination pre-registration, health centers offering the vaccine and transportation options. Or check out the official vaccines.gov site to find a list of pharmacies, health clinics and hospitals offering vaccines near you.

You can also find the latest events and festivals on weekdays, weekends and this month.