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EO 13998Executive OrderBiden · D

Executive Order 13998

Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel

This executive order mandates mask-wearing on domestic public transportation and at airports, and establishes policies for COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements for international travelers entering the United States. It directs multiple federal agencies to implement these public health measures consistent with CDC guidelines and to submit implementation plans within specified timeframes.

Federal Register Open PDF 86 FR 7205

Impact dates

  1. Assessment of CDC January 12, 2021 testing order for airline passengers due

  2. Plan for public health measures at land ports of entry due

  3. Agency heads update COVID-19 Response Coordinator on mask requirement progress, including exceptions

  4. Progress update to COVID-19 Response Coordinator on international travel section implementation

Key directives

  • Require masks on commercial aircraft, trains, public maritime vessels, intercity buses, and all public transportation per CDC guidelines
  • Assess CDC January 12, 2021 testing order for airline passengers within 14 days
  • Submit plan for land port public health measures within 14 days
  • Submit plan for sea port public health measures within 14 days
  • Provide plan for implementing self-quarantine/isolation after international flights
  • Assess feasibility of linking COVID-19 vaccination to ICVPs and electronic versions
  • Submit progress reports to COVID-19 Response Coordinator within 7 days and regularly thereafter
  • Do not preempt more protective state/local/tribal/territorial public health measures

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Mask requirement implementation on domestic transportation modes
  • Diplomatic outreach to Canada and Mexico on land port protocols
  • Agency heads to begin coordinating with COVID-19 Response Coordinator

Near term (90d)

  • Assessment of CDC testing order for air travel due within 14 days
  • Land port implementation plan due within 14 days
  • Sea port implementation plan due within 14 days
  • Plan for self-quarantine/isolation implementation after international flights
  • First progress reports due within 7 days

Long term

  • Potential linking of COVID-19 vaccination to International Certificates of Vaccination or Prophylaxis
  • Establishment of international guidelines for safe travel with WHO, ICAO, and other organizations
  • Ongoing agency coordination and regular progress reporting

Risks & tensions

  • Enforcement challenges across multiple transportation modes and jurisdictions
  • Potential conflict with states opposing mask mandates, despite non-preemption clause
  • Diplomatic friction with Canada and Mexico over land border protocols
  • Operational burden on transportation industry and potential resistance
  • Vague 'to the extent appropriate and consistent with applicable law' language creates implementation uncertainty
  • Feasibility of quarantine enforcement for international arrivals unclear
Executive Order 13998: Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel · Executive Orders