COVID-19 FAQs
your go-to guide for visiting Greater Portland
Make Maine memories this year
Greater Portland, Maine is open and waiting for you. When you’re ready to come and see the region, we will be here to safely accommodate you. Visitors from all U.S. states are welcome to visit Maine without restrictions or testing. Masks are not required outdoors and the indoor mask mandate in Portland, Maine expired on Feb 17, 2022.
Most shops, restaurants, hotels, and tours are up-and-running and our Visitor Information Center is open and ready to take visitor inquiries. Please reach out to our staff at: info@visitportland.com or 207-772-5800 if you have any questions!
Sea you soon.
Q: How Can I Visit Maine?
A: ALL states are allowed to travel to Maine without quarantine or testing unless they have been determined by the CDC as a problematic state due to the amount of cases (Began May 1, 2021)
Maine covid-19 protocols and testing
These developments are ongoing, so please keep checking back on our COVID-19 Protocol page for the latest updates.
Q: Do I need to get tested to visit Maine?
A: The testing requirement was lifted to all states (unless they have been determined by the CDC as a problematic state due to the amount of cases)
If you want to get tested when you arrive, here are Maine’s Swab & Send sites where you can get a COVID-19 test.
The Portland International Jetport is hosting COVID-19 testing. Community members and Maine visitors may elect to get tested with easy online booking. Learn more.
Antigen tests, which provide results within 15 minutes are also available. Learn more.
Q. Where can I find a full list of testing sites?
A. Check out this helpful test site finder.
Find out more precautions Maine is taking through its “Keep Maine Healthy” campaign on the state’s FAQ page.
Q. What if I already got vaccinated against COVID-19?
A. All who are vaccinated may travel to Maine without restriction from any state within the U.S. View the CDC’s public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people here.
Q. What are the gathering limits?
A: Maine updated its Moving Maine Forward plan to lift all capacity limits and physical distancing requirements in all outdoor public settings as well as capacity limits for indoor public venues and physical distancing requirements, except in settings where people would be removing their face coverings.
Q. How Can I get to and from Maine?
A. You can make it to Greater Portland by plane, train, bus, or car. Drive-up the scenic coast, take a direct flight, or a leisurely ride on the bus or train. However you want to make it to Maine—it’s up to you and your families’ comfort level.
FLY INTO the Portland JETPORT
Our Portland International Jetport takes health concerns seriously and is working closely with health professionals and airline partners to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and employees. Learn more about the precautions and cleaning protocols the jetport has been employing.
The Portland International Jetport is hosting COVID-19 testing. Community members and Maine visitors may elect to get tested with easy online booking. Learn more.
Take the Train to Maine
The Amtrak Downeaster announced they are increasing service and implementing a new schedule on May 3, 2021. This will restore the Downeaster to its pre-COVID service level of five daily round trips between Brunswick and Boston. There are many new safety measures in place and deals to help secure your trip.
Arrive By bus
Concord Coach Lines service between NH, Maine, Boston, and Logan Airport resumed in August 2020 with some schedule changes. View their Clean Commitment to see learn about some of the extra safety precautions they have instituted and get a behind-the-scenes look at what how they are keeping passengers and employees safe.
Q. How Can I get around Greater Portland?
A. Our local bus service, METRO, is up-and-running and has also implemented enhanced service changes effective July 2020.
Greater Portland Public Transportation
These schedule updates, part of a phased-in process to restore regular service, will increase frequency and expand the span of service on several routes. Their new fare system Dirigo Touchpass provides a safer and contactless way to pay. Riders can download the mobile app to pay their fare with a QR code OR use the DiriGo TouchPass Card and just tap the reader when they board the bus. Cash is still accepted (exact fare). Check out their maps and schedule for a full list of updates and service changes.
There are plenty of other ways to get around whether it be by bike rental, chauffeur, or sea taxi, You can learn more on the Getting Around page on our site.
Q. Are your Visitor Information Centers open?
A. Our Ocean Gateway Information Center is now open! When you’re in town, stop by our Visitor Information Center to pick-up brochures, Visitor’s Guides, maps of the region, and plenty of pro-tips to help make the most of your stay in Greater Portland.
Call 207-772-5800 | Email info@visitportland.com
Visit Portland will only be mailing first-class Visitor’s Guides until further notice, but you can check out our Virtual Visitor’s Guide, completely free of cost, anytime. If you have any additional questions that haven’t been answered—email us at info@visitportland.com and we will do our best to assist.
Q. What socially distanced activities are AVAILABLE?
A. Greater Portland Maine has plenty to offer whether you’re looking for Beaches, Parks & Wildlife, or other Outdoor Adventures. Maine’s “Outdoors” make the the perfect playground. Start Here.
You can also find Cruises & Tours, excursions, and local events on our Events Calendar. And here’s a tip: many business offer private tours and charters, if you are looking for a more custom experience.. Some are even offering virtual tours—like museums and entertainment with online programming and events.
Q. Where can I find Outdoor Dining?
A. Whether you want to eat across the street from a historic landmark or crave a water view, outside seating is waiting for you all across the region. This year, Portland has re-launched our outdoor dining program allowing businesses to expand into public spaces, so visitors can enjoy food & drink while staying safe at unique, outdoor dining environments.
Explore outdoor dining opportunities all across Maine and all year long on Maine Outdoor Dine.
Q. Are restaurants in Maine open? What restaurants offer take-out, delivery and curbside?
A. Most restaurants, bars, and breweries have reopened with new public health standards in place. You can find additional restaurant services like takeout, curbside, or delivery by using our search criteria. Check the boxes on the left navigation to narrow down your search. Start Here.
Q. Are retail stores open to the public? Do shops provide curbside or online ordering?
A. Stores are allowing in-person shopping with additional precautions and safety standards. However, you can use our search criteria to find online shopping options and many businesses now offering curbside pick-up and local delivery. Check the boxes on the left navigation to narrow down your search. Start Here.
Q. What events and festivals have cancelled, rescheduled, or readjusted their offerings?
A. Our Events Calendar is the best place to start for upcoming events, tours, and activities. And check back on our Fairs + Festivals page to see which annual events have been postponed or cancelled.
RESOURCES FOR AREA BUSINESSES
Find information for local businesses effected by COVID-19. Visit Portland along with other partners have compiled plenty of resource links to help. Start Here
