With the health and safety of all Montana residents and visitors the highest priority, Montana is in Phase Two of reopening the state in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic. We have all gone to great lengths to help control the spread, and it remains imperative that we continue to do our part by following state and CDC guidelines.
This phased approach is based on up-to-date data and statewide preparedness. It mitigates the risk of resurgence, placing emphasis on protecting those in Montana most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. By continuing to take measures seriously, we protect our family, friends, and neighbors as Montana begins to emerge from its initial encounter with COVID-19.
At this time, social distancing is still expected, and all vulnerable or high-risk individuals should continue to follow the stay at home guidance and postpone nonessential travel. Everyone, especially those at higher risk of getting sick, should continue to follow Montana Department of Public Health recommendations to protect themselves.
Travelers: Please TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY:
- Always wear a face covering when in crowds and indoors.
- Stay up-to-date on travel regulations and COVID-19 situation using reliable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
- Plan ahead to ensure businesses and attractions are open.
- Stay safe, and help keep others safe.
- Be respectful, kind, patient and prepared.
- Continue to monitor the situation, and adjust plans accordingly.
Travelers can expect the Montana National Guard to continue to conduct screenings in airports and train depots and refer anyone with COVID-19-related symptoms to local public health officials.
VISITING GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
- While the east side of the park remains closed, the west side is open, with restrictions; services—as well as road and trail access for vehicles, hikers and bikers—in and around the park’s west side may be limited.
- Buy your park entrance pass in advance at recreation.gov/sitepass/74280.
- The Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to vehicles from West Glacier to Avalanche and the campground is available for day-use parking, but the details continue to evolve. Before heading out, check road status here.
- Visitors will be able to access restrooms and trails from open park roads.
- Private businesses in Apgar Village may or may not be open.
- Recreation is permitted in certain areas of the park. Hikers and bikers should check trail and road info before heading out.
- Sun Tours and Red Bus Tours have been suspended for the 2020 season. Park shuttle service may not resume operations this season either. Glacier Park Boat Company is suspending all boat tours and small boat rental operations for the 2020 season as well.
- Because this is a phased reopening and the COVID-19 situation is ongoing, please check the National Park Service for the most up-to-date information before and during your travel to the park and surrounding communities.
SPECIAL NOTE: Tribal Nations in Montana have extended stay-at-home orders indefinitely and continue to exercise caution to protect their elders and other vulnerable populations from the spread of COVID-19. At this time, all tribal lands are closed to visitors. In Western Montana that includes the Flathead Reservation and the Blackfeet Reservation.
TRAVEL FROM CANADA
To our friends in Canada wondering about crossing the U.S. border for a Montana visit: While we look forward to seeing you when the time is right, recreational visits are not permitted between the United States and Canada at this time. Please read more on our International Border Crossings page.
ILLNESS PREVENTION
Avoid exposure to COVID-19 by doing the following:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often for at least 20 seconds using soap and water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue (or your elbow)
- Stay home if you are sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
If you have traveled to any destination during the past 14 days:
- Monitor your health and practice social distancing.
- If you get sick with a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing:
- Seek medical advice. Call ahead before going to a doctor's office or emergency room.
- Tell your doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Do not travel while sick.
The state of Montana is supporting Montana's destination communities in the following ways:
- Establish test centers and ensure adequate supplies are available to meet resident, seasonal employee, and visitor needs within Montana's most visited destination communities.
- Coordinate a community snapshot testing plan to create an early warning system for potential community spread in the most highly visited and highly vulnerable destination communities.
- Develop contingency plans for managing sick visitors, including contact tracing capabilities.
RESOURCES
For more traveler information and prevention tips, we encourage you to seek the most current information from the following sources:
Partner Information & Travel Updates
