Hawaii’s Safe Travels Program & The CDC’s International Travel Announcement
January 14, 2021
Given the ever-evolving travel environment and Tuesday’s announcement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding new international testing requirements, we felt it appropriate to address the impact to Hawaii’s Safe Travels Program and reiterate Hawaii’s entry protocols. First and foremost, despite not being part of the contiguous United States land mass, Hawaii is very much a state and not subject to these new CDC international travel and testing restrictions.
Under the new CDC rules taking effect January 26, international air passengers, including U.S. citizens two years and older, will be required to get a viral test within three days before their flight back to the U.S departs and provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy). Or, provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19. If the passenger chooses not to provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.
In order to visit Hawaii, travelers who participate in Hawaii’s Safe Travels Program and have a negative result from a Trusted Testing Partner (TTP) are not subject to Hawaii’s 10-day quarantine or any other restriction. Currently, Hawaii has established TTPs in the United States, Japan, and Canada.
Hawaii is welcoming travelers who participate in the state’s Safe Travels Program. Although Safe Travels requires pre-testing, the U.S. visitor has the advantage of testing within their own community rather than in a foreign country. Since its inception on October 16, 2020, one million passengers have arrived in the state. A complete rundown of the state’s travel requirements and entry protocols can be found by visiting hawaiicovid19.com/travel, however, highlights are detailed below:
Pre-Travel Testing
- All travelers ages 5 and older will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to bypass the State of Hawaii’s 10-day mandatory quarantine.
- The test will need to be taken no more than 72 hours before the final leg of departure and results must be received prior to boarding.
- The State of Hawaii will accept test results ONLY from Trusted Testing and Travel Partners.
- Kauai: Trans-pacific travelers may participate in Kauai’s Enhanced Movement Quarantine (EMQ) at a “resort bubble” or travel inter-county after being in Hawaii for three days and retesting.
Safe Travels Program Registration
- Prior to arrival, adults (age 18 or older) are required to register with the State of Hawaii Safe Travels Program, and enter traveler information and trip details on the program’s application form.
- No more than 24 hours prior to departure to Hawaii, travelers must complete the Safe Travels Program health questionnaire and upload a negative test result (must be a PDF). Upon completion, travelers will receive a QR code.
We appreciate your continued assistance in keeping your readers informed as to how they can safely visit the Hawaiian Islands and take advantage of our breathtaking natural beauty, extraordinary open spaces, and unique experiences.
Mahalo,
John Monahan
President and CEO
Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau