Dreaming of surf, sand, and fun in the sun?
Starting in September, Canadians will be able to enjoy a trip to Hawaii without the mandatory 14-day traveller quarantine upon arrival. However, there's one catch: jet-setters will need to show a negative COVID-19 test in order to skip the isolation phase.
Earlier this year Gov. David Ige enacted a mandatory 14-day traveler quarantine and passenger verification process for people traveling to the Hawaiian Islands. But starting Sept. 1, all trans-Pacific travellers arriving in Hawaii from out-of-state will have the option to get a valid COVID-19 test prior to their arrival, and show proof of a negative test result, to avoid the 14-day quarantine.
Travellers will be exempt from the 14-day quarantine if they test negative after taking a COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours in advance of travel. In addition, the test must be a nucleic acid amplification test or NAAT test conducted at a CLIA-certified laboratory.
A statement from Hawaii's Department of Transportation notes that, "Evidence of a negative test result must be provided upon arrival in Hawaii. Without this, passengers arriving from out-of-state will be subject to the 14-day quarantine. Travelers will be responsible for the cost of the pre-travel test. No testing will be provided upon arrival at the airport."
The mandatory 14-day quarantine for interisland travellers was lifted on June 16, but passenger screening will continue with a temperature check and completion of a new travel and health form.
Canadians returning from Hawaii will still have to quarantine for 14-days when they return home.
Currently, the Government of Canada states that you should avoid all travel outside of the country until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
