Messy and confusing changes done without buy-in from the county mayors. See what is going on.
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Home » Blog » Hawaii Travel Tips » Confusing New Hawaii COVID Rules Approved With Still More Changes Certain
Aloha again.
My plan is to travel LHR-LAX 3 Jan (Covid test booked on Jan 2) Once I arrive in LAX there is a Clarity Labs Facility in TB Terminal and I’ll book a test there (when booking open). Only when the result comes in can I complete Hawaii Safe Travels documents. Overnight at LAX. Depart LAX for LIH at 8.30a.m. on Hawaiian 63 the morning of Jan 4. I hope that Hawaiian will allow me to don the wristband!
Sounds like a plan or what?
What do you guys think?
Mahalofor your considered help.
Hi Michael.
Clarity says within an hour as one PCR test option. Also 3-5 hours. So it sounds workable based on those. Please let us know how it all works.
Aloha.
Aloha Rob & Jeff.
It’s Thanksgiving Month, so Happy Thanksgiving.
My vacation details – Belfast – London, then London to LAX with a stopover ibefore going on to Lihue. The logistics are getting a Covid Lateral Flow test in London on January 2 for travel to LAX on January 3.. I will get a further test on arrival at LAX and depart for Lihue on January 3 That all good, I hope? Is that time enough to fill up safe travel details? Hope so!!! Mahalo for your help.
Hi Michael.
How long will you be at LAX? Do you have a test lined up with a Hawaii trusted testing partner that is an approved rapid one? And maybe a backup plan. Also do get a wrist band before boarding for Hawaii to simplify things.
Aloha.
So, the clarification I received is that Hawaii will not follow the US Change to accept vaccinations from travelers from the majority of countries affected. An exception to vaccinations for passengers from the Pacific routes which fly direct into Hawaii but as of now, Hawaii does not accept Foreign Vaccinations from travelers who are required to connect on the mainland. The way to avoid the ban is to fly from Europe, Brazil, Mexico etc via Canada, Japan or the like.
Hi Rich.
Confusing. We do not find that in the Safe Travels documentation. Can you provide any clarification you received.
Aloha.
hawaiicovid19.com/travel/faqs/
If I’m flying through another state or territory before arriving to Hawai‘i, is that still considered direct travel because I’m on the same flight itinerary?
No. International passengers entering the U.S. from another state or territory will be treated as domestic travelers when entering the State of Hawai‘i. You will need to participate in the State of Hawai‘i’s Safe Travels program. Click here to create a Safe Travels account…in FAQ’s.
Hi Rich.
That does for now at least appear to be correct. There are still more details to be worked out.
Aloha.
According to Hawaii’s COVID-19 website, starting Nov 8, 2021, Hawaii will allow travelers vaccinated anywhere in the world to be exempt from quarantine and testing requirements. However, you must still fill out the Safe Travels form at travel.hawaii.gov and upload your proof of vaccination.
“Any traveler who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the United States or U.S. Territories (this will expand on November 8 and include all countries.) will be eligible for the quarantine exception.”
Bob, your statement is true if vaccinated in the US or US territories. Foreign or US Citizens vaccinated overseas with Pfizer, Modena etc who travel to Hawaii clearing immigration on the mainland will not have their Vaccination accepted by Hawaii and need a Partner Test the same as someone without a vaccination. Hawaii only follows the US policy for flights arriving from another country. Presumably because they are covered by Federal Law and Ige cannot contest it.
I agree with the first 3 commenters. Hawaii has brought this upon itself for listening to Ige, Green, and the fear mongers who are Not following the science. I own 3 timeshares in Hawaii that I have not be able to enjoy since Covid started because I Refuse to take this vaccine. Furthermore, I have had Covid and have natural antibodies. They are totally ignoring the science concerning natural antibodies. This is all about politics and Not about science.
The Governor is not aligning with US Federal requirements. Passengers who have non stop flights will have foreign vaccines accepted but if you enter the USA at a mainland airport as all travelers from Europe have to do, will not have their foreign vaccination accepted. So a US citizen vaccinated overseas will not have their vaccination accepted if they change planes. This would be a clear violation of Amdt14.S1.4.3.2.1 of the US Constitution. Can you get clarification please?
Hi Rich.
How direct travel is defined has not been clarified at this point. Hopefully it will be soon.
Aloha.
Thanks for swift reply. Hawaii will eventually have to accept foreign vaccines with FDA or WHO approval. Taking the universal IATA interpretation of a connection being flight continuation under 24 hours would lessen their burden of proof and make such regulations less likely to be immediately subject to a temporary injunction in Federal Court, Let us not forget that Air travel and Interstate travel are Federal not State matters, so deviating from Federal Policy may not be helpful to the State .
So I am confused now. If I’m coming from LA to Maui, I still need my vaccination card AND a negative COVID test 72hrs prior?
Hi Stacey,
Because your itinerary is domestic, you will need only your COVID vaccination record.
You must also enter travel details, upload your vaccination card, and fill out the Health Questionnaire on the Safe Travels Hawaii portal prior to your trip.
” That means those passengers will need to have two tests before arriving in Hawaii.”
This is not true!
Beginning on Nov. 8, the State of Hawaiʻi, in alignment with the federal government, will accept vaccines approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and vaccines listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization. A list of currently accepted vaccines is posted on the CDC’s website. (got this email from gohawaii.com)
With respect you have not read the full statement. International visitors who fly directly to Hawaii without a stop can use foreign vaccinations with a Negative Test not from a partner.Those who stop en route (to change planes) are classified as domestic passengers. The State only recognizes US Vaccinations from these pax under Safe Travels Program. They will need to get a negative covid test from a State partner before boarding their connection as their vaccination will be ignored. Lunacy.
Wow I’m totally confused. I’m flying from Florida to Hilo. What is required of me. I’ve had the 3 shots and I have the covid card. Now what. I’m flying g December 3rd. Help. Making flying difficult. It’s not rocket science
Hi Joyce,
As long as you have received an FDA or WHO-approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccine from anywhere in the world, and are fully vaccinated, you will only need to:
-Create a Safe Travels Hawaii account
-Fill in personal, travel details
-upload COVID vaccination record
-Fill out Health Questionnaire (w/in 24 hrs of flight)
All steps are done thru Safe Travels and should be complete prior to your flight.
No need to take a test prior to travel. Have your vaccine card when traveling.