Last week the state updated its exemption for Hawaii travel after you recover from Covid. We’ve outlined all of the latest details below. As the Omicron variant sweeps across the US, many more people may choose this type of exemption.
We know you want to visit Hawaii, and while the rules associated with exemptions for testing or vaccination are well known, it may not be entirely clear what the rules are that will pertain to you if you have recovered. Here are some answers on what to do that are effective as of January 2022.
One of three exemptions is required to avoid quarantine. The state says that “travelers entering the State of Hawaii can apply for a limited exemption from the (reduced duration) mandatory 5-day self-quarantine. Under Governor Ige’s emergency proclamation, all travelers entering the State of Hawaiʻi must self-quarantine for 5 days, unless they obtain an exemption.”
All travelers (including those who have recovered from Covid) must also complete a Safe Travels form
Note that those traveling exclusively interisland are not subject to any quarantine or other Covid rules including these for recovery exemption.
You may complete the state’s recovery exemption form found here. It uses a Google AppSheet which requires that you use a Google, Apple, Microsoft, or other login.
Hawaii Travel After You Recover From COVID | The Rules
There remains an exemption for people who have tested positive for Covid 19 and are recovered. Those who receive an exemption under this category are not required to have additional pre-travel or post-travel testing or proof of vaccination.
To be considered for this exemption, you must comply with ALL of the following:
1. Upload a copy of your POSITIVE Covid 19 test result. This test must be:
- A molecular test (NAAT, PCR, or RNA). Antigen and antibody type tests are NOT acceptable for this exemption. Applications without the correct testing will be terminated and there will be no response from the state.
- The test must be processed by a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) certified lab OR Department of Defense Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program (CLIP) lab with the name and CLIA/CLIP number of the lab clearly printed on the result.
- Hawaii Trusted Partner compliance is not required. Lab results for the recovered from Covid exemption do not need to be from a Trusted Partner laboratory. The results must only be from a CLIA or CLIP Certified laboratory.
- The positive test must be dated no more than 90 days and no less than 11 days from your departure date for Hawaii. In other words, you must have recovered from Covid within the past 90 days for this exemption to apply to you.
- In the event the laboratory name and CLIA/CLIP number are not listed directly on the lab result, you must obtain this information and include it in the “Details” section of the application.
2. Attach a signed letter from your medical provider:
- The medical provider letter must be dated at least 10 days after the collection date of your positive result and no earlier than 14 days before your departure date for Hawaii.
- It needs to be signed by your medical provider with your medical provider’s name and National Provider Identifier (NPI) clearly listed.
- The letter must be clearly written to indicate you are currently symptom-free, or, your symptoms have resolved, or you are cleared to travel. Note: the state says that “Release from isolation letters do not satisfy the requirements” as stated herein.
3. Additional Rules:
A confirmed departure date for Hawaii is required. The state does not accept tentative departure dates. You must have a confirmed departure date because your exemption is based on the date of your test result and medical provider letter. Should your travel date change subsequent to receiving this exemption, you must reapply for another exemption.
Processing of exemption requests after Arrival in Hawaii IS possible. The state says that “we can process exemption requests submitted after your arrival in Hawaii if you provide the documents required for this exemption. We do not accept medical provider letters dated after your departure date for Hawaii.”
Returning residents’ instructions. Use your return travel date as your arrival date, leave the departure date blank, and choose the location you are traveling from as your state of origin.
Processing time of 48 to 72-hours is required. “Applications are usually processed within 48 to 72 hours, but processing times can vary depending on volume, completeness, and thoroughness of your application. Submitting multiple applications for the same travel date will also increase processing time and/or result in a denial of your request.”
Do not use Apple ID Private.relay.applied.com Private Email Addresses. The state says that “Applications with Apple ID private.relay.applied.com email addresses will not receive a response and will be closed. You must provide a valid email address with your application. When signing in with Apple ID, please select “Share My Email” when prompted.”
Summary.
The state says that subject to change, you are clear to travel to Hawaii without further testing or quarantine. That is so long as you comply with its rules, have recovered within the last 90 days, have a positive test result from when you had COVID, and have a doctor’s letter prior to travel.
These rules remain subject to further change. The recovery exemption application form is found here. It uses a Google AppSheet and requires that you use a Google, Apple, Microsoft, or other login.
If you have traveled to Hawaii with a COVID-19 recovery exemption, or plan to, how has this process worked for you?
Updated 1/14/22.
Can you email me more info on the recovery letter for previous positive covid 19 results , we are having a hard time figuring when we need it dated , we are arriving March 17th 2022 , do we need it dated March 3-17 th , which is 1-14 days before we arrive , or is it anytime before the 14 days arriving example feb Feb 26- Mar 3 thanks if you could clear that up it would be great . Thank you
Hi Monica.
You should check with the attorney general on that rather than us. The state says: “If you have any questions about Hawai’i’s quarantine requirements or about an exemption from quarantine request, please email [email protected]. All telephone inquiries regarding these issues will not be answered and will be re-directed to this email address.”
Aloha.
I just submitted my application for the recovered from Covid exemption … the MD’s recovery letter must be dated no more than 14 days before your arrival so your assumption of March 3-17 is correct. However since the application needs a processing time of 48-72 hours, you should get your letter in no later than three days before your arrival or it may not be processed in time.
flying to Kauai on the 26th from the U.S. I have done the process and received an approval email with a code I had entered into my Safe travels ATG exemption and was verified. Are there any other steps that I will have to take? I have my positive result, doc letter, and approval email all printed out in physical copies. I received my QR code for flying and it is yellow. A friend of mine going at the same time uploaded a negative test and theirs was green. Is there something I missed?
Has anyone successfully completed this form for children under the age of 18? It is asking for an ID to be uploaded and I’m wondering if I should upload my ID as the parent. Thanks!
Yes, I completed for both of my sons under 18 and I uploaded my driver’s license. I received approval yesterday so it worked!
Mahalo!
We applied for the exemption on Monday and received approval today, Wednesday. So the approval process is quick provided you follow all the rules they have outlined.
Hi Cynthia,
Where are you from? I am travelling in 2 week but from Canada and wondering if this applies as well.
We are US citizens.
Just out of curiosity did you upload a provincial health care lab result? I have one kid with Alberta Heth results and one with a drug store confirmed positive.
The tests have to follow the rules outlined above to be valid.
Hi! I also applied for the exemption on Monday and dont really know how they will contact me for the results. Was it by email?
Hi Pham, yes they will contact by email if they need additional information. They also contact via email once they approve.
We received 3 emails
1. Hawaii Attorney General – Received (received right after we submitted)
2. Hawaii Attorney General – Processing (received day we submitted)
3. DOD COVID Exemption – approval with Approval ID
Hi Cynthia! I put in my application on Monday, and it’s Friday now…still haven’t received a response. At this point, I’m starting to panic because we leave this coming Wednesday. Is there a phone number I can contact? What should I do at this point?? Please HELP!
After submitting your exemption request online, did you receive a letter stating your application was received for processing from the Hawaii Attorney General? Hopefully you contacted them with the account ID# provided in the letter to get your concerns resolved …
Curious how the exemption works for other countries like Canada after recovery
Canada does not have CLIP, CLIA, NIP numbers?
Hi Michelle,
Just wondering if you’ve gotten any additional information. Im also in the same boat.
Thanks,
Cristina
Aloha! We are traveling to Hawaii in a couple of weeks and are trying to apply for COVID recovery exemption. When I go in to add traveler information and flight info, it is asking for the quarantine location. What did you enter in here? I’m confused as I though the exemption (if approved) allows us to get into Hawaii without having to quarantine. Please help. Thank you!
Hi Chrissy.
Complete the form to the best of your ability. No quarantine is required with the exemption.
Aloha.
Hi, I have the same question! So you just enter your hotel information as the Quarantine Location? (even though we are applying for quarantine exemption)
Thank you!!
Hi Stacy.
We can’t answer since we don’t have personal experience with that exemption. You can check with the attorney general’s office for any questions.
Aloha.
We are Canadians travelling from Vancouver to Oahu on Feb 28. We just had a positive rapid covid test and are wondering if we need to get a PCR “now”. Am I reading this correct? The doctor letter is to be signed 10 days after the PCR test (so that would be Feb 18) but no later than 10 days before our flight (which is Feb 14). Does that mean we don’t have time to make this work? If not, what will happen? I’m getting confused with the info when I google it.
Hi. Hawaii isn’t accepting PCR and dr notes to get into Hawaii.
You need a rapid antigen the day before (which should be negative by the 28th) since that’s about being infectious
The PCR and covid recovered letter you use to get home instead of testing.
We are in same situation. Hard to get a clear answer.
This is if you are canadian
If you are flying directly (non-stop) from Vancouver to Honolulu, then ignore the whole “Safe Travels” and Covid Recovered stuff, because all that matters is the US requirement for non-citizens flying to the US: Proof of vaccine and a negative test within 24 hours of your flight.
cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html
Thanks for this Trisha. Did you have to have a specific date on your doctors letter? We haven’t got our PCR tests yet and we are hoping to fly out on the 28th.
sorry I meant Cynthia…
We travel on the 2/18, our medical letter was dated 2/7. Our test was on 1/17 (within the date limits listed above). Since it is so complicated, I wrote out all the rules then applied minimum and maximum dates to each based on our travel date to be sure we complied.
Since the medical letter has to be at least 10 days AFTER the collection date, your positive test needs to get done very quickly if you travel on 2/28.
We went through this process today and followed directions for uploads of the medical letter and PCR test.
When we filled out the Travelers section with our arrival date, flight info, etc. we were caught off guard that we needed to upload a picture ID. Please make sure you have that in PDF format to be uploaded as well – we took copies of our driver’s licenses.
Hope this helps others.
Hi Cynthia.
Yes, that’s helpful. Thanks.
Aloha.
Hello, I am travelling from vancouver on a direct flight and wondering if we can just show proof of vaccination, proof of positive NAAT test and Dr note to avoid getting retested? it appears unclear if this exemption applies to canadians? as well from what I have researched some websites say to fill out the exemption form and others say just have it when boarding? would love some clarity!
thanks 🙂
Hi Arrah.
When flying from Canada to Hawaii on a direct nonstop flight, compliance is with federal regulations rather than Hawai’s. You can also contact the state’s Safe Travels help desk just to be sure. They can be reached at 855-599-0888. Federal rules are found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html.
Aloha.
We are trying to go through this process today. What did you enter for the Quarantine location? The one with the drop down that gives the options of “hotel/residence/military base etc”.
We entered the location of our condo. I did not notice it said quarantine location!
Cynthia. Are you Canadian?
Canadians don’t have to upload anything.
I live in the US – sorry if I caused confusion.
I am travelling vancoiver to Honolulu westjet and had pcr positive for Covid. Recently recovered and doctor doing letter. Where do I send documents and does westjet need documents. Pcr was done through Fraser health! Please help!
Linda
Hi Linda.
Here are the rules in effect for international direct arrivals: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html.
Aloha.
Thank you for your help. So my understanding a pcr positive test from Fraser health is sufficient and a doctor letter stating recovery with all the necessary details. Do I just present the hard copies at westjet check in? Or is anything submitted ahead of time? This is so darn confusing!
Hello! We are traveling to Maui late February. My husband had tested positive for covid a few weeks ago. We will complete the letter of Recovery, but does he still need to get a new PCR or Rapid ID Now test 72 hours prior the flight?
Thank you!
Hi Lena.
The exact details of what is required are in the post as is the link to the exemption itself. The 72-hour pre-test is not a part of this exemption.
Aloha.
Hi there,
we’re hoping to travel (direct flights) for 9 days to Maui & Honolulu from Canada in March. though we are fully vaccinated, we caught covid in December and have a pcr test indicating positive result and recovered quite quickly. since results may still appear positive for 180 days then we may not get a negative result by the time we fly to Hawaii. would there be an exemption for this situation?
Hi there! We are a family of 4 from Canada booked
To fly to Honolulu on March 18 who have recovered from COVID at the end of January. We have our positive NAAT PCR tests along with our Letters of Recovery but our tests were not done at a ‘trusted travel partner’ of West Jet. Will we still have to quarantine? Thank you for your help!
Hi Christina.
The link to the exemption application itself is in the post. The directions clearly say that a Hawaii Trusted Partner is not required for this particular exemption. Hope that helps!
Aloha.
Thank you for the quick reply! I had emailed COVID [email protected] today and they replied to say that only US citizens are able to get an exemption so I’m just looking in to confirming that Canadians don’t need to use a trusted partner lab for their + test
Is it covidexemption @ hawaii.gov
Or no covid added to the email?
Since you fly with West Jet, you only need the Antigen test 24 hrs before departure. Nothing else.
If you are vaccinated, you will be fine. If you are not, you will have to test in Honolulu every 48 hours in order to enter any business. And since you’ve recently recovered from Covid, you can test positive for at least the next 90 days. Be aware that if you are not vaccinated, you may be able to enter the state, but not be able to do anything inside once you are there.
Ok thank you for confirming that. We are all fully vaccinated so we should be good to go 👍🏼
Thank you for your post. Do you happen to know if this also applies to kids under 12 years old?
Hi Chrissy.
Add far as we know yes it does. Complete the application and they will let you know.
Aloha.
Oh, and your letters of recovery must be dated 14 or less days from your departure date.
Hello,
Were you able to apply for the exemption as a Canadian? I am in the same boat and have not found any information.
You should note, however, that this exemption only qualifies for getting into the state. Each area has its own rules and I have found out in particular that Oahu does not honor this exemption for getting into businesses there. So you can go to Oahu, but you cannot actually do anything without a vaccine card or a negative test every 48 hours. And of course, if you’ve recently recovered from Covid you can test positive falsely for months afterwards.
Hello there . We are scheduled to travel to Maui from Canada on March 15. All four of us had COVID we just recovered. We have positive pcq tests and plan to get a letter from our doctor mid February. We are alo fully vaccinated with three shots for the adults and two each for the kids. Do we still need to have a negative PCR test 72 hours before we board our flight to Maui? Thanks much!
Hi Anca.
When flying directly from Canada to Maui (no change of planes en route), then you will comply with federal rules and not Hawaii Safe Travels. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/requirements-for-air-travelers-to-the-us.html.
Aloha.
For the situation above, (flying directly from Canada to maui with documentation of recovery) would they need to fill out the recovery exemption form on the google app sheet as well? Thanks!
Hi Andrea.
That isn’t clear to us, so perhaps someone with recent experience can add. The state merely says: “Direct International Travel to Hawaii
All air passengers 2 years of age or older with a flight departing to the United States from a foreign country are required to show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight.
Aloha.
This allows you in the flight but does not excempt you from quarentine. Canadians need a negative rapid antigen the day before flight, regardless of covid recovered status
If you fly direct, you only need an Antigen Test 24 hours before departure. Nothing else!
If you have a stopover in the US, you need the Antigen Test to enter the USA and Safe Travels. There you only have to upload your Canadian Vaccine Certificate. That’s it.
Thank you so much appreciate this