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.
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Richard C says
News flash folks 1.35 million Americans tested positive for covid today.
As I’ve been saying for 2 years no matter testing, junk vaccination stabs and masking everyone is going to contact covid.
Everyone of us.
BOH Bro’s can verify my prediction from my passed 2 thousand odd comments
Omicron is the variant that’s making my prediction come true.
Paulc says
Right so just stop testing and it will go away right?
HEYWARD B says
No, continue to test and it won’t go away.
We certainly don’t want to waste billions of dollars of testing materials we paid for.
Jeanne F says
Thank you for the information;particularly the clarification for returning residents. -lots of happy international travelers currently in Waikiki that don’t mind”jumping through the hoops”
Mary Kay S says
This is all really silly, I have antibodies, confirmed with a blood test, from June. I was exposed over the holidays while in Hawaii, and didn’t get it, so my antibodies are even higher. Why is Hawaii putting a whole bunch of rules on this that make zero sense? Omicron is going to be great for Hawaii. By April, you will be in the clear and all this will be for nothing! Except for the new upcoming variant they will be making up… Get a grip, it’s a joke at this point.
Margaret F says
It is not a joke for health care providers and hospital staff. Hawaii health officials are walking a tightrope trying to keep the Hawaiians health system from crashing and allowing tourists to support their economy. We are fortunate to be able to travel to Hawaii. Some of the arrogant comments criticizing their efforts to protect their state remind me of the “Ugly American” name, given to rude American tourists in Europe. Thank you for posting this exemption and the links to the application.
MS says
Ha, let’s have people overwhelm the doctors offices even more then they all ready are by requesting letters to go on vacation.
BARBARA M says
MS… Onl if you haven’t been vaccinated! Otherwise, it doesn’t matter – just fill out the Vaccination Exemption on Safe Travels. This only applies to unvaccinated but have had Covid (yielding post-Covid antibodies).
Jim R. says
Unless you absolutely have to eat indoors on the two islands that are only allowing the vaccinated (who can spread it around to each other) to eat indoors at restaurants, it’s just far easier to take a test, and not deal with all the other ridiculous hoops you have to jump through.
The stupidity in all this political posturing is that it could be as simple as having to test before you leave, or when you arrive for all travelers. 🤦♂️
HEYWARD B says
Let me see if I may untie this Hawaiian Covid Gordian Knot.
In order to be admitted as a 90 day prior Covid survivor one must:
1. upload a Positive Covid Test that itself has 5 sub-element requirements;
2. attach a letter from an M.D. having 3 sub-element requirements;
3. transmit a confirmed date of departure;
4. submit a Safe Travels form.
But admission is “subject to change”.
It is sheer brilliance. Hawaii’s plan is to eradicate COVID by smothering it with paper.
BARBARA M says
HAYWARD…. Wrong!!! The rules you stated only apply if you are not vaccinated but have had Covid and are protected by post-COVID antibodies instead of vaccine protection!
HEYWARD B says
Sorry, let me try again if I may. My possibilities:
I could have Covid but not be vaccinated;
I could be vaccinated but not have Covid;
I could be not vaccinated and not have Covid;
I could have Covid and be vaccinated;
With any of these possibilities I have antibodies;
With any of these possibilities I do not have antibodies.
Presumably each of these singularly or in combination present a different Hawaiian requirement.
Got it. Thanks for clearing up for me.
Jim H says
This makes no sense The CDC pulled the PCR test.
After December 31, 2021, CDC will withdraw the request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel,
cdc.gov/csels/dls/locs/2021/07-21-2021-lab-alert-Changes_CDC_RT-PCR_SARS-CoV-2_Testing_1.html
Jeff S says
Is a booster required or is a two dose vac pass the test. We travelled to Kauai with clear pas can we do same for Oahu on June?
BARBARA M says
JEFF S… Last I heard/read was that the universal definition of “vaccinated” was going to include having had the booster. But have never heard/read anything other than rumor.
Andy M says
This just cracks me up. Why bother with all the rules and regulations. It’s already been proven that people are using false tests and vax cards to travel and now there are all these complicated processes for “exemptions”. Meanwhile there are tons of restrictions for all of us living here in Hawaii. It’s all about the money and not keeping people safe. If it wasn’t, they wouldn’t have let a cruise ship dock here and offload a bunch of passengers when they had positive covid cases aboard.
Nancy S says
Please explain the situation if you recovered more than 90 days before your trip. Example would be positive test on December 30, 2021 and ticket to Maui on April 14. You are recovered. What is needed if anything to avoid quarantine? Thank you very much.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Nancy.
When outside the period for the recovered exemption, you must comply with either testing or vaccination according to Safe Travels.
Aloha.
Rob L. says
BOH, so what’s with all these comments from 2021, some six months old? This whole thing is clear as mud. I may be old, but I don’t think I’m suffering from any cognitive problems, unlike some of our nation’s leaders. So let me get this straight. If you had COVID more than 90 days ago, you can’t get the exemption. That’s really naive of Ige and his flunkies. My wife and I had COVID in November 2020, and last month got tested for antibodies. We still have them. But noooo, we are not exempt.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Rob.
As it says at the bottom of the post, it was revised today and was based on an earlier publication which was just updated.
Correct, if more than 90 days, you must comply with one of the other two exemptions, either testing or vaccination.
Aloha.
HEYWARD B says
Good Day ROB L.
For us – SEP 2020.
I am both old and fortunate enough to recall three generations of loving mothers as primary caregivers in my family. They each knew from firsthand experience what acquired immunity is and they respected its application in a world full of human maladies. No test, no 90 days, no Dr. letters. Just the wisdom of the centuries. We grew up just fine.
After all this time I am saddened to learn they didn’t have the first idea what they were doing.
Mary Kay S says
I so agree with you!! I have antibodies from June 2021!
Phyllis S. says
Does this apply if you never had covid and are fully vaccinated. If so do we just need letter from Dr. we don’t or never had had it ? Don’t quite understand as we have never had it , we are fully vacc. and flu shots
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Phyllis.
There are three exemptions: testing, vaccination or recovery.
Aloha.
Natalie R says
My son tested positive today. I am getting myself & daughter tested tomorrow. If positiv I need to wait until 10 days prior to my trip at the end of March to go to the doctors and get a letter clearing us? I read they are going to require a booster. I am double vaccinated. I am not getting a booster when my body fought off Omnicron & the vaccine doesn’t protect against itNatal. Same with my 12 year old daughter. Or my 9 year old who only has one dose to date and is currently infected.
Gerhard V says
Dynacare is CLIA certified. If you fly direct, no stopover in the US, your PCR test from Shoppers etc is good and will be accepted by AC or Westjet, who are trusted Partners. I am also told by Maui Gov. office that we, as Canadians can upload our vaccine certificates into safe travels website to be accepted. Best is to call and confirm with Dep. of Transportation.
David B says
Duly noted.
Anything on the anticipated (by you guys) “two shots are not enough” rule change?
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi David.
Should be rolling out momentarily.
Aloha.
Renee L says
Thank you for this easy to read synopsis! So much easier! To clarify though: daughter was Covid positive on 29 December after exposed on 26 December 2021. Asymptomatic. Her five day quarantine ends tomorrow, 03 January 2022. Ten day (mask required to be worn everywhere) masking done 08 January 2022. We want to travel to Oahu 09 January. Is this possible? Sounds from your guideline explanation we may need to wait to 14 days clear?
We have all been vaccinated and boostered.
Thank you.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Renee.
For your situation, and due to fast-changing rules, we suggest you contact the state’s Safe Travels help desk just to be sure. They can be reached at 855-599-0888.
Aloha.
Richard B says
I had Covid and was planning to travel to Hawaii from Canada. I have been told the government labs in Canada are not CLIA certified. Therefore I cannot get an exemption. Is this true? if so it Will affect many Canadians.
Mike J says
Looks like there are. See
ised-isde.canada.ca/site/mutual-recognition-agreements/en/canadian-testing-laboratories
This is an official Canadian government website. Hope it helps. Double check to make sure they are really acceptable by Hawaii.
Jeff says
Try to get tested in the USA and fly from the mainland to Hawaii, rather than from Canada. A bit more complex, yes, but at least you will get there.
Gerhard says
If you fly, let ua say from Vancouver to Hawaii, Canadians only need an Anti Gen Test to enter the US/Hawaii 24 hours before departure.
Gerhard says
it’s all here:
travel.hawaii.gov/#/exceptions
BethS says
Does this exemption work just like the vaccine exemption? That is, no quarantine and no problem getting into resorts/restaurants/etc? We have two kiddos that didn’t have time to get vaxxed before we leave but also have recovered from COVID so we are looking at our best option for exemption for them.
BethS says
For anyone wondering. We did get the Recovered from COVID exemption for my sons when we went and we had no problems. It’s just like the vaccination exemption if you follow the steps to the letter.
Jerrica says
Is there any requirement of the medical professional who writes the letter? Does any urgent care count? A lot of our trusted partners in Colorado who we would go to for the test aren’t actually “doctors offices” just testing sites.
Donna R says
Aloha Jerrica
When we filled out the Attny General recovered COVID application.. health professional who writes the letter documenting fully recovered and symptom free following a 10 day quarantine must have an NPI #. NPI # must be documented on the letter. FYI= We received “acceptance” within 10 mins of application submission on 12/25/21!! Attorney Generals office e-mailed us a code we downloaded into safe travels & got the necessary QR code!! Ever so grateful!! Good Luck!!
Andrea says
Hi – I’ve gone through the ATG exemption process for my children and have “verified” the code on the Safe Travels app. There was no forwarded QR code as a result for the children, however, only for me – and that is because I have a fully vaccinated exception. Under my trip details the children are still listed as not exempt, and there is nothing next to their name except a “-“. It would seem that the ATG exemption should be next to their name as the code was verified? I am panicking….
Beth C. says
Following
BethS says
As another commenter pointed out, the doctor that writes the note needs an NPI#. It doesn’t matter if you got tested with them or not. We just asked our pediatrician to write the letters for our sons and neither of them tested at his doctor’s office. The doctor just has to write a note saying the person is recovered and cleared for travel. Depending on the doctor, you may have to go in for a visit to verify the recovery, but that’s up to the doctor’s office. I would call and ask.
Dorie S says
I don’t understand how to answer the question
“Explain why you need an exemption (insufficient details of your work, employment or project, or explanation supporting your request may result in denial)
Belinda M. says
Both my husband and I are recovered from covid we are supposed to travel Kaui July 19 is this still possible will the exmpetion be cleared in time for travel ? We dont want to pay for everything then be told we have to quarantine
Josh S says
That will be more than 90 days from now so you would need to be vaccinated or quarantine.
Nancy says
I am triple vaccinated so I wouldn’t need to complete any requirements correct?
Alfred H says
Not unless you contract COVID again and have recovered between the dates of April 7th – July 7th. Otherwise, I believe your vaccination including booster is sufficient. Good thing as well as quarantine time is 5-days instead of 10 now, if that is your only option.
Erin P says
Hello,
I am applying for an Covid 19 exemption as I have recovered from Covid and flying to Oahu. What is the stuff I’m reading about an Attorney General email? I am not sure I understand what the Attorney General has to do with my doctor’s note stating I have recovered…. Can you explain the mention of Attorney General? Also, I have positive results from Walgreens, a trusted partner for testing, it does not show clia as the type of lab but it is indeed a clia lab result. Do I need to prove that or will they know this information already?
Thanks,
Erin
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Erin.
We’d suggest you contact the Hawaii Safe Travels help desk with your question. They can be reached at 855-599-0888.
Aloha.
donna R says
FYI safe travels hawaii has nothing to do w/Attorney Generals exemption form… just called safe travels…
Am stranded quarantining in LV, NV and can’t seem to find anyone to write that exemption letter.
Good Luck
Arlie K says
People do not get to upset these rules change daily and sometimes more often, even if you had covid you can still test positive up to 90 days they are saying, mask up now back to N95 probably because they manufactured mass amounts to late in the game now they need to get rid of them same will be seen on home covid tests to late the worst has about peaked and now they are free to whomever may want them????? They say we will never reach herd immunity so what direction are we going to go tomorrow