COVID-19 Travel Updates

We look forward to welcoming you to experience Alaska’s wide open spaces. Given the remote location of our state and the limited access that many rural communities have to healthcare facilities, we ask that you are diligent and follow all federal, state, and business COVID-19 travel protocols to keep you and our communities safe. Please check with local jurisdictions and tour operators that you will be using as they may have individual requirements for testing and traveling to and in respective communities.

Please note that international travelers to Alaska are subject to all U.S. travel restrictions. More information about international travel can be found in the International Travel section below.

Questions on traveling to Alaska? Please read through the information below. E-mail the Alaska Traveler Information line or call 1-907-258-4217, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (AST), Monday through Friday to leave a detailed message. We will get back to you within 72 hours. The Alaska Travel Industry Association continues to provide important and timely travel information regarding COVID-19 and its variants to ensure safe and reliable travel decisions for those visiting the 49th state.

VACCINES FOR VISITORS

Any traveler age 12+ arriving at the state’s three major airports is able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. The three airports include: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Fairbanks International Airport, and Juneau International Airport. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be offered at the airports, based on availability. Airport vaccine appointments are offered by pre-registering. Walk-up appointments are also available. To request vaccinations for groups of over 25 people, email [email protected] at least one week prior to arrival. 

In addition to airport vaccinations, visitors to Alaska can receive vaccinations at any clinic or event where the vaccine is being offered in the state. To make an appointment, click here or call 1-833-4-VAXLINE. 

TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS

While the State of Alaska does not require COVID-19 testing for travelers to enter the state, it is recommended that travelers

• Get tested and self-isolate if you get sick or develop COVID-19 symptoms.
• If you are not fully-vaccinated, test before traveling and practice social distancing until you receive negative test results. A second test, taken 3-5 days after arrival, is also recommended.
• Wash your hands frequently and wipe down high touch surfaces.
• Wear a mask when necessary or requested by individual businesses.

Any person currently positive for COVID-19 cannot travel to Alaska until they have been released from isolation, or cleared for travel, by a medical provider or public health agency.

A special note for fully-vaccinated travelers: 

• Fully-vaccinated travelers are defined as more than two weeks following receipt of the second dose in a two-dose series, or more than two weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine.
• The CDC states that it is safe for fully-vaccinated travelers to travel within the United States and do not need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it, nor do they need to self-quarantine.

CRUISING TO ALASKA

Large cruise ships have resumed sailings to Alaska. Most cruise lines are requiring that passengers receive their final COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to cruise departure and require pre-travel COVID-19 testing. Please visit each cruise company’s website for information on their vaccination and testing requirements and other COVID-19 protocols.

Transport Canada announced the following requirements for all cruises and ferries that travel through Canadian waters starting in April 2022: 

• Crew and passengers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Crew and passengers are required to self-monitor for symptoms
• Passengers are required to take a COVID-19 test within one day of boarding a cruise ship disembarking from Canada

For more information, visit the Government of Canada's COVID-19 travel page.

DRIVING TO ALASKA

The U.S./Canadian border is currently open to fully-vaccinated United States citizens and international travelers. US citizens are allowed to cross the border if they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entry. Please see the Government of Canada's COVID-19 travel page for instructions on how to provide proof of vaccination, plus additional information on traveling to/through Canada. Please note that Canadian border patrol agents reserve the right to deny entry if they feel that travelers are not following regulations.

The U.S. border is open to fully-vaccinated international travelers for non-essential travel with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security FAQ page for more information.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

All U.S. international travel restrictions apply to travel to Alaska. Alaska domestic travel guidelines DO NOT supersede international U.S. Centers for Disease Control or Homeland Security travel restrictions or requirements. The U.S Centers for Disease Control requires that all air passengers arriving to the U.S. from a foreign country show proof of vaccination prior to boarding a U.S.-bound flight and a negative COVID-19 test taken within no more than 1 day prior to departure. Visit the CDC's Air Travel page for additional details. 

Thank you for traveling safe!

Alaska — and the families, businesses, and communities that benefit from Alaska tourism — are here for you and will work with you to ensure your dream trip to Alaska becomes a reality. Be sure to research cancellation policies with individual tourism businesses.

More information can be found on the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services dedicated travel information website. We encourage travelers continue to be aware of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel updates.

We look forward to seeing you in Alaska!