COVID-19 Travel Updates

Updated: Friday, December 3, 2021 10:00 a.m. AST

We look forward to welcoming you to experience Alaska’s wide open spaces. Alaska’s current state health advisories provide pathways for people to travel responsibly. 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.

Alaska's current travel advisories, although not required, are highly encouraged by the Alaska Travel Industry Association, the state’s leading membership association for Alaska’s travel industry, and Governor Dunleavy’s administration. It is incredibly important to our member businesses and tourism sector that we continue welcoming visitors in the safest way possible. 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.

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.

Questions on traveling to Alaska or State of Alaska health advisories? E-mail the Alaska Traveler Information Hotline or call 1-907-258-4217, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (AST), Monday - Friday.

ATIA 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 now 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. 

The Anchorage International Airport will also be providing free rapid antigen COVID-19 tests for every traveler arriving in Anchorage.

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

Alaska’s current health advisory for international and interstate travel provides clear guidance for travelers entering Alaska (by land, sea, or air) to mitigate the transmission and control the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its variants. While the State of Alaska does not require COVID-19 testing for travelers to enter the state, it is recommended that travelers:

• Read the available information about safely traveling to Alaska at covid19.alaska.gov/travelers and covid19.alaska.gov/faq.

• Complete the optional Safe Travel Travels Form via the Alaska Travel Portal at www.alaska.covidsecureapp.com. This travel information hub allows travelers to do the following optional items: 1) request a free COVID-19 test upon arrival, 2) request a free COVID-19 vaccination upon arrival to Alaska, and 3) upload COVID-19 test results. 
• Take an optional second test between 5 and 14 days after arrival.
   

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.
• Fully-vaccinated travelers should still follow the CDC's recommendations for traveling safely, including: wear a mask over your nose and mouth; practice social distancing and avoid crowds; and wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.

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. Please visit each cruise company’s website for information on their vaccination requirements and other COVID-19 protocols.

DRIVING TO ALASKA

The US/Canadian border is currently open to fully-vaccinated United States citizens and international travelers for non-essential travel. US citizens are allowed to cross the border if they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entry and can provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result taken with 72 hours of travel. Please see the Government of Canada's COVID-19 travel page for instructions on how to provide proof of vaccination and negative test results, 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 US border is open fully-vaccinated international travelers for non-essential travel with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Please visit the US 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 24 hours of departure. Enhanced contact tracing and masking will also be required, but there is currently no quarantine mandate. Visit the CDC's Air Travel page for additional details. Starting November 29, travel is restricted from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe for non-U.S. Citizens due to concerns over the new Omicron variant. Please visit the U.S. Department of State travel website to learn more. 

TRAVELING TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES IN ALASKA

Alaska’s current health advisory for non-vaccinated travelers going from a community located on the road system (including the Alaska Marine Highway System) to a community not located on the road system should follow these highly-recommended protective measures:

• Obtain a pre-travel test, a period of social distancing after arrival, or bracketed testing before and after that period.
• Non-vaccinated travelers who choose not to test are recommended to conduct a full 10-day self-quarantine upon arrival.

Alaska’s health advisories are subject to change. 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.

Thank you for traveling safe!