Hawaii Clarifies Travel Requirements for International Reopening Starting On November 8

Hawaii Clarifies Travel Requirements for International Reopening Starting On November 8

Hawaii will roll out the welcome mat for international tourists on Monday once the country reopens its borders under new federal regulations.

Hawaii’s governor has taken to local TV to clarify the entry restrictions that will be in force starting Nov. 8, which have changed for both international and domestic arrivals.

As per the governor, this is how entering Hawaii will look like from Monday on:

Vaccine requirements

Non-US citizens flying straight to Hawaii from another country must present proof of vaccination as well as a negative COVID-19 test (NAAT or antigen) taken within three days of departure. 

Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii, United States – August 27, 2016: summertime in crowded Prince Kuhio Beach also called The Ponds because a concrete wall makes the water calm. Kuhio Beach is a section of Waikiki Beach.

American citizens who are fully vaccinated and going directly to Hawaii from an international destination must show proof of immunization and a test taken within three days of departure.

Unvaccinated U.S. citizens traveling from other countries must show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test within one day of boarding a flight to the United States.

What happens when a passenger fails to meet one or both of the requirements?

It depends. When it comes to overseas tourists, both requirements must be met. Otherwise, airlines will refuse to let them board.

For American citizens, meeting one of the requirements should be sufficient to enter Hawaii.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will undertake compliance inspections once they arrive in the state.

COVID-19 tests

Under the new federal regulation, only unvaccinated travelers are required to take the COVID-19 test with the state’s trusted travel partners for domestic travel.

In addition, when entering the state of Hawaii from another US state, foreign tourists will be treated as domestic travelers.

Also, the so-called Safe Travels Hawaii program will remain in effect for domestic travel.

Other COVID-19 restrictions

Despite having one of the highest vaccination rates in the U.S., Hawaii continues to be one of the most restrictive states when it comes to COVID-19 rules.

Several U.S. cities still require visitors to show proof of vaccination to attend indoor venues. 

Those include New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New Orleans, and of course, Honolulu.

Dining, concerts, athletic events, trade exhibits, and gyms are all examples of indoor activities and venues that are restricted for unvaccinated tourists.

As per news outlets, it’s possible that the state relaxes some of its restrictions on Nov. 12.