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Canadians traveling to Hawaii this winter will be allowed to avoid quarantine as long as they show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test, under new rules announced Thursday.
Air Canada and Calgary-based WestJet have entered into agreements with Hawaii, which will go into effect in December.
David Ige, governor of the state, said Canada represents the second largest international market for the islands.
“Canada and Hawaii share a close bond and we have been overwhelmed with calls and emails from our Canadian friends asking when they can safely return to Hawaii,” he said during a media availability.
Under the adapted rules, passengers can avoid quarantine as long as they demonstrate a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure.
Tests must be booked at an approved laboratory or pharmacy.
“Programs like this one that provide viable, effective and alternative options for covering general quarantine requirements are an important step to safely reopen travel around the world,” an Air Canada spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson said the airline would have more information in the coming days on how and where Canadians across the country can obtain a health certificate and the process to follow.
WestJet said negative test results are required prior to departure from its lab partner DynaLife. The airline said the tests are currently only available in Alberta but are open to all Canadian residents.
“Safety remains our number one priority and we thank Governor Ige and the State of Hawaii for providing this opportunity for Canadians to enjoy all the islands have to offer while safely supporting the tourism industry,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet’s chief commercial officer, in one version.
Traveling south for the winter
The Canadian Snowbird Association estimates that around 30 percent of its members will flock south this winter, despite Global Affairs advising Canadians to avoid non-essential trips abroad.
The land border between Canada and the United States remains closed to not essential traffic, but to snowbirds can still fly to the United States and they ship their cars.
Upon returning to Alberta, eligible international travelers can take a COVID-19 test at one of two ports of entry – Calgary International Airport or the Coutts Border Crossing – to reduce quarantine time.
The pilot program, a partnership between Alberta and the federal government, has been used by nearly 2,000 travelers since it launched earlier this month starting November 9.
WATCH | How the Alberta frontier pilot can reduce the self-isolation period to approximately 48 hours:
Travelers entering Canada by land or air via Alberta will soon have a chance to be tested for COVID-19 at the border in a move that could shorten quarantine times. 2:01
The border project is expected to last up to 26 weeks or until 52,000 attendees are enrolled, whichever comes first. The province plans to add Edmonton International Airport in early 2021.
If the tests are negative, travelers can leave the quarantine as long as they stay in Alberta for the first 14 days. Then, they must undergo a second test six or seven days after arriving at any participating community pharmacy.
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