Here’s How Hawaii’s Vaccination Exception Program Will Work

Starting on July 8, Hawaii will begin welcoming inbound, domestic travelers from other U.S. states or territories, without quarantining with proof of vaccination or testing.

The program will allow for those who have been fully vaccinated—14-days from the final dose of their vaccine—to come into Hawaii as long as they complete the program’s requirements.

Only U.S. residents will be able to travel into the state under the program and those under five years old will not be required to either show proof of vaccination or quarantine. Children above five years old will be able to travel into Hawaii but will have to participate in the state’s pre-travel testing program to bypass the 10-day quarantine.

The first requirement will have inbound travelers upload one of three vaccination documents to their Safe Travel Hawai’i account prior to traveling. Travelers will have to create an account with an email address and password before uploading the document.

Only three documents will satisfy that requirement—a CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card; a Vaccination Administration Management System (VAMS) printout; or DOD DD Form 2766C.

Travelers will have to digitally sign the notice on the Safe Travel website to confirm that the uploaded document is true and accurate.

All travelers will then have to bring a hard copy of their vaccination documentation to the airport to show screeners either prior to boarding their flight or upon arrival in Hawaii.

Requirements for inbound travelers have been a point of contention for Hawaiian government officials and only last week did Gov. David Ige say that the state will drop the current travel restrictions for vaccinated U.S. mainland travelers on July 8.

Hawaii will ease other restrictions beginning July 8 as well. The number of people allowed to attend social gatherings will increase from the current level of 10 people indoors to 25. Meanwhile, the size of outdoor gatherings will increase from 25 people outdoors to 75.

Restaurants will be allowed to increase seating capacities to 75%, as long as they seat no more than 25 customers indoors and 75 outdoors.

Masks will continue to be required indoors until Hawaii reaches a 70% vaccination rate—a milestone that will mark the end of the state’s Safe Travels program.