Iceland Opening to Vaccinated U.S. Travelers

Iceland is now welcoming U.S. visitors!

For those of you anxiously awaiting news on Iceland’s reopening, we have an exciting announcement. On March 18th, Iceland opened its borders to all international visitors that are either vaccinated for Covid-19 or have proof of past infection. That proof can include a positive Covid-19 test result that’s older than 14 days or a positive antibody test. There’s no quarantine or testing requirement for entry if visitors fall into either of these categories. All other visitors must take at least 3 Covid-19 tests and quarantine for 5-6 days.

Iceland is a popular destination and is ready to welcome visitors back whenever they’re ready to visit. As always, you can keep up to date with entry requirements on our travel now page, but we thought it’d be nice to have a little extra information here.

“Every day, there is an adventure waiting to happen in Iceland. With its abundance of mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, lakes, caves, and otherwise rough terrain waiting to be tackled, Iceland is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. But, it is also a warm and welcoming place for the rest of us.” ~ Inspired by Iceland

Entry Requirements:

To be exempt from quarantine, visitors must:
  • Have a certificate of vaccination. Find additional info on vaccine certificates below.

OR

  • Have a certificate of previous infection. This can include a positive PCR-test (RT-PCR) result that is older than 14 days or the presence of antibodies (IgG) against Covid-19 as shown in an ELISA serologic assay aka an antibody test.
Vaccination Certificate Info:

If visitors choose to enter without vaccination or proof of previous Covid-19 infection:

  • Visitors must have a negative PCR Covid-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure. Test results must be uploaded to the pre-registration form before arrival.
  • Arriving passengers will also have a double screening at the airport. This means you will receive a Covid-19 test and must quarantine for 5-6 days. A second test will be given before release after 5 days of quarantine. Test costs in Iceland are free of charge.
  • Children born in 2005 or later are exempt from the screening but must quarantine for 5 days.
Source: Icelandair, Government of Iceland & Pomelo Travel Now

Traveling During a Pandemic

We’re just as excited to get to places like Iceland as you are, but of course it’s important to always remember to follow local guidelines and advice from the local and national governments when traveling. You should also consider your own health and the health of those around you before traveling internationally. International travel has inherent risks, but we believe that travel will return and that we’ll be able to do it again safely. We’d love to hear your feelings on travel and this news! Reach out to us anytime about questions or concerns at [email protected]

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How to Travel to Hawaii in 2021: A Look into Testing and Entry Requirements

Update!

🏝️ Hawaii will end travel restrictions for fully vaccinated US travelers on July 8th!! Hawaiian vaccination rates are projected to reach 60% by then.

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Hawaii is open for tourism. Are you wondering what it takes to safely visit the islands? We’ve compiled as much information as possible to assist you in planning travel to Hawaii.

“The culture of our Hawaiian Islands is steeped in the values of kuleana (responsibility) and aloha. Now that travelers can once again enjoy our islands, we are asking you to join in our efforts to help keep Hawaii safe.” ~ Hawaii Tourism Authority


Entry Requirements for the Islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai, and Hawaii (Big Island):

  • Step one: Create your Safe Travels account (each traveling adult will be required to create their own account.) For more information on how to set up your account check out this helpful video.
  • Step two: Make an appointment with a Trusted Testing Partner approved for Covid-19 testing for travel to Hawaii. Tip: Tests through certain Walgreens locations may be free.
  • Remember: Be sure that your test is taken no earlier than 72 hours before your last leg of departure.
  • Step three: Fill out the Health Questionnaire and upload your test results in your Safe Travels account. You will receive a QR code.
  • Remember: When you arrive in Hawaii, have your QR code readily available on your phone or as a printout. If your test results don’t arrive in time, you will be required to quarantine for 10 days. Caution: If you do have to quarantine once you arrive in Hawaii, you will have to designate a hotel or motel as your chosen quarantine location. Be aware that short-term & vacation rentals, as well as operations that rent vehicles, may not rent to any person subject to the 10-day quarantine.

Another thing to keep in mind is that each county (island) of Hawaii can change their travel requirements at any time, so it’s important to do a little further research on whatever island you are planning to travel to just in case requirements change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I get tested for Covid-19 that will be approved by the State of Hawaii for travel & how much do the tests cost?

    A: The State of Hawaii is only accepting tests through Trusted Testing Partners, which can be found here. Most locations do require a testing fee of $140+, however, certain Walgreen’s locations, are offering free testing depending on your health situation.

Q: What ages need to get tested before traveling to Hawaii?

     A: The Pre-Travel Testing Program requires passengers five and older to be tested before traveling to Hawaii.

Q: Do I need a QR code for each leg of my trip?

     A: If you have a layover somewhere before arriving in Hawaii you will only need to enter the last leg of your trip into your Safe Travels account, which will only require 1 QR code. For example, if your trip is SLC > SFO > HNL you will only need to enter the leg for SFO > HNL. The only requirement for needing more than 1 QR code is if you have a stop on another Hawaiian island.

 Q: Do I need to get re-tested if I have a layover on a different island?

    A: As long as your test was taken 72 hours before you leave for your final leg of departure you will not need to get re-tested.

Q: What if I plan to visit multiple islands while on my trip to Hawaii?

    A: Inter-island travel is now open without restrictions or entry requirments.

Q: What if I haven’t received my test results before arriving in Hawaii?

     A: You must have your test results before you leave the mainland, or you’re required to quarantine for 10-days.

Q: What if I don’t get tested before traveling to Hawaii?

     A: You will be required to quarantine for 10-days. We don’t suggest doing this. We highly encourage all travelers to get tested before traveling to Hawaii.

Q: Will I need to get tested again before traveling back to the mainland?

     A: Unless your destination state has a testing requirement for entry, you do not have to test to return to the mainland.

If you have any questions about any of these requirements, feel free to reach out to our helpful customer service team at [email protected]. They’re always happy to help!

 

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How to Travel to Mexico: A Look into Testing and Entry Requirements


During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Mexico has been one of the few countries close to the U.S. that has consistently remained open. Like every country that’s open right now, the U.S. government requires that you get tested when you return to the United States, but other than that, Mexico has made it relatively easy to enter the country.

Mexico requires only a health declaration form, and face-masking in public places. Of course, it’s always smart to get tested prior to international travel if you are able. Below we list the entry requirements that Mexico has in detail:


Entry Requirements:

  • No PCR or Antigen Test Required for entry.
  • Visitors must fill out a health declaration form at vuelaseguro.com/land. Simply print out the QR code or take a screenshot to show officials at airport screenings.
  • Mask up.

Return Testing Requirements:

  • All air passengers traveling to the U.S. will be required to provide negative COVID-19 test results upon boarding their flight.
  • When returning home to the U.S., passengers must take a NAAT or viral antigen COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their U.S.-bound flight’s departure time. (Not sure what a NAAT or viral antigen test is, or even where to get them? No problem, search for Mexico on this page, and we’ll walk you through it.)
  • Most resorts in Mexico are offering on-site testing. Costs for the tests vary by resort. Some resorts are offering free tests as well as options to quarantine if you test positive.
  • We recommend contacting your resort before traveling to find out what testing options are available.
  • If you’re not staying at a resort or your resort doesn’t offer testing, this link will take you to our Travel Now page. If you click on the link for Mexico, you’ll find a list of locations that offer testing within major Mexican Destinations.

If you have any questions about any of these requirements, feel free to reach out to our helpful customer service team at [email protected]. They’re always happy to help!

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