Alaska is open to all travelers – whether you’re coming to visit Juneau from your hometown city in Alaska or from outside the country, you are welcome here.
We’ll explain the travel advisories that are in effect and what you need to know about COVID-19 in the area. The travel advisories do not prohibit visitors from outside of Alaska, but instead, aim to inform and guide visitors in understanding the resources available to them and how to stay safe during travels.
On February 14, 2021, Alaska issued Health Advisory 2: International Travel and Interstate Travel as well as Health Advisory 3: Intrastate Travel. These advisories provide guidance for those traveling within the state or from other areas. Both advisories are valid until rescinded.
The Health Advisory 3 indicates that the state is not restricting travel among Alaskan communities. That means that you can travel freely from one city to another to explore the state freely.
The Health Advisory 2 opens with the line:
“The State of Alaska does NOT REQUIRE COVID-19 testing for travelers to enter the State of Alaska.”
However, the state is also committed to keeping tourists and residents safe. That’s why it provides free COVID-19 testing for those who want it. These tests are completely optional.
You might find these tests helpful if you’re traveling to Alaska to visit a loved one who is at risk for the virus or if you’re planning to attend an event where you’ll be close to others, such as a business conference.
Additionally, you can request a free COVID-19 vaccine, conveniently located at the airport, upon your arrival in Alaska. The state provides an easy-to-use website for you to request your vaccine or schedule testing.
If you have a known case of COVID-19, you must wait until you have recovered and been released from isolation to visit Alaska.
Travelers from out of state and out of the country should reference the local jurisdiction’s health advisories. Each city has the right to make its own rules about quarantine and testing requirements for travelers.
Although Alaska does not have COVID-19 testing laws for international travelers, you should be aware of federal COVID-19 testing protocols for international travelers.
All travelers from outside the United States must show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test. This includes both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
Unvaccinated travelers or travelers who are not yet fully vaccinated must show proof of a negative test within 1 day of boarding the flight. Vaccinated travelers must show proof of a negative test within 3 days of boarding the flight.
The law applies to all airplane travelers ages 2 and up. Read up on the laws for how the US recognizes fully vaccinated individuals and review the full guidelines for international travel to the United States.
If you’re traveling to the United States and making a stop in another state first, this should not impact your travels to Alaska. It will only impact your initial flight into the country. You will not be required to test again every time you board a domestic flight from one area of the US to another.
Alaska does not have a statewide mask mandate in place. However, Federal law states that everyone onboard public transportation or within transportation hubs (such as an airport or bus stop) must wear a mask.
As you go about your travels in Alaska, make sure you have a mask handy when using the following modes of transportation.
These transportation hubs will require a mask when boarding, disembarking and throughout the duration of your travels while on board.
Alaska is ready to welcome you! The state’s health department does have some recommendations for how to reduce the likelihood that you’ll transmit the virus during your travels.
Since each city or borough can make its own laws concerning COVID restrictions, you should visit the State of Alaska COVID-19 Information page. It provides a full listing of all local websites where you can learn about that area’s restrictions.
Some restrictions you might see during your Alaskan travels include:
If you plan to visit one of the National Parks within Alaska, review guidelines from the National Park Service concerning restrictions within these areas. You will be required to wear a mask at all indoor facilities on a National Park property.
Several cruise lines have resumed travel to Alaska. Many are requiring that travelers be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus to board. However, if you’re still concerned that you might have contracted the virus onboard, you can take advantage of free COVID testing once you arrive in Alaska just like airline travelers can.
Alaska makes it simple to find a COVID testing location. Most locations provide test results within 24 hours so you can return to enjoying your cruise experience as quickly as possible.
Juneau Hotel is open and following all CDC guidelines for heightened cleaning protocols to keep our guests safe. We welcome you to stay in one of our comfortable suites, outfitted with a washer and dryer. Whether you’re staying for a few days, several weeks or indefinitely, we hope you’ll consider our extended stay hotel. Book your Juneau hotel stay now.
Full washers and dryers in every suite.
Further reading:
Learn about the many varying seasonal delights in Juneau. Check out the leading activities and events during each season of 2024.
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