Alaska (State of) Travel - What Are the COVID Reqs?
 

We're heading to Anchorage and Kodiak next week to participate in the decommissioning of a US Coast Guard cutter that I helped commission back in 1971. We have both been fully vaccinated. Flying Alaska Airlines San Diego-Seattle-Anchorage-Kodiak. Fun stuff.

From what I've read, Alaska (state of) has removed the requirement to have a PCR COVID test prior to arriving in the state, making it recommended rather than required. But their travel portal doesn't reflect that. The options you can select are a) negative test received or b) had a test but don't have results or c) consent to test on arrival.

Alaska Airlines says this: Travel restrictions
Effective February 15, out-of-state travelers arriving in Alaska and residents returning to Alaska no longer need to present a negative COVID test for entry. The state is continuing to encourage travelers to be tested voluntarily.

Can someone clue me in on what the actual situation is?

Thank you.

You are no longer required to show up with a negative test within 72 hours; it is optional. I went to ANC last week and the only people in line to submit testing info were either going to another place in the state that requires it (I think JNU still does, as does some of the bush communities), or people who didn’t know the requirement had gone away and were thusly complaining at baggage claim.

I went to Kodiak last summer when the statewide testing requirements were still active, and the COVID testing facility for incoming passengers from out of state was behind the Island Air building at ADQ. You could literally walk out of the AS building and nobody cared.

As with any travel, the official website of the jurisdiction is the best place to check as it is updated when requirements change. You can find Alaska's dedicated website here:

https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/

Note that there is a link to local & borough requirements as opposed to non-mandatory suggestions, which you can check once you know your specific routing and destinations.

Thank you, that helps.

The official website is confusing, which is why I posted the question. I'll check it again closer to departure to see if 'advised' changes to 'required'.

Most of Alaska doesn’t require testing. But my understanding is that JNU, WRG, and PSG have special testing requirements. The AS site has details: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/ad...oryBR_Regional


My experience in ANC and BET (today) has been optional testing that is available on arrival in the terminal, but not mandatory.

I flew into ANC about 3 or 4 times since they lifted the requirement. They do provide a free covid test onsite if you want. They will try to steer you towards filing a declaration form. Just say no so you don't waste any more time at the airport. If you want to do a self-declaration, just fill out the form online.

COVID-19 vaccines will be available at key Alaska airports starting June 1.

Alaska to offer tourists COVID-19 vaccines starting June 1 (usatoday.com)