No more quarantine option for visitors, and other changes to Alaska's COVID-19 entry requirements
Over the last few months, a number of states and countries have introduced mandatory COVID-19 testing in advance of travel as an alternative to a 14-day quarantine.
But now, the trend is moving toward a shorter timeframe between testing and travel; the elimination of a quarantine option for leisure travelers; and the introduction of a second mandatory test -- taken after you arrive at your destination.
Along those lines, America's most northern state, Alaska, has new rules when it comes to entering the state during the pandemic.
These entry adjustments are interesting not only because of the obvious implications for travel to Alaska but also because this could serve as a potential model for Hawaii. Hawaii has delayed its reopening to tourism because of a surge of COVID-19 cases in the Aloha State, and has even reimplemented some restrictions for interisland travel.
But the 50th state has said it's actively looking to the 49th state for learnings on testing as it relates to travel. After all, both states share similar geographical advantages and disadvantages when it comes to COVID and travel.
Visit TPG’s guide to all coronavirus news and updates
As of Aug. 11, all nonresidents of Alaska must arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, or proof of a pending test result from a test taken within 72 hours. This information is to be uploaded into the Alaska Travel Portal. A nonresident no longer has the option to enter into a 14-day quarantine as an alternative to testing. The option for testing within five days of arrival has also been eliminated.
If a nonresident of Alaska arrives without a preentry test, testing on arrival is available for $250 per test. Travelers taking a test upon arrival will be required to quarantine while waiting on test results. Parents take note that testing is not required for children 10 or younger
Returning Alaska residents may still quarantine for two weeks, or they can take the test on arrival at no cost to them.
Related: Best ways to get to Alaska using points and miles
In addition to the pre-travel or on-arrival testing, Alaska is also asking that travelers be tested again after being in Alaska for seven to 14 days. Until that second test is complete, the state is asking new arrivals to be extremely vigilant about limiting their interactions with others and strictly adhering to social distancing mandates.
Related: State by state guide to coronavirus and travel in the U.S.
When looking to how this may eventually play out in Hawaii, an obvious barrier to Hawaii simply replicating Alaska's testing model is that the number of visitors arriving by air is significantly higher.
In 2018, Hawaii had almost 10 million visitor arrivals by air, while Alaska had fewer than 10% of that number arrive by air (notably, more than 1 million additional visitors arrive by cruise ship to Alaska in a normal year).
Gov. David Ige of Hawaii expressed concern around the feasibility of testing visitors as they arrive at Hawaii's airports because of the scale and workload that would entail, with almost 1 million visitors arriving by air each month during normal times. This explains why testing upon arrival has been ruled out at Hawaiian airports for the time being.
Related: What it's like to fly in the U.S. right now
If you decide to follow the guidelines and make the trip, here is a look at the best times to visit Alaska, as well as some winter travel ideas if you decide to pack a parka and make a trek to try and enjoy the northern lights in Alaska this fall or winter.
Additional reporting by Melanie Lieberman
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.