Travelers to Alaska are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19 test
Victoria M. Walker is a former TPG senior travel reporter. She previously taught multimedia journalism at Howard University and was the breaking news video editor at The Washington Post.
Feb. 15, 2021
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2 min read
Travelers to Alaska are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19 test
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For travelers dreaming of a trip to The Last Frontier, the rules have changed.
Alaska had one of the strictest entry requirements in the U.S. during the pandemic -- but that changed over the weekend when its COVID-19 state of emergency expired.
Travelers to Alaska are no longer required to provide negative COVID-19 tests upon arrival, according to Governor Mike Dunleavy. He cited the arrival of coronavirus vaccines to the state as his reason for not extending the order.
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“From what we can see with each passing day, with more folks getting a vaccination, every day that goes by, we’re going to get closer and closer and closer to getting back to normal,” Dunleavy said on Sunday, according to KTUU in Alaska.
Commissioner Adam Crum said that without the emergency declaration, state airports no longer have the "authority to do the mandatory testing," the Anchorage Daily News reported.
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But travelers coming to Alaska are still encouraged to get tested for COVID-19.
“There’s still a virus. There’s still a lot of work to be done,” Gov. Dunleavy said. “But the emergency itself is behind us.”
Previously, all out-of-state visitors had to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival and submit test results to the Alaska Travel Portal. Travelers still awaiting results were required to quarantine until the results came back. Testing was initially $250 for nonresidents.
Airport tests for travelers who arrive without a COVID-19 test result will be able to enjoy testing upon arrival at the airport for free.
People are also still encouraged to wear masks in public, but the state does not have an official mask mandate.
Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
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Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
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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.670-850Excellent/Good
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees