Hawaii expands Clear partnership, expedites entry with digital COVID-19 vaccination checks

It just got even easier for those traveling to Hawaii during pandemic times as the state and Clear have teamed up to expand access for travelers, allowing them to digitally upload testing and vaccine documents necessary for entry.

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Starting July 9, all passengers over the age of 18 will be able to access Clear's Health Pass feature in its mobile app to participate in Hawaii's Safe Travels Program, which has allowed those traveling to and within the Hawaiian Islands to electronically complete a mandatory pre-travel health form, as well as upload accompanying proof of COVID-19 requirements, according to a press release from Clear, the secure identity platform that allows users to expedite security lines at airports and stadiums.

This is an expansion on a partnership that began in February, when Delta and United flyers traveling nonstop from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) were able to securely link their test results and verify their identity, making it easy for Hawaii to identify travelers approved to avoid the state’s otherwise-mandatory 10-day quarantine.

The Clear app is available free of charge, unlike Clear’s expedited security screening, which carries an annual fee.

"Safe travel is important for our residents and visitors, and Clear offers travelers an additional convenient and secure option for providing vaccination and pre-travel testing verification for those returning home or coming to Hawaii for work or vacation," Gov. David Y. Ige, said in a press statement.

While there are currently no inter-island travel restrictions, restrictions do still apply to fliers from the continental United States. Beginning July 8, unvaccinated travelers must either take a pre-travel COVID-19 test and upload negative results to Safe Travels prior to departure or complete a mandatory 10-day quarantine. Fully vaccinated individuals can bypass these requirements, but must still upload their CDC-issued vaccination card to Safe Travels.

Related: Hawaii ending all restrictions on inter-island travel

Travelers can shorten this process by uploading negative test results or vaccine verification by using the Clear's Health Pass before applying for a quarantine exception on the Safe Travels website, where they will be promoted to link their Clear Health Pass.

"Health Pass is a free, mobile experience by Clear, which securely connects a person's verified identity to multiple layers of COVID-19 related insights, including proof of vaccination, to reduce public health risk," the release said. "Clear's Health Pass is able to link to vaccination results from hundreds of vaccine providers and national pharmacies, including Walmart, Atlantic Health System and the state of California."

Read more: Nashville is next: TPG’s guide to Clear airports and stadiums