While tests are no longer required, a State of Alaska Health Advisory recommends all non-resident travelers arrive with negative test results or proof of a test taken within 72 hours of departure. Travelers who arrive without either of these may access free testing at the airport. Travelers who opt to test at the airport or arrive with pending test results should observe strict social distancing until results arrive.

The State of Alaska requests results from a molecular-based PCR swab test. Travelers may use an FDA-approved at-home testing kit.

Children age 10 and younger are exempt from testing recommendations.

State health authorities recommend visitors take a follow-up test 5-14 days after arrival; this follow-up test is not required. Travelers will receive a voucher for this second test.

Click here to access a nationwide test locator and find a testing site near you. Alaska also accepts results from FDA-approved home self-test swab kits, which could be an option if in-person testing is not available in your area.

The State of Alaska requests travelers complete a Travel Declaration Form and Self-Isolation Plan via the Alaska Travel Portal.

Non-essential travel across the US-Canada land border is currently temporarily restricted. Beginning Aug. 9, 2021, fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents currently residing in the U.S. will be permitted to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) travel. Beginning Sept. 7, 2021, Canadian government officials intend to open Canada’s borders for discretionary travel by visitors from any country who have been fully vaccinated with Government of Canada-accepted vaccines at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements. Click here for more information.

Large overnight cruise ship sailings in the US are tentatively suspended through Sept. 30, per an order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Canada has prohibited cruise ship sailings in Canadian waters through Oct. 31. The Port of Seattle has also delayed the start of cruise season until after the coronavirus pandemic ends. Many cruise lines have cancelled 2020 Alaska sailings. Contact individual cruise lines for more information.

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is still running, though services are occasionally subject to brief unscheduled interruptions as new cases of COVID-19 are identified. Confirm all sailings directly with AMHS.

Find current travel mandates, FAQs, and other information via the State of Alaska's COVID-19 traveler information page.

All travelers arriving in Anchorage from outside Alaska are encouraged to submit a Travel Declaration and Self-Isolation Plan, and should consider either 1) arriving with proof of a qualifying negative COVID-19 test (molecular-based PCR swab test) taken within 72 hours of departure, or 2) following their employer’s work plan filed with the State of Alaska, or 3) taking a free COVID-19 test upon arrival in Alaska, then observing strict social distancing until results arrive.

All individuals within the Municipality of Anchorage are encouraged to practice physical distancing and limit large gatherings. Unvaccinated individuals are advised to wear face masks in public settings; everyone is "strongly encouraged to practice recommended hygiene, including regular hand washing."

Those who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, who have tested positive, or who are close contacts of someone who tested positive, must isolate at home for the time recommended by the CDC.

Traveling outside Anchorage? Different communities may have different health and safety requirements: Check with local health authorities or visitors bureaus for the latest information.

Free testing is available at numerous drive-up and walk-in sites throughout Anchorage. A website developed by the Anchorage Innovation Team lists current openings and other information: Click here to learn more.

While many businesses are currently open, be prepared to be flexible, and look for curbside, takeout, online ordering, and other options. Many businesses have taken the Healthy Anchorage Pledge, an extra commitment to following best practices, safety mandates, and public health guidelines.

Some businesses have also adjusted opening hours, schedules, and other operating details: We recommend contacting businesses directly to confirm details.

For information about state health mandates, email the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or visit the department's FAQ page here. You can also get answers to travel-related questions by emailing Ask A Local or calling (907) 257-2363.

We encourage the traveling public to seek and listen to the latest expert guidance, and to make fact-based travel decisions. For more traveler information, follow the most current information from the Centers for Disease Control, the Alaska DHSS, and Municipality of Anchorage.

If you feel ill or experience symptoms of COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who is ill, contact your regular medical provider by phone. If you do not have a regular medical provider and are in Alaska, dial 2-1-1 or (800) 478-2221 for ​more information and referrals to additional resources.

Anchorage businesses have ramped up sanitation procedures, adjusted operations to allow for increased physical distancing, and added new touchless or curbside options to minimize customer contact. Some Anchorage businesses require masks for staff and customers, too.