It’s been a long winter to say the least. However, most upcoming Alaska travelers reading this endured a much harsher winter and I’m not talking about the weather. Alaska in the winter is quiet, cold and dark. After a long summer season of fishing, we enjoy this once hectic place, becoming peaceful again. So long story short, I couldn’t imagine what you folks down there in America, especially in larger cities had to deal with. Even before Covid-19, the winters in Alaska seem to already adapt to these Covid precautions. Most Alaskans prefer hibernation over a bunch of humans. The freezer is full, the mountains are calling and spending time with family is our Alaskan winter.
Working in Haines, Alaska with Alaska Heliskiing kept us busy this winter.
Catch Salmon not Covid
I remember sitting here last year, wondering if we we’re having a season at all? Many Covid-19 regulations coming in, we didn’t know what to make sense of it all. Now, flash forward to the 2021 Alaska Fishing Season, the State of Alaska is now open for travel. As it can still be confusing for travelers, we wanted to make a simple but detailed post of what to expect traveling to Alaska this summer. Welcome to your traveling to Alaska Covid-19 Restrictions 2021 Guide.
COVID-19 Health Advisory No. 2
The State of Alaska Covid Travel Restrictions freshly released February 14th, 2021 is now “recommending” travelers coming from outside the state to:
- Complete a Travel Declaration Form and a Self-Isolation Plan in the Alaska Travel Portal at www.alaska.covidsecureapp.com.
- Any person currently positive with COVID-19 cannot travel to Alaska until they have been released from isolation, or cleared for travel, by a medical provider or public health agency
- Pre-travel molecular-based test for SARS-CoV2 with negative results: The traveler should submit negative test results from a test taken within 72 hours of departure into the Alaska Travel Portal or have proof of a negative test available to show screeners at the airport upon arrival.
- Pre-travel molecular-based test for SARS-CoV2 without results: The traveler should submit proof of a test taken within 72 hours of departure into the Alaska Travel Portal or have proof available of having taken a test to show screeners at the airport.
- No pre-travel molecular-based test for SARS-CoV2: If a non-resident traveler (aged 11 years or older) arrives in Alaska without proof of a negative test result or proof of a test taken within 72 hours of departure, they should test at the airport. i. The traveler should follow strict social distancing until test results are available. ii. The traveler should obtain a second test 5–14 days after arrival.
- Fully-vaccinated travelers should follow pre-travel testing protocols, but do not need to follow strict social distancing while they are awaiting test results
- Fully-vaccinated is defined as more than two weeks following receipt of the second dose in a two-dose series, or more than two weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine.
The full Alaska Covid-19 Travel Recommendations can be read here.
Alaska Airlines Covid-19 Travel Restrictions for Alaska read here.
Updated FAQ from the State of Alaska 3/23/21
Alaska Travel Covid Recommendations
With the Alaska Covid-19 Mandate being lifted as of February 14th 2021, you’re no longer required to receive or Provide Proof of a Negative Covid-19 Test to fly into Anchorage International Airport. However, at Kenai Drift Anglers we still recommend taking precautions before you travel to Alaska.
- Get tested in your home State Three days before travel and receive results before arriving into Anchorage.
- Mask are required on Airlines and also in Anchorage. Soldotna does not require mask.
- Wash your hands and bring your travel hand sanitizer with you, with an extra mask.
Local Alaska Covid Travel Tips
First, leave politics aside and lets go fishing! You can call the last 14 months whatever you want, but we’re just excited you’re allowed to travel to Alaska with less restrictions. Let’s keep it this way!
Here in Alaska, if you ask ten people you’ll get ten different answers on how we should manage traveling this summer. Our Recommendation, be patient. Especially flying this summer, we understand people have different beliefs on mask, but however long your flight is, we can guarantee it will be worth it once you’re fishing the Kenai River!
2021 Alaska Fishing Season
Just a little over a month here until we kick off our Alaska Fishing season. We couldn’t be more excited. It’s true, this will be an extremely busy season here at Kenai Drift Anglers and we are excited to see you all. We hope your travels to Alaska this fishing season are smooth. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about traveling to Alaska this year!
For any Booking inquires, please visit our 2021 Alaska Fishing page.
Also visit our Kenai Drift Anglers Reservations Page
Kenai Drift Anglers is excited to kick off the 2021 Alaska Fishing Season and fishing with you all, very soon!
Scotty
Owner & Guide
Kenai Drift Anglers
