Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Hawaii Health Certificate
Are you planning a trip to Hawaii soon and wondering about the state’s health requirements? Many visitors to the islands are surprised to learn that they need a health certificate to avoid quarantine upon arrival. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain exactly what a Hawaii health certificate is, who needs one, and how to obtain it. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to enjoy your Hawaii vacation without any health-related hassles.
What is a Hawaii Health Certificate?
A Hawaii health certificate, sometimes called a Certificate of Vaccination or Certificate of Clearance, is an official document required for travel to Hawaii. Its purpose is to prove you do not currently have active tuberculosis (TB). Hawaii is one of the only states that still screens certain visitors for TB to help prevent the spread of this infectious airborne disease. The certificate shows you’ve had a TB screening or chest X-ray with a negative result within one year prior to your Hawaii trip. Without this certificate, you may be subject to a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.
Who Needs a Hawaii Health Certificate?
Not everyone visiting Hawaii requires a health certificate. Here are the guidelines:
- Visitors younger than 18 do not need a certificate.
- US and foreign residents staying less than 90 days do not need a certificate, unless coming from a location with high TB rates.
- Visitors staying 90 days or longer do need a certificate, no matter where they’re from.
To check if you need a certificate based on where you live, consult the list of high TB prevalence areas on the Hawaii Department of Health website. Places like Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America often require certificates.
Obtaining Your Hawaii Health Certificate
Now that you know if a certificate is necessary, here are the steps to obtain one:
- Get a TB screening or chest X-ray. These are provided by doctors, clinics, and some pharmacies. Make an appointment 1-3 months before your Hawaii trip.
- Take the results to a certified medical provider like your doctor’s office. They will review and sign off that your test was negative.
- Complete section A of the Certificate ofTB Clearance form from the Hawaii health department website. Sign and date it.
- Have your medical provider fill out section B, verifying your negative results. They should stamp or attach their clinic information.
- Print and take your completed certificate with you to Hawaii. Keep it accessible, as you may need to show it upon arrival or check-in.
The whole certificate process typically takes 1-2 weeks once you get your screening done. Plan ahead, as rushing a test or certificate close to your trip could result in complications.
What If I Forget My Certificate?
Even the most organized traveller can occasionally forget important documents. If you arrive in Hawaii without your certificate, don’t panic. Officials may offer you the option to get screened on-island and self-quarantine until results come back negative. From my experience, on-island screening involves a chest X-ray and can take 3-7 business days. This extends your Hawaii stay but prevents a full 10-day quarantine. The lesson? Always try to have your certificate completed before arriving for a smoother entry process.
Personal Experience Obtaining My Certificate
I’ll tell you about my own experience obtaining a Hawaii health certificate last year. I scheduled a TB skin test at my local pharmacy about two months before my Maui vacation. When I went back a few days later to get the results read, unfortunately the tiny bump had barely developed – meaning I’d need a follow up test or chest X-ray to be safe. Not wanting to hassle with on-island screening, I opted for a quick chest X-ray at an urgent care clinic instead. Luckily, my results came back TB-free within a couple business days. My doctor filled out the certificate form, and I was good to go for paradise! The whole process took less than two weeks total. Proper planning is key to avoiding any hiccups when getting your Hawaii certificate.
Final Tips For a Smooth Certificate Experience
To summarize the most important points:
- Check eligibility guidelines and plan your TB screening/X-ray 1-3 months in advance.
- Use the official Hawaii health department certificate form for consistency.
- Allow 1-2 weeks after your negative test for your provider to certify and issue the paper form.
- Carry your original signed certificate with you, not just a photo, in case officials request to see it.
- Consider options like on-island screening if last-minute issues prevent getting certified beforehand.
Following these tips will help ensure your Hawaii certificate experience goes smoothly so you can focus on enjoying your island getaway. Of course, no process is foolproof – but with diligent planning like I outlined here, chances are very good you’ll breeze right into the Aloha State certificate in hand. Now go book those Hawaii flights – you’re days away from tropical paradise! Let me know if you have any other certificate questions. A Hui Hou!
Hawaii Health Certificate Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Vaccinations | Dogs must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days prior to arrival. A rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian is required. |
| Microchip | Dogs must be implanted with a microchip for identification. The microchip number must be included on health documents. |
| Examinations | Dogs must receive a veterinary exam no more than 30 days before arrival. An interstate health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel is required. |
| Deworming | Dogs must be free of internal and external parasites. A document signed by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel is needed to confirm the dog has been dewormed. |
| Quarantine | All dogs are subject to a 120-day quarantine at an approved facility upon arrival in Hawaii regardless of vaccination status or previous residence in another state. |
FAQ
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What is a Hawaii health certificate?
Basically, a Hawaii health certificate is a document that states a traveler meets the health requirements for visiting Hawaii. It shows you were screened and do not have any contagious diseases.
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Who needs a Hawaii health certificate?
Pretty much anyone flying to Hawaii from outside the United States needs a certificate. You need it if you’re coming from another country by airplane. However, travelers from the mainland US don’t necessarily require one.
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How long is a Hawaii health certificate valid?
A valid Hawaii health certificate will be accepted for 30 days after being issued. So you want to make sure to get it no more than a month before your trip. Otherwise you may need to get screened again!
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What does the screening involve?
The screening process involves a health questionnaire and possible temperature check. They want to make sure visitors are not bringing illnesses like tuberculosis or measles to the islands. The screening is fast and painless – basically just answering some questions.
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Can I get a refund if I can’t travel?
It appears the policies on refunds vary depending on who does your screening. Some clinics may offer full or partial refunds if you end up not being able to make your Hawaii trip as planned. But there are no guarantees – you’d have to check with the specific clinic. Buy travel insurance to be safe!
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How do I get screened for a Hawaii certificate?
Most clinics that provide Hawaii health certificate screening are located near major airports. You can search online for “Hawaii health certificate screening near me” to find options. Just book an appointment, get screened, and they’ll provide your certificate before your flight. Easy!
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Is a Hawaii certificate really needed?
On the one hand, the screening process is fast and meant to keep travelers healthy. Hawaii wants to protect its residents. But is the requirement really necessary? After all, millions visit Hawaii every year without issue. Perhaps the rules could be loosened a bit. What do you think – is the certificate worth it?