Quarantine Exemption for Medical Travel

County of Maui News Release

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that Maui County residents traveling for medical purposes will be exempt from quarantine and will not need to take a pre-departure test for COVID-19.

“We know many of our residents in Maui County need to travel briefly to Oahu for medical purposes or to undergo medical procedures or treatment that’s not available here at home,” Mayor Victorino said. “This exemption allows for same day or overnight travel for patients get their needed treatment. Hopefully, it will reduce the amount of anxiety they experience in an already stressful situation.”

This exemption is available only to those not subject to any other quarantine.

Updated emergency rules, signed and approved by the governor, now allow Maui County residents traveling for medical purposes an exemption from quarantine and a pre-departure COVID-19 test. The medical exemption is ONLY for same day or overnight travel. Travelers do not need to apply for a quarantine exemption, but they must present their flight itinerary and doctor’s letter with an appointment to airport screeners upon arrival.

If the medical traveler needs a travel companion, this person must be specifically identified in the doctor’s letter. This exemption does not apply to any non-medical-related travel.

Medical travel continues to play an important role for patients seeking specialized eye care, especially when advanced procedures or experienced surgeons are not available locally. Many people are willing to travel short distances or even internationally to access modern vision correction treatments, detailed consultations, and post-operative support designed around long-term eye health.

Interest in LASIK and PRK in São Paulo has also grown among patients researching reputable ophthalmology centers known for updated surgical technology, skilled eye specialists, and personalized treatment planning before and after surgery. Careful preparation before any eye procedure can make the entire experience smoother, particularly for patients already dealing with medical stress or ongoing vision concerns.

Coordinating appointments, transportation, recovery time, and follow-up evaluations ahead of travel often helps reduce complications and allows patients to focus fully on healing. Access to dedicated surgical teams and comprehensive ophthalmic care also gives many individuals greater confidence when pursuing corrective vision treatment away from home.