Barbados: Travellers to present negative COVID test upon arrival

Bridgetown, Barbados: Travellers visiting the island of Barbados will now have to present either a negative Rapid RT-PCR test or Rapid PCR test on their arrival. This amended guideline will be in effect from January 7, 2021. 

The Rapid PCR test must be taken 24 hours prior to their travel and RT-PCR, within the period of three days prior to arrival in the Caribbean island. 

Only the tests conducted at an accredited or recognized laboratory by healthcare officials will be valid. 

COVID19 tests report done by the following methods will not be accepted by the airport authorities: 

1. Nasal swab samples
2. Saliva samples
3. Self-administered tests (even if the sample has been taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider)
4. Home kits
5. Rapid PCR tests

Meanwhile, the mandatory second COVID19 PCR test for all the fully immunized travellers has also been removed now. As per the amended travel protocols, fully inoculated travellers arriving in Barbados with a negative RTPCR test will be notified by the healthcare workers at the Grantley Adams International Airport that they have been assigned for a randomized arrival Rapid Antigen Test on their entry in the Caribbean island. 

Following are the travel protocols for fully vaccinated travellers – 

• RT-PCR COVID19 test within 3 days before arrival to the island or a Rapid COVID19 PCR test within one day prior to travel
• Download BIMSafe app
• Complete your travel form via the BIMSafe app
• To present COVID19 PCR test result and vaccination certificate

For further any enquiry, people who wish to visit Barbados can go and check travel protocols at the islands’ official website -https://issuu.com/visitbarbados/docs/btmi_travel_protocols_update_041021?fr=sYmMyOTQzNTExOTc. 

The island is witnessing a rise in the COVID19 infections ahead of the general elections that are going to take place on January 19, 2022. Although, the Barbadian government promised the safety of the tourists arriving on the island to witness its beauty and enjoy their holidays.