Know Here: Antigua and Barbuda Govt announces travel advisory

Antigua and Barbuda: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Trade has announced the updated Antigua and Barbuda Travel Advisory, which would be effective from April 16, 2022 (Saturday).

The press release, informing about the updated travel restrictions, read, “The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has updated its travel advisory effective immediately to ensure the continued safety of travellers and residents”.

Furthermore, it stated, “Additionally, measures have been implemented for the quick detection of any imported cases. The strategy is intended to protect and safeguard the health of both residents and visitors to Antigua and Barbuda”.

The government has further asked the nationals and residents to check travel advisories of home and destination countries prior to travel at this time.

The protocols implemented are as follows:

1.) Arriving passengers are ‘not’ required to present verifiable documentation of full vaccination to be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda.

2.) Fully vaccinated arriving passengers are not required to present a PCR/Rapid Antigen Test negative result to be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda.

3.) Partially or Unvaccinated passengers with no COVID-19 symptoms are permitted entry provided they:
a) Submit an RT-PCR test on arrival at their own expense.
b) Quarantine for ten (10) days if partially vaccinated and for fourteen days if unvaccinated.
c) Present a negative certified PCR result taken no more than three (3) days or Rapid Antigen Test taken no more than 24 hours prior to arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.

4.) Fully vaccinated passengers may be required to submit an RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 upon arrival at their own expense.

5.) Unvaccinated minors between the ages of five and eighteen years old must present a negative certified RT-PCR result taken no more than three (3) days or a Rapid Antigen Test taken no more than 24 hours prior to arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.

6.) Children below the age of five (5) years may enter the country without any COVID-19 test.

7.) Arriving passengers who are permitted to quarantine at home may be required to wear a monitoring bracelet according to the Quarantine Authority regulations.

8.) Visitors are required to observe all protocols during their stay and patronize only COVID-19 certified businesses such as restaurants and excursions for the duration of their trip.

9.) The wearing of face masks in public spaces is actively encouraged throughout the country, and social or physical distancing protocols should still be adhered to. Therefore, all passengers arriving in Antigua and Barbuda are encouraged to wear face masks wherever there are gatherings of significant numbers of people.

10.) All arriving passengers must complete a Health Department Form and will be subject to screening and temperature checks by port Health Authorities upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda. Passengers who knowingly present false declarations of COVID-19 negative tests or vaccination on arrival will be fined according to the laws of Antigua and Barbuda.

11.) Arriving passengers with symptoms of COVID-19 may be isolated as determined by the Health Authorities.

12.) Transiting passengers members who require an overnight stay will be required to proceed to a hotel or government-certified facility to await departure.

13.) All Marine pleasure Craft and Ferry Services entering the waters of Antigua and Barbuda should contact the Antigua Port Authority. Using VHF Channel 16, at least six hours prior to arrival, instructions will be given to guide the crafts to either Nevis Street Pier or English Harbours, jolly Harbour, or another holding area.