F.A.Q for travelers to Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s Latest Travel Advisory 2021
Summary of travel protocols for guests coming on vacation
With immediate effect, restrictions for entry into Antigua and Barbuda have been imposed on persons who would have traveled to South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, and Hong Kong within the last fourteen (14) days.
With immediate effect, The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has indicated all arriving passengers should only present negative RT-PCR test results of three (3) days or fewer to be granted entry.
Fully vaccinated arriving passengers must present an RT PCR test negative result of three (3) days or fewer from the date of testing to be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda. This includes transiting passengers. In keeping with concerns over the potential spread of the new COVID-19 OMICRON variant, the provision allowing for the presentation of Rapid Antigen Tests is suspended until further notice. Home PCR tests are not accepted.
Unvaccinated minors between the ages of five and eighteen years old must present a negative RT PCR test of three (3) days or fewer from the date of testing.
Children below the age of five (5) years entering Antigua and Barbuda, DO NOT REQUIRE a COVID -19 RT-PCR test.
Fully vaccinated passengers entering Antigua and Barbuda who can present verifiable documentation that they have received both doses of a World Health Organization (WHO) or Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment (MOHWE) approved 2-dose COVID 19 vaccine or one dose of a single dose COVID 19 vaccine and have a COVID-19 RT-PCR negative test result will be allowed to stay at bio-safe/certified accommodation/yacht. At least two (2) weeks must have passed since the administration of the FULL vaccine dosage.
Fully vaccinated returning nationals and residents who can present verifiable documentation that they have received both doses of a WHO or MOHWE approved 2-dose COVID 19 vaccine or one dose of a single dose COVID 19 vaccine and have a COVID-19 RT-PCR test negative result will not be required to quarantine. At least two (2) weeks must have passed since the administration of the FULL vaccine dosage.
Persons quarantined at a government-approved facility for a period of fourteen (14) days will do so for a fee not exceeding EC$82.00 per night.
Arriving passengers who are permitted to quarantine at home or instructed to stay at a government quarantine facility may be required to wear a monitoring bracelet according to the Quarantine Authority regulations.
Passengers who arrive without COVID 19 test results or with incorrect COVID test results will be charged the cost of administering the required RT PCR test assay. The fee is US$100.00 for non-nationals. 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.
The approved vaccines are listed below:
- AstraZeneca (SK Bioscience)
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)
- Covishield
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
- Moderna (Pikevax)
- Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty)
- Sinopharm
- Sinovac
- Sputnik V
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s National Covid-19 Vaccination Technical Working Group, has approved the mixing of the AstraZeneca vaccine with either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.
The Ministry of Health and The Environment states that visitors who have had mixed doses of vaccines as noted above will be able to enter the country.
Visitors may be required to undergo testing for COVID-19 on arrival or at the hotel or place of lodging as determined by the Health Authorities.
Passengers arriving by sea (private yachts/Ferry Services) are subject to quarantine according to guidelines issued by Port Health.
The wearing of a face mask in public spaces is mandatory throughout Antigua and Barbuda and social/physical distancing protocols must be adhered to. Therefore, all passengers arriving in Antigua and Barbuda must wear a face mask on disembarkation, while on the airport compound, and in all public places.
All arriving passengers must complete a Health Declaration Form which will be distributed on the plane and will be subjected to screening and temperature checks by Port Health Authorities upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.
Arriving passengers with symptoms of COVID 19 may be isolated as determined by the Health Authorities.
Transiting passengers/Crew members who require an overnight stay will be required to proceed to a hotel or government-designated facility to await departure.
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 (6) hours prior to arrival. Instructions will be given to guide the crafts to either the Nevis Street Pier or to a holding area.
Here’s a helpful guide showing your 3-day testing window before arrival in Antigua and Barbuda. Please click on the image below for a larger view.
The responses within this page are provided based on the current knowledge of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority as provided by the Ministry of Health Wellness and The Environment (MOHWE) and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority aims to provide travelers with the most accurate information and will continue to provide updates when information changes.
Can I travel to Antigua and Barbuda?
Yes, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda opened its borders in a phased approach beginning June 1st 2020, when the V.C. Bird International Airport began accepting commercial international flights, and the St. John’s Harbour – Nevis Street Pier began the process of clearing yachts. A combination of screening, testing, monitoring and other protective measures are in place and are designed to protect and safeguard the health of both residents and visitors to Antigua and Barbuda.
What are the accepted Covid-19 vaccines for entry into Antigua and Barbuda?
- AstraZeneca (SK Bioscience)
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)
- Covishield
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
- Moderna (Spikevax)
- Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty)
- Sinopharm
- Sinovac
- Sputnik V
Are mixed vaccines accepted in Antigua and Barbuda?
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s National Covid-19 Vaccination Technical Working Group, has approved the mixing of the AstraZeneca vaccine with either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.
Do I have to have insurance cover to visit?
The purchase of medical insurance is at the passenger’s discretion.
Will I need to have taken a Covid-19 test before travel?
Yes. Effective December 9 2021, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has amended their travel advisory with the below points for all arriving passengers including returning nationals and residents to the destination:
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Fully vaccinated arriving passengers must present an RT PCR test negative result of three (3) days or fewer from the date of testing to be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda. This includes transiting passengers. In keeping with concerns over the potential spread of the new COVID-19 OMICRON variant, the provision allowing for the presentation of Rapid Antigen Tests is suspended until further notice. Home PCR tests are not accepted.
Are COVID-19 At Home PCR kit test results acceptable?
No.
What forms do I need to complete?
Presently, all arriving passengers or the head of a family will need to complete a health declaration form issued on your flight, to be shared with Port Health Authorities.
PLEASE NOTE COMPLETING THE PREVIOUSLY LISTED TRAVELLER/PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION FORM IS NO LONGER REQUIRED AHEAD OF ARRIVAL. THE FORM WHICH IS FREE OF CHARGE IS COMPLETED ON ARRIVING AT THE V.C. BIRD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
How do Health Officials decide who needs further testing on arrival?
A series of assessments will be undertaken by the Quarantine Authority or an authorized health officer, including interviews based on the completed Health Declaration Form, temperature checks and the intended place of stay to determine if persons should be tested on arrival.
Is there a cost for the test if I am asked to do one on arrival?
Passengers who arrive without COVID 19 test results or with incorrect COVID test results will be charged the cost of administering the required RT PCR test. The fee is a US$100.00; however, if you are asked to do a test for our own additional screening, you will not be charged.
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.
How quickly are the results returned if I am tested on arrival?
The average turnaround time for results is 48 hours. Note that results can take up to 96 hours.
Where will I be asked to wait prior to and after testing when awaiting results?
Depending on the health screening results, you may be asked to await your test results at the port of entry, or you may be notified of the results the following day at your place of stay. The Ministry of Health has indicated that results will be issued in approximately 48 hours, but can take as long as 96 hours.
If the test is given at the airport, and I test positive, what happens?
Arriving passengers who test positive for Covid-19 will be isolated as determined by the Ministry of Health Officials.
If I test positive on arrival, can I elect to go home on the first available flight?
Once the airlines are aware that the passenger is suffering from any infectious disease, they cannot accept you on flights.
What if I am asked to quarantine by Health Officials at the Government Facility; what will the cost be?
If you are advised by Health Officials to quarantine at the Government Facility, you will be required to pay a fee not exceeding EC$82.00 per night.
CRUISES
Is Antigua and Barbuda open for cruising?
Yes. Please check with your cruise provider for details on protocols.
YACHTING
THE ANTIGUA & BARBUDA DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE EXPANSION OF ITS EXTENSION OF STAY SERVICES.
Members of the Yachting and Cruising community will now be able to process Extension of Stay Applications at our Seaport Units. Please click Here for information.
For Yachting Entry and Clearance Protocols please click here.
DESTINATION WEDDINGS
In an effort to safeguard staff, the general public and visitors to Antigua and Barbuda, against the spread of the dangerous infectious disease SARS COV-2 which causes COVID-19, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Public Safety and Labour has introduced the following protocols that will apply to the process of acquiring a marriage licence. Please see the requirements Here
I plan to get married in Antigua and Barbuda; how many guests am I allowed to have at my wedding?
The maximum number of guests allowed for destination weddings in Antigua and Barbuda is determined by the size of the venue which has to be established, authorized and agreed upon by The Central Board of Health ‘CBH.’
What are the protocols surrounding weddings and events outside of hotels? (Beaches, Villas, Restaurants, etc)
Although these events are hosted at beaches, villas and speciality restaurants, the protocols established regarding physical (social) distancing, handwashing, wearing of masks etc. as stipulated by the Central Board of Health must be adhered to.
Will guest numbers be based on venue size – as has been the case for churches and funerals on island?
Yes. As of November 5th 2021, churches are allowed to have regular worship services by reliance on the covid protocols, established and agreed by CBH who will determine the maximum number of worshipers allowed.
Funerals and weddings taking place in churches may also allow as many as the capacity agreed-to by the CBH. Feast houses and wakes continue to be limited to the numbers agreed-to with the CBH, excluding the Officials and Technicians.
Social gatherings have been reduced to 10 persons.
10 persons are allowed to congregate; however, physical distancing and wearing of the mask are strongly encouraged.
What are expected of the guests once at an event? Are guests expected to wear masks as well as adhering to the social distancing protocols?
Yes, guests are expected to wear masks and adhere to the social distancing protocols.
What are the protocols for a three to seven-day visit and a couple wishing to have the wedding off the property they are staying at?
All visitors arriving on the island are subject to the Quarantine Authority’s protocols and guidelines.
What is the guest count inclusive of? Does it include the staff required to execute the event?
The guest count is determined by the protocols outlined for the venue which does not involve event staff.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Latest Government Protocol Travel Advisory 2021
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA – The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has updated its travel advisory protocol to ensure the continued safety of travelers and residents. The V.C. Bird International Airport is open for international and regional air traffic. The Antigua Port Authority is opened to Cargo Vessels, Pleasure Craft, and Ferry Services which are required to follow all protocols issued by Port Health.
Travel Advisory December 9, 2021, CONTINUE READING (181KB MS Word doc)
Ministry of Tourism & Investment – Tourism Flexibility Notice
For the purpose of COVID-19 management, currently, tourists are defined as persons who come to the country to stay at certified accommodations, regardless of the period of stay.
Whereas other visitors and returning nationals are required to sign a quarantine form, thereby committing to remain on the property indicated, the Health Authorities agree on a certain controlled flexibility when it comes to tourists.
The consideration is that tourists usually come for a very limited number of days, during which they wish to enjoy the advertised offerings of the destination, even with some understandable limitations, given the COVID-19 reality.
With that in mind, apart from certifying hotels and other accommodations, the Health and Tourism Authorities have certified a number of leisure activities, to ensure that visitors experience them in a safe manner.
Every certified establishment or individual offering accommodation, services and/or activities, must be in possession of a valid certificate, indicating COVID-19 protocol training. They are expected at all times to demonstrate that they are enforcing the relevant protocols, and will be monitored for that reason.
Certified activities include: destination weddings, dining out, land and sea excursions and certain other outdoor activities.
Compliance with the nationally established COVID-19 protocols is a legal requirement, and is therefore expected of all visitors.
The FULL List of Certified Accommodations in Antigua and Barbuda is available here. You will also find a listing of some of the certified excursions and restaurants.
DOWNLOAD NOTICE (86KB MS Word doc)
How do I get from the airport to my place of stay?
Authorized certified ground transportation providers operate outside of the V.C. Bird International Airport Arrivals Terminal. Transportation arrangements can also be made with car rentals or family and friends.
Which Certified accommodations are currently open for guests on vacation?
All guests travelling to Antigua and Barbuda on vacation are required to stay at a certified accommodation property. If on arrival a guest cannot provide proof of stay at a certified property, the guest will be required to make alternate arrangements at an approved property. If not, the guest will be required to quarantine at a government facility. You will find a comprehensive listing of certified accommodations HERE.
All certified accommodations listed have undergone inspection by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism.
What can I expect to see at certified accommodations?
All Certified accommodations will be adhering to standards required by the Central Board of Health and the Ministry of Tourism.No activities deemed high-risk will be permitted, and there will be additional focus on sanitization, and the utilization of contactless technology.
Temperature checks may be given upon arrival.
The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association has produced Health and Safety Guidelines for hotels, which can be viewed here.
Will I be required to wear a mask while at certified accommodations?
Guests are required to wear face-covering when traversing the property where they are likely to be near staff and other guests. For beach activities where physical distancing requirements are met, the wearing of a face covering would not be required.
Staff will be wearing resort-approved face coverings while working.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Is there a curfew in place?
Yes. Current Curfew Hours are 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 am daily.
Use of Beaches
Beach hours are from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm daily and can only be used for therapeutic purposes. Picnics, playing of music, or consumption of alcohol are presently not allowed.
Can I travel to Barbuda?
Yes, you can travel to Barbuda and will be asked to follow protocols as provided by health officials.
Can I travel to Barbuda for an excursion?
Yes, you can travel to Barbuda for an excursion, subject to the protocols and guidelines.
Are land-based and water-based excursions open?
Yes, land-based and water-based excursions have resumed operations, and are required to abide by Covid-19 protocols.
Are restaurants open?
Yes, restaurants are open for dining-in and take-out. Guests wishing to dine-in must have received at least one dose of a World Health Organization (WHO) or Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment (MOHWE) approved 2-dose COVID 19 vaccine or a single dose vaccine to be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda. Children below the age of (18) years are exempted from this requirement.
Are bars open?
Yes, bars have been allowed to resume business as of November 15th 2021. All patrons must be fully vaccinated and present their photo ID vaccination cards before entry.
All bar staff must be fully vaccinated.
Will I be required to wear a mask?
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s Public Health Act Dangerous Infections Disease Regulations 2020, requires all residents and visitors, when out in public spaces outside of their homes including to gas stations, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, doctors’ offices, bakeries and all other essential services, to wear masks that cover their nostrils and their mouths.
A person who fails to comply with these special measures commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of five thousand dollars (XCD 5,000.00) or imprisonment for six (6) months or to both such fine and imprisonment.
Masks are not mandatory while exercising or driving alone within vehicles.
Do I need to wear a mask on the beach?
For beach activities where physical distancing requirements are met, the wearing of a face covering would not be required.
What should I do if I begin to display Covid-19 symptoms?
Should you feel as if you are showing signs of Covid-19, please contact the Covid-19 Hotline at (268) 462-6843 immediately, where a member of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s medical team will take your call. Please follow their instructions after the call. If you are at a hotel, please inform a member of your hotel team, who will advise you on your next steps.
DEPARTING ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
What are the protocols for departing passengers leaving Antigua and Barbuda, and has the check-in time changed?
A limited number of doors will be used for exit from and entry into the terminal and these will be manned by airport personnel to ensure adherence to protocols.
Only travellers and employees will be allowed entry into the terminal. For the time being, please say your farewells at home.
Mask wearing policy will be strictly enforced.
Travellers are being encouraged to make use of online check-in.
Sneeze guards have been installed at varying points of contact with travellers.
Airlines have adopted their own set of protocols and travellers are being encouraged to adhere to their procedures.
If my pre-departure Covid test required for entry into the country I am travelling to returns positive how soon can I retest?
Travellers who test positive assuming there are no symptoms should wait a period of 10 – 14 days before re-testing as mandated by public health. Travellers with symptoms should wait until the end of the displayed symptoms.
If the country that I am travelling to after my stay in Antigua and Barbuda requires I take an RT-PCR test or Antigen Test before travel where can I have this done and what is the cost?
Persons travelling from Antigua & Barbuda to countries that require a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result or Antigen test be shown on arrival can arrange to have the RT-PCR test or Antigen test performed at the Mount St. John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC), Michael’s Mount, Antigua Here.
Antigen Testing is also available for visitors staying at the following listed resorts in Antigua: Admirals Inn, Antigua Village, Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Buccaneer Beach Club, Blue Waters Resort, Carlisle Bay Resort, Cocobay Resort, Curtain Bluff Resort, Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Hammock Cove, Hawksbill Resort, Hermitage Bay, Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, Jumby Bay Island, Mill Reef Club, Nonsuch Bay Resort, Ocean Point Resort, Pineapple Beach Club Antigua, Sandals Grande Antigua, Siboney Beach Club, St. James’s Club, Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa, Blue Waters and The Inn at English Harbour. If your resort does not appear on the list, on-site swabbing services may be available at your resort for PCR and ANTIGEN Testing at the Mount St. John’s Medical Centre. Please contact your resort for further information and rates.
