Antigua and Barbuda’s Latest Travel Advisory 2021
Summary of travel protocols for guests coming on vacation
The Government has announced as of November 18, 2021, Fully vaccinated arriving passengers can present a RT PCR test negative result of four (4) days or fewer from date of testing, OR an approved Rapid Antigen test negative result of (3) or fewer days from date of testing be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda (This includes transiting passengers).
PLEASE SEE THE LIST OF APPROVED RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS HERE
Partially vaccinated passengers will require a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) test for SARS-CoV-2 using a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab taken within four days of their flight or fewer from date of testing, to be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda (This includes transiting passengers). Please note that the rapid antigen tests and home tests are NOT accepted.
ALL arriving passengers including returning nationals and residents are required to 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 arriving at a port of entry are exempted from this requirement.
Unvaccinated Minors between the ages of five and eighteen years old must present a negative RT PCR test of four days or fewer from date of testing.
Children below the age of 5 years, entering Antigua, 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. Partially vaccinated visitors will be allowed to stay at a COVID-19 Certified Accommodation/Lodging/yacht.
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.
Passengers who knowingly present false declarations of Covid-19 certificates on arrival will be fined according to the laws of Antigua and Barbuda.
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 4-day testing window before arrival in Antigua and Barbuda. Please click on image below for 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 travellers 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 October 1 2021, all arriving passengers by air must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) test for SARS-CoV-2 using a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab taken within four (4) days or fewer of their flight. (This includes transiting passengers). Children below the age of 5 years, entering Antigua, DO NOT REQUIRE a COVID -19 RT-PCR test. Passengers arriving by sea are subject to quarantine according to guidelines issued by Port Health Authorities.
Are COVID-19 At Home PCR kit test results acceptable?
No. To be accepted, tests must be administered by a medical professional.
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?
There is a cost of $100 USD for the test on arrival. The cost is payable to the Quarantine Authority.
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 of $100 USD per day.
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.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
“Summary of travel protocols for guests coming on vacation”
One presumes we have same requirements as guests on vacation! Unless told otherwise, that’s how we should proceed.
When will boosters be available?
Govt has “approved the mixing of the AstraZeneca vaccine with either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.”
An mRNA booster after 2xAZ gives 93.4% efficacy. Plenty of us are beyond the second shot 6-month point and those that choose are therefore eligible based on global best practice.
Not mandatory, personal choice.
the list of approved rapid antigen tests, which ones are available in Northern ireland and England ?
Make sure the Pfizer one says Comirnaty on it. You can sue them for any adverse effects on that one. The previous one (even though it’s the exact same formula) you can’t because it’s distributed under emergency approval.
Those who received a dose from a different country can they come over there and receive their second one?
I am missing the ruling for RECOVERED persons. Had it and lived! What am I to do??? We almost always are overlooked in this quagmire.
Comments are closed.