F.A.Q for travelers to Antigua and Barbuda: Summary of travel for guests coming on vacation

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All travellers are assessed by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and The Environment (also referred to within this document as the Quarantine Authority), for signs and symptoms through a series of checks and the completion of a health declaration form on arrival.  Testing is at the discretion of the Quarantine Authority for all arrivals. The test is given at the port of arrival and takes 15 minutes. The results take approximately 48 hours to process, and travellers will be alerted of their results by health officials. Whilst travellers await results they do need to limit their movements, as instructed by the Quarantine Authority.  If the test is negative, travellers may then enjoy and explore Antigua & Barbuda. If the test is positive travellers will need to go into isolation.

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 provide additional updates should information change.

Can I travel to Antigua and Barbuda?

Yes, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda opened it 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.

Is Antigua and Barbuda the first Caribbean island to open to tourism?

Antigua and Barbuda reopened its borders to international travel on June 1st, 2020, the same day as the United States Virgin Islands.

Which airlines are currently flying to Antigua and Barbuda?

American Airlines began flights daily to Antigua from Miami on June 4, 2020. The flight will arrive into Antigua at 11:15 p.m. until July, when the flight will arrive at 1:50 p.m.

When will other airlines begin flying to Antigua and Barbuda?

Delta, JetBlue, British Airways and interCaribbean have announced plans to resume commercial scheduled flights in July,

Please confirm number of deaths and infections relating to Covid-19, and those recovered to date? 

As of June 12th, 2020, Antigua and Barbuda has recorded twenty-six (26) cases of coronavirus, three (3) deaths and twenty (20) persons have recovered.

My country was previously on a list of countries that could not fly to Antigua and Barbuda. Can I now fly to Antigua and Barbuda?

Yes, all travel advisories have been lifted from all countries.

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 48 hours before travel?

While not required, a negative COVID test result is accepted since Antigua and Barbuda is limited in testing capabilities at this time.

What safety measures are in place upon arrival?

A combination of screening, testing, monitoring and other protective measures will be in place. This strategy is intended to protect and safeguard the health of both residents and guests to Antigua and Barbuda.

Some of these safety measures include:

  • The wearing of masks – It is mandatory to wear a mask while in public spaces in Antigua and Barbuda, and as such, all arriving visitors and residents are required to wear masks.  Please ensure you have yours, you will need it for disembarking the aircraft on arrival into Antigua and Barbuda.

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 ($5,000.00 XCD) or to imprisonment for six (6) months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

  • Completion of the Passenger Registration Form
  • Completion of a Health Declaration Form by all arriving passengers
  • Health Screenings to determine risk posed by that person for transmission of Covid-19
  • Temperature Checks through thermal cameras
  • Nasal swab testing for Covid-19 on arrival at ports of entry for hotel guests and those showing symptoms after general assessment performed by the Quarantine Authority
  • Completion of a Quarantine Directions Form and Quarantining as determined by the Quarantine Authority if deemed a risk. Details of the Quarantine Act can be viewed here
  • Presence of visible handwashing and sanitization stations
  • Adhering to social distancing requirements
  • Sanitization of luggage by taxi drivers
  • Limitations on persons travelling within taxis. Taxi operators have also received training from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism in passenger safety and minimizing occupational risks.

What are the entry requirements for Antigua and Barbuda related to Covid-19?

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment (MOHWE), is taking measures to reduce the risk of re-introduction of Covid-19 in Antigua and Barbuda and will also be monitoring persons for signs of Covid-19 as they arrive into and while they are in Antigua and Barbuda.

All arriving passengers will undergo a series of assessments and some may also be subject to a rapid and/or PCR test(s) on arrival pending symptoms and lodging.

All arriving passengers will need to complete a health declaration form to be shared with Port Health Authorities on arrival.

A Traveller Accommodation form should also be completed. This form is available here.

All travellers will also be required to sign the Quarantine Directions Form.

Failure to comply with any order, guideline or direction of the Quarantine Authority commits an offence and can be fined EC$10,000 or imprisonment for 6 months in prison, or both. Details of the Quarantine Act can be viewed here

Will I need to Quarantine?

The following persons are subject to quarantine in Antigua and Barbuda

  • Contacts of laboratory confirmed cases of Covid-19
  • Contacts of suspected cases of Covid-19
  • Persons travelling to Antigua and Barbuda from countries where there are outbreaks of Covid-19

How long will I need to Quarantine?

The recommended quarantine period for Covid-19 is fourteen (14) days. However, this may change in the following circumstances

  • If you test negative for Covid-19 using a test approved by the MOHWE, you may be released from quarantine
  • If you test positive for Covid-19, using a test approved by the MOHWE you will be moved to isolation.

How quickly are the results returned?

The average turnaround time for results is 48 hours. Note that results can take up to 96 hours.

Where will quarantine take place?

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and The Environment (Quarantine Authority) shall determine whether a person arriving into Antigua and Barbuda shall be quarantined at a private home, at a hotel, yacht or sea vessel, dormitory facility or at a designated government facility that can allow persons to be safely separated from others and monitored for symptoms of Covid-19.

As a returning national, if I am unable to quarantine at home, is there a quarantine facility?

A Government-designated bio-space or hotel bio-secure space is available for returning nationals needing to quarantine away from their intended place of stay.  The decision that quarantine must take place at the Quarantine facility is made by Health officials and is done on a case by case basis.

Passengers will be required to pay a small fee to cover the cost of accommodation at the quarantine facility.

However, returning students will be exempted from payment.

If I am in-transit, will I need to quarantine?

You will need to arrange somewhere that you can safely quarantine until your next flight.  If unable to do so, Transiting passengers/crew members, who require an overnight stay, will be required to proceed to a Government-designated bio-space or hotel to await departure.

How do Health Officials decide who needs to be tested 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.

Testing is conducted on individuals staying at an approved hotel facility; individuals showing covid-19 related signs or symptoms; or individuals whose health assessment questionnaire raises an alarm. Individuals staying on a yacht have the option of self-quarantine or are tested based on the health assessment outcome.

What type of testing will be conducted?

Ministry of Health Officials will conduct a rapid and/or PCR test(s) on arrival, which involves nasal swabbing.

Will children (under 18 years old) also be tested?

Testing of children (under 18 years old) will not be routinely done. They will be tested only if showing signs or symptoms but with parental consent and this must be managed by a pediatrician.

At what point on arrival will testing take place?

Swabbing will take place at your port of entry, either the V.C. Bird International Airport or the St. John’s Harbour.

How long do these tests take to do and what does it involve?

The nasal swab test takes 15 minutes.

How quickly are the results returned? How are health officials informing travellers of the results?

The average turnaround time for results is 48 hours. Note that results can take up to 96 hours. All travellers are informed of test results either via email or face to face through the Medical Doctor at the hotel.

Is there a cost for the test?

There is a cost of US$100 for the test, payable by all visitors. The cost is payable to the Quarantine Authority.

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 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.

As a returning national, will I need to take a test?

All arriving passengers will be monitored for Covid-19 in accordance with guidelines of the Quarantine Authority and may undergo coronavirus testing on arrival.

Will I need to quarantine, while I await results?

Yes

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.

If I test negative what happens?

As soon as you receive a negative test result you are allowed to explore the island at your leisure.  Until you receive the result you do need to enjoy the hotel facilities and beach only.

Is there a cost involved in staying at the Infectious Disease Center?

No policy decision has been made at this time to charge for this stay.

How do I get from the airport to my place of stay?

All arriving passengers are required to use the authorized certified ground transportation available outside of the V.C. Bird International Airport Arrivals Terminal. Family and friends will not be allowed to pick-up guests.  This measure is in place to allow for effective contact tracing should it be required.

How have taxi operations at the ports of entry changed?

  • Taxi drivers will sanitize their hands and vehicles after handling and transporting each set of baggage.
  • There will be limited contact between driver and passengers, and there will be stickers or markings on the floor of larger vehicles to guide and reinforce the message of physical distancing.
  • Commercial passenger transport vehicles are permitted to carry only 50% of the vehicle seating capacity. For example, a 15-seater vehicle will only be allowed to transport no more than 6 passengers. There is consideration for dedicated transport for senior citizens.
  • All commercial vehicles used for passenger transport must be kept clean, must be sanitized after each trip, and must be equipped with hand sanitizer. They will be subject to random inspections by Public Health Officers.
  • Transportation operators must wash or sanitize hands after handling money and should have routine daily temperature checks.

Which Certified accommodations are currently open for guests?

Certified accommodation currently open include:  Admirals Inn – Gunpowder Suites, Antigua Village, Siboney Beach Club, Buccaneer Beach Club, Hammock Cove Resort, Heritage Hotel, Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, and Tamarind Hills Villas. A number of villas are also open.

All hotels and villas that are open, have undergone inspection by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism and have all been certified to re-open.

Do you have re-opening dates of other hotels?

which provides information on other hotel re-openings.

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 testing also be done at certified accommodations?

The testing takes place at the Government Medical Facility.

Will I be required to wear a mask while at certified accommodations?

Guests are required to wear a face covering when traversing the property where they are likely to be in close proximity to 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.


Do I need to wear a mask on the beach in Antigua and Barbuda?

For beach activities where physical distancing requirements are met, the wearing of a face covering would not be required.

If I misplace my mask, where will I be able to purchase masks?

Masks are available for purchase throughout Antigua and Barbuda. Face masks will also be available within hotel properties.


Can yachts visit Antigua and Barbuda?

The Antigua Port Authority is opened to cargo vessels, pleasure craft and ferry services which are required to follow all health guidelines issued by Port Health.  Boaters planning to come to Antigua must alert the authorities ahead of time by using the eseaclear.com pre-notification system.

ALL yachts must go through the yacht clearance process at the St. John’s Harbour, Nevis Street Pier. This includes yachties wishing to anchor in English Harbour.  Yachters are to anchor between fort James and St John’s Harbour with their Lima flag flying until they are invited to start the clearance process by the Coast Guard or the Port Authority. Yacht Captains will be required to fill out a health declaration form upon arrival, and other pre-entry requirements determined by health officials.

Will yachties be required to take the test?

Yacht Captains will be required to fill out a health declaration form upon arrival.

All passengers will be required to have their temperatures checked, may undergo testing (based on health assessment), and will be required to self-quarantine on their yachts/vessels as directed by health officials.

Are private jet passengers being treated differently to commercial aircraft passengers?

Presently, yes they are treated differently since there is no testing being done at the airport when the private jets arrive. Testing is done only for the commercial American Airlines flight at 11:15 p.m.

Will I be able to go to the beach?

Hotel guests staying at a hotel with a beach, will have access to that beach. All beaches will be accessible once a negative test result has been received.

Beaches in Antigua and Barbuda are open on weekdays and weekends between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the current curfew period, which ends on July 31.

All beach-users should observe physical distancing guidelines.

Will I be able to rent a car on arrival?

You will not be able to rent a car on arrival at the airport as you will need to take the approved transportation.  Once at your place of lodging, arrangements can be made for car hire, dependent on coronavirus testing results.

Will land-based and water-based excursions be open?

These will be open in a phased manner after the appropriate inspection, training and certification by the Ministry of Health and Tourism Officials. Travellers are advised that tour and excursion outings should be limited during this phase.

Are restaurants open?

Restaurants are open for take-away and delivery service, and some restaurants have now been certified to reopen for dine-in service. Travellers are advised against dining-in at restaurants during this phase.

Is there a curfew in place?

A curfew is in effect in Antigua and Barbuda until July 31, 2020. During this period, movement is allowed between the hours of 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. During the curfew hours of 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., only essential services will be allowed to operate within public spaces.


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 ($5,000.00 XCD) or to imprisonment for six (6) months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Masks are not mandatory while exercising or driving alone within vehicles.

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.

If I am staying for less than the 14-day quarantine period (13 days or less) am I able to leave to travel to the airport?

Yes, you will be able to leave if you are staying for less than the quarantine period.

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.

Travelers 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

When is it planned for cruises to arrive and will the same procedures for assessment and testing be in place? 

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has not provided details of cruise line schedules nor protocols at this time.

Do you need more assistance?

Please send us an email ([email protected]), and the team at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority will do our best to assist you with any queries you may have related to travel to Antigua and Barbuda during the Covid-19 pandemic, and Ministry of Health, Wellness and The Environment/Government of Antigua and Barbuda regulations.

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6 COMMENTS

  1. Are private jet passengers being treated differently to commercial aircraft passengers?

    Presently, yes they are treated differently since there is no testing being done at the airport when the private jets arrive. Testing is done only for the commercial American Airlines flight at 11:15 p.m.

    Awesome…just awesome

  2. so, to summarize, arrivals currently NOT being tested:

    asymptomatic tourists not staying in hotels
    asymptomatic Nationals
    the rich whether asymptomatic or symptomatic who arrive by private jet

  3. You wrote: “so, to summarize, arrivals currently NOT being tested…”

    FAQ: “Nasal swab testing for Covid-19 on arrival at ports of entry for hotel guests and those showing symptoms after general assessment performed by the Quarantine Authority”

    TripAdvisor says:
    JWall (Joined in Oct 2011, 4 contributions16 helpful votes) wrote a review Jun 6


    First vacationers since Covid19
    My trip had originally been scheduled and paid for this past December when my husband and I stayed at the Sandals Grand Antigua. We enjoyed it so much and everyone is so friendly we knew we were coming back six months later. Unfortunately, my husband is a professor at a university and could not take off as all of his in class courses had to be converted to online courses. He could not travel and needed to stay home. I can go on vacation whenever I want. I asked a very good friend of mine to come along with me….
    We had no idea that this week was a history making vacation. News crews were at the airport when we landed because we were the first tourists to come back or to be allowed to enter. The only negative thing was that we were all required to have a nasal swab test for Covid. No one knew that was going to take place. A very unpleasant and uncomfortable experience but I knew once I got to sandals everything was going to be all right……”

  4. We cannot come in Antigua – USA doesn’t permit transit if you are not American,
    British Airways has not flight scheduled on July, we all european citizens can go only to Guadalupe or Saint Martin but there are no flights to Antigua – so how can we spend holiday in Antigua?
    We wish but there is no chance –

  5. PCR test results take approximately 3-5 days in NY. Please take this into consideration because that time frame is probably the same as it would be in Antigua. 48 hours for results is unlikely, it is more likely to take the 96 hours (4 days) that is mentioned in this article. If traveling from the States and you would like to have ANU accept your results, one would have to get tested 3-5 days before traveling to ANU.

Comments are closed.