Barbados: Officials likely to maintain COVID-19 entry requirements depending on traveler origin through December /update 16

Event

Officials in Barbados are likely to maintain the nation's overall coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related protocols through December, based on the risk level of a country that a traveler had traveled or transited from within 21 days before their arrival in Barbados. Authorities regularly review the risk classifications of countries, and they are subject to amendment at short notice.

For entry into Barbados, all travelers must complete an online Immigration/Customs form and submit them 24 hours before travel. Except for persons arriving from low- and very low-risk countries, all travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival for entry permission. Travelers from low-risk countries may present a negative test taken up to five days before travel or take a test upon arrival. Any traveler who tests positive will enter an isolation facility. All travelers are required to wear facemasks at the airport. Health screenings and quarantine protocols vary for travelers, depending on the country of origin:

• High-Risk Countries: Travelers with a negative test must complete a period of so-called "restricted movement" at a government facility or approved private accommodation. Travelers are required to take a second COVID-19-test four to five days after the first accepted negative test and may not leave their property until this second test is complete. Travelers will be subject to daily health monitoring for seven days. High-risk countries include the US, UK, and Mexico.

• Medium-Risk Countries: Travelers with a negative test are subject to daily health monitoring for seven days. Travelers are required to take a second test four to five days after the first accepted negative test.

• Low-Risk Countries: Travelers with a negative test will be allowed to leave the airport upon validation of negative results.

• Very Low-Risk Countries: Travelers will not be subject to any additional health screening and quarantine protocols.

As of Dec. 16, high- and medium-risk countries, where stricter entry requirements are in place, include Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Cuba, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Haiti, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Martinique, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, United Kingdom, United States, US Virgin Islands, and Venezuela (all high-risk), as well as Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, New Zealand, and Saint Lucia (all medium-risk).

Domestically, officials lifted most COVID-19 restrictions; however, some operating protocols are still in place. Individuals must adhere to physical distancing protocols by maintaining at least 1 meter (3.2 feet) between each other. Authorities also require establishments to enforce strict physical distancing and sanitization protocols; additional industry-specific protocols are likely in place. All measures are subject to amendment at short notice.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. The risk classification of all countries is also subject to change at short notice.

Advice

Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Confirm appointments and travel arrangements. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Grantley Adams International Airport
Government Travel Protocols and Country Risk
Pre-Arrival Travel Form