Saint Vincent/Grenadines: Authorities to keep coronavirus-related international entry restrictions in place through December /update 9

Event

Authorities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will likely maintain international travel restrictions put in place to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through at least the end of December. Travelers from the so-called "Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Bubble," a group of Caribbean countries with a separate set of entry requirements, continue to be subject to greater restrictions upon entry to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The following specific measures are in effect:

Persons arriving from CARICOM Bubble countries, which include Anguilla, Barbados, Dominica, and Saint Lucia, must produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no later than three days prior to arrival. CARICOM Bubble travelers will be tested again upon arrival and required to self-quarantine in a government-approved facility for at least five days. Travelers will subsequently be tested for COVID-19 a second time and must continue to quarantine for 9-16 days. Travelers from Barbados are exempt from pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirements but will be tested upon arrival and must self-quarantine for up to two days.
Persons who test positive upon arrival, regardless of approved documentation, will be subject to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine.
Arriving passengers from high-risk countries, including the US, the UK, and Germany, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken in the last three days and test negative again on arrival. Travelers must also self-quarantine in a government-approved facility for at least five days. After the five days, travelers will be tested for COVID-19 a second time and must continue to quarantine for 9-16 days. Proof of a pre-paid hotel reservation must be provided upon arrival.
Travelers from medium-risk countries, including Cuba, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and Barbados, must provide negative results from a PCR test taken within three days prior to arrival and test negative again in an additional test taken upon arrival. In addition, travelers are required to quarantine in a government-approved facility for at least two to three days.
Passengers who are required to quarantine must travel from the airport to their accommodations in a government-approved taxi or vessel.
Persons transiting through another country, including the US, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the past seven days and test negative again on arrival.
Persons traveling by sea must provide the results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within three to seven days prior to arrival and a completed pre-travel risk assessment form to be submitted at least 48 hours prior to arrival. Those who test positive will be placed under mandatory quarantine for 14 days in a government-approved facility.
In-transit travelers must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR taken within three days prior to arrival.

Argyle International Airport (AIA) is open and, while regional flights have resumed, other international flights are limited. All yachts must seek approval for entry before proceeding to a designated area for on-vessel quarantine. Persons on board may opt to take a PCR test but must remain onboard until a negative test result is received. Air and maritime cargo traffic is operating normally.

The government has not enforced any major internal movement restrictions. The public is urged to practice social distancing and wear protective face coverings when in indoor public places. Major supermarkets must restrict the number of customers to allow for physical distancing. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all 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 disposable tissues, 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.