Saint Kitts and Nevis: Authorities issue a new travel advisory for the UK, South Africa, and Brazil through March 9 /update 23

Event

As of Feb. 10, authorities in Saint Kitts and Nevis have issued a new travel advisory for persons intending to travel from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil, due to variant strains of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in these countries. The travel advisory will remain in place through at least March 9. Persons intending to travel from these countries are advised not to travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis. Travel from these countries will be strictly controlled and must be approved by the Ministry of National Security. Returning citizens and legal residents traveling from these countries may enter but must still have their travel requests approved. Officials also previously suspended British Airways (BA) flights from the UK through late March.

The travel advisory is in addition to current COVID-19-related travel protocols and internal measures. Authorities are continuing to enforce international travel protocols, including "vacation in place" requirements as part of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) tourism recovery plan. For most travelers arriving in the country, internal movements will be fairly restricted for at least the first 14 days. The following travel protocols are in place as of Feb. 10:

Entry requirements for travelers arriving by air

• Travelers must complete a Travel Authorization Form prior to arrival, and present proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result recorded 72 hours prior to travel.

• Travelers must undergo a health screening at the airport, which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire.

• Travelers must download and use the Saint Kitts and Nevis COVID-19 contact tracing mobile application (EXMAPP) for the first 14 days.

• For international travelers, during the first seven days of travel, visitors must "vacation in place" by remaining at their hotel or pre-approved accommodation property. Persons staying for 8-14 days must take another PCR-test on day seven; if the test is negative, the traveler may book select excursions and access select destination sites. For visits longer than 14 days, travelers must take another PRC test on day 14; if the test is negative, they may move freely on the islands. If a visitor's stay is shorter than 14 days, they will be asked to take a PCR-test before departing.

• Returning nationals and residents will undergo a health screening at the airport, and must remain at their pre-approved accommodation for 14 days, or abide by the requirements set for international travelers if staying at an approved hotel.

• All travelers are required to download the Saint Kitts and Nevis COVID-19 EXMAPP phone application and must carry their phones with them at all times during the 14-day period of monitoring.

Passengers in transit at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (RLB) must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result upon arrival, wear a facemask at all times, undergo a health screening, and remain in the airport after clearing customs. In-transit passengers will not be permitted to leave the airport.

Entry requirements for travelers arriving by sea

• Docking is permitted at the Deepwater Port, Port Zante, Christophe Harbor, New Guinea, Charlestown Pier, and Long Point Port.

• Travelers must complete a Travel Authorization Form prior to arrival, submit a maritime declaration of health to the port health officer, and present a negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours prior to departing the last port of call or before departure if they are at sea longer than three days.

• The prescribed quarantine time will be determined by the vessel's or ship's transit time from the last port of call to their arrival.

• Yachts and pleasure vessels over 80 feet must quarantine at Christophe Harbor (Saint Kitts), while yachts and pleasure vessels less than 80 feet must quarantine Ballast Bay (Saint Kitts), and Pinney's Beach and Gallows (both Nevis).

Internally, most commercial activity has resumed, but businesses are subject to COVID-19 operating requirements. Businesses are required to ensure that all customers and staff maintain at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) distance from others, and to place markers indicating where customers should stand on lines to maintain this distance. Additional industry-specific hygiene mandates may be required in some sectors. Private parties, including on beaches, remain banned, and weddings and funerals are permitted only under strict regulations. All persons must wear protective face coverings when in any public place.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis - COVID-19
Travel Authorization Form