Saint Vincent/Grenadines: Authorities including COVID-19-related international traveler protocols for very high-risk countries as of Feb. 12 /update 12

Event

As of Feb. 12, authorities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have introduced a very high-risk traveler category to the existing international travel protocols in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. Only South Africa and Brazil are currently classified as carrying a very high risk of COVID-19 transmission. Travelers from these countries must present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, must complete a 21-day self-quarantine at a government-approved hotel or facility, and will be retested on day 7 and day 14 of the quarantine period. Passengers must travel from the airport to their accommodations in a government-approved taxi or vessel.

Air Travel
Other travel protocols and quarantine requirements remain in place for travelers from high, medium, and low-risk countries and territories. Regardless of country of origin, all arrivals, including in-transit passengers, must present a negative PCR test result of a test taken within 72 hours before arrival and may be subject to retesting upon arrival. Persons who test positive for COVID-19 will be subject to additional isolation protocols. Travelers who are subject to quarantine protocols must provide proof of a pre-paid hotel reservation upon arrival.

• High-risk Countries: Travelers must complete a 14-day self-quarantine in a government-approved facility or accommodation, and must be retested for COVID-19 between day 4 and 7 of the quarantine. Passengers must travel from the airport to their accommodations in a government-approved taxi or vessel. Most countries and territories are classified as high-risk, including the UK, US, France, Canada, and China.

• Medium-risk Countries: Provided they have remained in a medium-risk location for 21 days, travelers from Grenada, Taiwan, and Antigua and Barbuda must complete a 7-day quarantine in a government-approved facility or accommodation, and must be retested for COVID-19 on day 4 of the quarantine period. Travelers must thereafter continue five monitored days in an approved home, hotel, or vessel at the discretion of the health authorities.

• Low-risk Countries: Travelers from Anguilla, Dominica, Montserrat, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, are not subject to mandatory quarantine protocols provided they have remained in a low-risk location for 21 days.

• In-transit Passengers: Travelers staying overnight must stay at one of the government-approved hotels, otherwise they must remain inside Argyle International Airport (AIA).

Sea Travel
All yachts must seek approval for entry before proceeding to a designated area for on-vessel quarantine. Yacht passengers must have a negative PCR test result taken 72 hours before departure from the port of origin, which must be sent to port officials, along with a pre-arrival travel form, 24 hours prior to arrival. Quarantine requirements are the same as the protocols applied to air travelers.

Domestic Restrictions
The government has not enforced any major internal movement restrictions, however, some business restrictions remain in place. The public is urged to practice social distancing and individuals must wear protective facemask in public places. Entertainment establishments may have no more than 10 people inside at a time. Restaurants are not permitted to provide indoor dining services.

Authorities could amend any domestic restrictions, international travel protocols, or country risk classifications 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)
Ministry of Health COVID-19 Protocols
Pre-Arrival Travel Form