Antigua and Barbuda: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related travel measures as of Dec. 20 /update 26

Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda tighten travel COVID-19-related measures as of Dec. 20; domestic restrictions remain largely unchanged.

Event

Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda continue to update certain COVID-19-related travel restrictions as of Dec. 20. All nonresident foreign visitors aged 18 or over must present proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to enter Antigua and Barbuda. Individuals who have had two doses of two-dose WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine, or one dose of the Janssen vaccine, are considered fully vaccinated by authorities in Antigua and Barbuda. Authorities also require all passengers aged five or over to present a negative result from a PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival and no longer accept antigen tests. Additionally, a travel ban has been implemented for all travelers who have been in South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, or Hong Kong in the 14 days prior to arrival. Domestic restrictions on businesses remain largely unchanged.

Domestic Measures
As of Dec. 20, the nightly curfew remains in effect 23:00-05:00. Individuals are not allowed outside their residences and accommodations during curfew hours unless seeking urgent medical attention.

Individuals may also only enter restaurants for in-house dining if they received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; delivery and pick-up services will remain available to all clients regardless of their vaccination status. Gyms, clubs, bars, and cinemas may only admit fully vaccinated clients. Beaches are open 05:00-19:00 daily, except on public holidays; drinking alcohol, playing music, or participating in picnics and parties remains prohibited. Public gatherings are limited to 10 persons.

Nationwide requirements for individuals to wear facemasks in public spaces and businesses to observe special health protocols and enforce social distancing of no less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) between individuals remain in effect until further notice. The facemasks must cover the mouth and nose but leave the eyes, forehead and ears visible, meaning that sunglasses and head coverings are not allowed to be worn with a facemask.

International Travel Restrictions
Visitors will be allowed to stay at Bio Safe-Certified accommodations and authorities can require those allowed to stay in private residences to wear a monitor bracelet. Fully vaccinated residents and nationals of Antigua and Barbuda showing no symptoms of COVID-19 will not be required to self-isolate. The Quarantine Authority of Antigua and Barbuda will ultimately decide whether travelers must undergo quarantine upon arrival.

All persons traveling to Antigua and Barbuda must also complete a health declaration form. Visitors entering Antigua and Barbuda will be subject to enhanced screening and may be required to go through additional COVID-19 testing at their own expense.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, 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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.