Antigua and Barbuda: Authorities update COVID-19-related measures as of Jan. 17 /update 27

Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda continue to update COVID-19-related measures as of Jan. 17. Testing requirements updated.

Event

Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda continue to update certain COVID-19-related restrictions as of Jan. 17. Authorities currently require all passengers aged five or over to present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 96 hours prior to arrival. Travelers who arrive with a valid result of an antigen test may also be required to do a PCR test upon arrival at their own expense. Arrivals aged 5-17 who are not fully vaccinated will be required to quarantine for 14 days unless they stay at a certified resort or accommodation. The travel ban that had been implemented for all travelers who visited South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, or Hong Kong was lifted. Authorities have lifted the nightly curfew but most domestic restrictions on businesses remain largely unchanged.

Domestic Measures
Individuals may 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. Bars 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
All nonresident foreign visitors aged 18 or over must present proof of having been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to their travel 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.

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

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.