Saint Vincent/Grenadines: COVID-19-related restrictions remain largely unchanged as of March 5 by comparison with mid-February /update 13

Event

As of March 5, protocols in effect in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as part of the country's effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 remain largely unchanged by comparison with those that were in force during mid-February. As concerns international travel, all incoming travelers, regardless of country of origin and including in-transit passengers, must present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before arrival and may be subject to retesting upon entry. 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.

Other travel protocols and quarantine requirements remain in place for travelers arriving from very high, high, medium, and low-risk countries and territories, as defined by the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines government. These include:

• Very high-risk Countries: Travelers 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. As of March 5, South Africa and Brazil are classified as very high-risk.

• 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 days 4 and 7 of the quarantine. Passengers must travel from the airport to their accommodations in a government-approved taxi or vessel. As of March 5, most countries and territories are classified as high-risk, including Canada, China, France, the US, and the UK.

• Medium-risk Countries: Travelers 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. As of March 5, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Taiwan are classified as medium-risk.

• Low-risk Countries: Travelers are not subject to mandatory quarantine protocols provided they have remained in a low-risk location for 21 days. As of March 5, Anguilla, Dominica, Montserrat, and Saint Kitts and Nevis are classified as low-risk.

• 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 result from PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure from the port of origin; the test results must be sent to port officials, along with a pre-arrival travel form, 24 hours prior to arrival. Quarantine requirements are the same as those 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 facemasks 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