Antigua and Barbuda: Authorities update some COVID-19-related travel measures as of March 16 /update 29

Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda update some COVID-19-related travel measures as of March 16; domestic measures remain largely unchanged.

Event

As of March 16, authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have updated some COVID-19-related travel measures. Arrivals and transiting passengers with proof of being fully vaccinated are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test result. However, authorities can still require passengers to test upon arrival if they present COVID-19 symptoms.

All unvaccinated or partially vaccinated residents and citizens aged five or over, as well as unvaccinated visitors aged 5-17, must still present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 96 hours prior to arrival. Residents and citizens who are partially vaccinated (received one dose of a two-dose vaccine or a second dose of a two-dose vaccine less than two weeks prior to travel) must self-isolate for 10 days at home. Unvaccinated residents and citizens must isolate for 14 days at home. Visitors aged 5-17 who are not fully vaccinated may be asked to quarantine for 10-14 days if they are not staying at a certified accommodation.

Domestically, authorities have lifted the requirement of facemasks, although wearing them is still officially advised. All other travel and domestic restrictions 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 individuals are advised 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). 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 a 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 complete a health declaration form. Arrivals entering Antigua and Barbuda are 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.