Antigua and Barbuda: Authorities update COVID-19-related international travel requirements for unvaccinated travelers as of May 16 /update 31

Officials in Antigua and Barbuda update some COVID-19-related international travel restrictions as of May 16.

Event

As of May 16, authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have updated some COVID-19-related international travel measures. Visitors aged 18 or older who are not fully vaccinated are allowed to enter Antigua and Barbuda. However, those who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to arrival. All other travel and domestic measures remain largely unchanged.

Domestic Measures
Most businesses are able to operate following health protocols. Bars and restaurants are open to all patrons regardless of their vaccination status. The limit on social gatherings has been lifted; however, individuals must still observe special health protocols and enforce social distancing of no less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) in public spaces. Some capacity limits remain in place for large events.

Individuals are still advised to wear facemasks in crowded public spaces and businesses; facemasks are strictly mandatory at airports and onboard aircraft. 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 facemasks.

International Travel Restrictions
Arrivals and transiting passengers who have proof of being fully vaccinated are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test result. However, authorities can require passengers to test upon arrival if they present COVID-19 symptoms. Fully vaccinated residents and nationals showing no symptoms of COVID-19 are not required to self-isolate. Individuals who have had both doses of a two-injection WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine, are considered fully vaccinated by authorities in Antigua and Barbuda.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated arrivals must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to arrival. Passengers who are not fully vaccinated must also undergo an RT-PCR test upon arrival. Residents who are partially vaccinated (received one dose of a two-dose vaccine or were fully vaccinated 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. The Quarantine Authority of Antigua and Barbuda ultimately decides whether travelers must undergo quarantine and those ordered to self-isolate may have to wear a monitor bracelet.

All persons traveling to Antigua and Barbuda must complete a health declaration form. Arrivals entering Antigua and Barbuda are 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.