F.A.Q for travelers to Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s Latest Travel Advisory 2022
Summary of travel protocols for guests coming on vacation
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has updated its travel advisory effective August 29, 2022, to facilitate the smooth movement of passengers to and from the country. Antigua and Barbuda has benefitted from a highly successful strategy of mass vaccinations, quick detection of imported and community-spread infections, and proactive public awareness campaigns in significantly reducing COVID-19 infection levels for the past five (5) months. At the same time, the State remains focused on its ongoing interventions to mitigate the risk of a resurgence of COVID-l9 levels. This strategy is intended to protect and safeguard the health of both residents and visitors to Antigua and Barbuda.
Nationals and residents of Antigua and Barbuda are strongly advised to check travel advisories of destination countries prior to travel at this time.
The protocols implemented are as follows:
1. All COVID-19 restrictions are to be lifted for arriving passengers by air.
2. COVID-19 restrictions are also lifted for persons arriving by yacht or ferry services. However, all marine pleasure craft and ferry services entering the waters of Antigua and Barbuda should contact the Antigua Port Authority, using VHF Channel 16, at least six (6) hours prior to arrival. Instructions will be given to guide the crafts to either the Nevis Street Pier or English/Falmouth Harbours, Jolly Harbour, or another holding area.
3. Passengers arriving aboard cruise ships are subject to the protocols enforced by the cruise lines until such time as the cruise lines themselves alter their protocols.
4. Visitors are required to observe all protocols as stipulated by the management businesses such as offices, banks, hotels, restaurants and excursions for the duration of their trip.
5. The wearing of face masks and social/physical distancing protocols in public spaces is actively encouraged throughout Antigua and Barbuda, especially wherever there are gatherings of significant numbers of people e.g., in ports, supermarkets, bars and clubs.
6. Arriving passengers with symptoms of COVID-l9 may be isolated as determined by the Health Authorities.
Military Vessels/Aircraft and other Watercraft transporting food, medical supplies, and humanitarian and emergency supplies will be required to follow the Port Authority/Port Health Guidelines and must give prior notification before arrival.
Any restrictions for maritime traffic, and the consequential Antigua Port Authority guidelines, shall not restrict vessels engaged in the innocent passage and/or transit passage, within territorial seas and/or archipelagic waters of Antigua and Barbuda, under the 1982 United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
This Travel Advisory replaces ALL previous Travel Advisories issued by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
The responses within this page are provided based on the current knowledge of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority as provided by the Ministry of Health Wellness and The Environment (MOHWE) and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority aims to provide travellers with the most accurate information and will continue to provide updates when information changes.
DESTINATION WEDDINGS
In an effort to safeguard staff, the general public and visitors to Antigua and Barbuda, against the spread of the dangerous infectious disease SARS COV-2 which causes COVID-19, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Public Safety and Labour has introduced the following protocols that will apply to the process of acquiring a marriage licence. Please see the requirements Here
I plan to get married in Antigua and Barbuda; how many guests am I allowed to have at my wedding?
The maximum number of guests allowed for destination weddings in Antigua and Barbuda is determined by the size of the venue.
What are the protocols surrounding weddings and events outside of hotels? (Beaches, Villas, Restaurants, etc)
Events hosted at beaches, villas and speciality restaurants, are required to follow the on-island protocols.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Latest Government Protocol Travel Advisory 2022
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has updated its travel advisory effective August 29, 2022 to facilitate the smooth movement of passengers to and from the country. Antigua and Barbuda has benefitted from a highly successful strategy of mass vaccinations, quick detection of imported and community-spread infections, and proactive public awareness campaigns in significantly reducing COVID 19 infection levels for the past five (5) months. At the same time, the State remains focused in its ongoing interventions to mitigate the risk of resurgence of COVID-l9 levels. This strategy is intended to protect and safeguard the health of both residents and visitors to Antigua and Barbuda.
Travel Advisory August 29, 2022, Continue Reading (175KB MS Word doc)
Visitors are required to observe all protocols as stipulated by the management businesses such as offices, banks, hotels, restaurants and excursions for the duration of their trip.
The wearing of face masks and social/physical distancing protocols in public spaces is actively encouraged throughout Antigua and Barbuda, especially wherever there are gatherings of significant numbers of people e.g., ports, supermarkets, bars and clubs.
Which Certified accommodations are currently open for guests on vacation?
All guests travelling to Antigua and Barbuda on vacation are advised to stay at a certified accommodation property. You will find a comprehensive listing of certified accommodations HERE.
All certified accommodations listed have undergone inspection by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism.
Is there a curfew in place?
No
Can I travel to Barbuda?
Yes, you can travel to Barbuda and will be asked to follow protocols as provided by health officials.
Are land-based and water-based excursions open?
Yes, land-based and water-based excursions have resumed operations, and are required to abide by Covid-19 protocols.
Are restaurants open?
Yes
Are bars open?
Yes
What should I do if I begin to display Covid-19 symptoms?
Should you feel as if you are showing signs of Covid-19, please contact the Covid-19 Hotline at (268) 462-6843 immediately, where a member of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s medical team will take your call. Please follow their instructions after the call. If you are at a hotel, please inform a member of your hotel team, who will advise you on your next steps.
DEPARTING ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
What are the protocols for departing passengers leaving Antigua and Barbuda, and has the check-in time changed?
A limited number of doors will be used for exit from and entry into the terminal and these will be manned by airport personnel to ensure adherence to protocols.
Only travellers and employees will be allowed entry into the terminal. For the time being, please say your farewells at home.
Sneeze guards have been installed at varying points of contact with travellers.
Airlines have adopted their own set of protocols and travellers are being encouraged to adhere to their procedures.
If my pre-departure Covid test required for entry into the country I am travelling to returns positive how soon can I retest?
Travellers who test positive assuming there are no symptoms should wait a period of 10 – 14 days before re-testing as mandated by public health. Travellers with symptoms should wait until the end of the displayed symptoms.
If the country that I am travelling to after my stay in Antigua and Barbuda requires I take an RT-PCR test or Antigen Test before travel where can I have this done and what is the cost?
Persons travelling from Antigua & Barbuda to countries that require a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result or Antigen test be shown on arrival can arrange to have the RT-PCR test or Antigen test performed at the Mount St. John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC), Michael’s Mount, Antigua Here.
Antigen Testing is also available for visitors staying at the following listed resorts in Antigua: Admirals Inn, Antigua Village, Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Buccaneer Beach Club, Blue Waters Resort, Carlisle Bay Resort, Cocobay Resort, Curtain Bluff Resort, Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Hammock Cove, Hawksbill Resort, Hermitage Bay, Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, Jumby Bay Island, Mill Reef Club, Nonsuch Bay Resort, Ocean Point Resort, Pineapple Beach Club Antigua, Sandals Grande Antigua, Siboney Beach Club, St. James’s Club, Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa, Blue Waters and The Inn at English Harbour. If your resort does not appear on the list, on-site swabbing services may be available at your resort for PCR and ANTIGEN Testing at the Mount St. John’s Medical Centre. Please contact your resort for further information and rates.
