Of the many idyllic islands comprising the Leeward chain in the northeastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda may just be the paradise among paradises by offering two dynamic destinations in one. With its 365 beaches, secluded harbours, boutique properties, private villas, one-of-a-kind attractions, and diverse culinary scene is the perfect place to escape, broaden your horizons and enjoy all the space you need.
And what do you need to know before you hop on a plane? To help you sift through all the information out there, we broke down exactly what to expect if you’re heading to this beautiful twin island in the coming months. Read on for what you’ll need to do ahead of visiting Antigua and Barbuda this fall and winter.
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This dual-island country reopened its borders and its international airport in Antigua in June 2020. Prior to landing in Antigua and Barbuda, you’ll receive a health questionnaire which needs to be completed. Along with this questionnaire, visitors will be asked to provide a negative rt-PCR test result taken within seven days of your arrival. Children under the age of 5 do not need to present a negative rt-PCR test.
All travellers at the discretion of the local port authority may be subject to additional temperature checks, screening, and even COVID-19 testing throughout their stay. If you are asked to test upon arrival, you will be asked to cover the $100 USD cost of doing so.
On the ground, restaurants are open for dine-in, take-out, and delivery, and bars have reopened. Most importantly, a curfew is in place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night. *(Subject to change)
All accommodations are continuing to be certified by the local government to ensure they’re following local health and cleaning guidelines, so be sure to check the list of certified accommodations before booking. You will be expected to show proof of stay at a certified property upon arrival.
The Canadian government requires that all returning Canadians and visitors provide a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result. You’ll need to submit your information within 72 hours before your arrival to Canada. Confirmation of the negative test must be uploaded to the ArriveCAN app. For further information, please visit the Government of Canada website here.
Find more testing details and continuing updates on the tourism board’s extensive COVID-19 site.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Health form required?
Yes. All arriving passengers must complete a Health Declaration Form which will be distributed on the plane and will be subjected to screening and temperature checks by Port Health Authorities upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.
Fully vaccinated passengers will be required to present a copy of their official Vaccination Record card (Vaccination Certificate) including dates when doses were administered.
Travellers who’ve received mixed vaccination – a dose of AstraZeneca vaccine with either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or a combination of are now approved for entry in Antigua and Barbuda.
Negative test results required?
Yes, from a PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) test for SARS-CoV-2 using a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab test taken within seven days of departure. (This includes transiting passengers). Children below the age of 5 years, entering Antigua, DO NOT REQUIRE a COVID -19 RT-PCR test.
Quarantine required?
No
Is there a cost for the test if I am asked to do one on arrival?
There is a cost of $100 USD for the test on arrival. The cost is payable to the Quarantine Authority.
Do I need to wear a mask on the beach in Antigua and Barbuda?
For beach activities where physical distancing requirements are met, the wearing of a face covering would not be required. Beaches in Antigua and Barbuda are open on weekdays and weekends between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the current curfew period.
Where to get a RT-PCR Test?
In Antigua and Barbuda, you can get a $200 US, PCR test through Mount St. John’s Medical Centre. Travelers by air and by sea are required to commence this process at least five (5) business days prior to their departure from Antigua.
