Caribbean Vacation! St. Lucia Welcomes Fully Vaccinated Travelers
There is good news for those fully vaccinated travelers dreaming of a Caribbean getaway. St. Lucia is currently easing COVID-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors. According to the new protocols, vaccinated travelers can dine at more restaurants on the island, book car rentals and have more open access to the most iconic locations in St. Lucia, including Rodney Bay and Soufriere.
Fully vaccinated travelers have more access in St. Lucia
Under the new guidelines, fully vaccinated travelers will now be able to enjoy a stay at a selection of COVID-certified accommodations, including hotels, villas and vacation rentals. Prior to this, visitors were restricted to one of two approved properties on the island. The latter is still the case for those unvaccinated visitors to St. Lucia.
In a press release, St. Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said, “For both visitors and our local residents, our commitment to safely and responsibly coexisting with COVID remains strong.”
“While all visitors to Saint Lucia can currently experience a wonderful vacation as well as approved tours and attractions, fully vaccinated travelers are now invited to explore the entire destination at their leisure, while following our protocols.”
Protocols for fully vaccinated visitors
As noted by Travelpulse, all visitors must still adhere to health and safety protocols before traveling to St. Lucia. They must undergo a PCR test five days prior to arrival, the result of which must be negative, regardless of their vaccination status.
Visitors must have received their second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or a one-dose vaccine, at least two weeks prior to traveling to St. Lucia. Travelers must also carry their vaccination card or other vaccination documentation, while indicating their vaccination status on the pre-arrival Travel Authorization Form.
Fully vaccinated travelers can pre-register their negative PCR test prior to arrival in St. Lucia. Those registered visitors will then be able to pass through an expedited Health Screening line. At that time, they will receive a non-electronic identification wristband that must be worn throughout their stay on the island.
Accompanying minors
Any unvaccinated minors over the age of five accompanying fully vaccinated adults will receive a PCR test at their hotel on arrival, at the travelers’ expense. Once a negative result is returned (which takes around 24-48 hours), the minors can then enjoy the same privileges as their fully vaccinated parents. Meanwhile, minors under the age of four will enjoy the same access as their parents.
It is still possible for unvaccinated visitors to travel to St. Lucia. However, they will be required to stay at one of the two certified COVID-19 properties for the first two weeks of their stay. They will also be able to participate in arranged tours.
St. Lucia has safely managed tourism since reopening
Chastanet’s press release continued, “We’ve successfully and safely managed tourism since reopening our borders in June 2020, with no need to close because of our protocols and the bubble we created for our visitors and frontline tourism workers.”
“We are delighted to be able to expand the opportunities for vaccinated visitors and ease the restrictions for returning nationals. Vaccinated visitors can now truly vacation like a local.”
Since St. Lucia reopened in July 2020, all travelers and local residents have been mandated to adhere to a set of safety protocols. These include the wearing of masks and social distancing and those protocols currently remain in place.
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