BRIDGETOWN — Starting this Wednesday, May 25, 2022, fully-vaccinated travellers to Barbados will no longer have to take a COVID-19 test to enter the country.

The Government of Barbados made the announcement on May 1. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says the change comes as over 70% of the eligible population in Barbados is fully vaccinated.

Speedier processing times at the Grantley Adams International Airport will be one benefit of the protocol update, she said, not to mention positive impact on Barbados’ tourism industry.

“We had a 90% decline in the number of visitors… in the last two years. [Now] we are significantly on our way back up,” said Mottley.

“What this signals to our travellers is that it is safe for them to come to Barbados, and we are in a position where we can comfortably accommodate many of the same measures they are experiencing at home, such as the protocols for mask wearing and testing for certain activities,” added Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins.

Unvaccinated travellers will still be required to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter Barbados.

Also effective May 25, 2022, masks will only be mandatory indoors and on public transportation.