THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA — Anguilla has revised its entry protocols as it continues to work towards the revitalization of its economy.

The new protocols, some of which are already in effect while others will be phased in over the coming months, comes as Anguilla ramps up its vaccination program. It is estimated that 65%-70% of its resident population will have been fully vaccinated by the end of June, enabling the island to achieve herd immunity.

“We recognize that the widespread distribution and administration of vaccine programs in our major source markets as well as here in Anguilla have profound implications for our tourism industry,” stated Minister of Tourism Haydn Hughes. “As more people become vaccinated and new infections begin to plateau, we believe that revisiting and updating our entry protocols is merited at this time. As always, the health and protection of both our visitors and our residents is paramount, and we are once again taking a phased approach to the full and safe reopening of our island.”

The following measures came into effect on April 12, 2021:

• The stay in place mandate for international travellers who are fully vaccinated, with the final dose administered at least three weeks (21 days) prior to arrival, is reduced from 14 days to seven days.
• Persons will still be required to submit a test 3-5 days prior to their arrival, be tested on arrival and at the end of the quarantine period.
• Multi-generational families and/or groups with a mix of unvaccinated and vaccinated persons will all have to quarantine for a 10-day period, utilizing only approved short stay services.
• The Entry Application Fee for fully vaccinated visitors staying under 90 days in a villa or hotel is US$300 per individual, and $200 for each additional person.
• The Entry Application Fee for fully vaccinated returning residents or visitors who are staying in an approved private dwelling home is US$300 per individual, and $200 for each additional person.
• The Entry Application Fee for unvaccinated returning residents or visitors who are staying in an approved private dwelling home is US$600 per individual, and $200 for each additional person.

Following a recent incident of an active COVID-19 infection without direct links to an imported infection, resulting in two additional individuals testing positive, the below measures came into effect on April 22, 2021:

• All persons on Anguilla other than those providing essential services will be required to stay at home; all non-essential workplaces will close and all public gatherings are prohibited
• Restaurants and other food establishments are restricted to takeout services only
• All ports will be closed to incoming passengers although those seeking to leave Anguilla will be permitted to do so

Coming into effect on May 1 are the following:

• All persons traveling in groups (i.e more than 10 persons) must be fully vaccinated to enter and attend or conduct any mass gatherings in Anguilla, e.g. weddings, conferences, etc.
• Spa, gym and cosmetology services will be allowed if both guests and staff therapists/consultants are fully vaccinated, i.e. three weeks have passed since the final dose of an approved vaccine.
• All frontline hospitality workers, along with port and transportation staff are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination (first dose by May 1).

Starting on July 1, Anguilla will remove the fee and quarantine requirements for visitors who are fully vaccinated at least three weeks before arrival. The entry protocols will be further revised in phases, leading to the elimination of all requirements by Oct. 1, 2021. 

Phase 1 runs from July 1 through Aug. 31, 2021, and includes the following:

• All visitors to Anguilla who are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19, are required to be fully vaccinated at least three weeks before arrival (i.e. persons 18 and older).

1. a) Fully vaccinated persons will not be tested upon arrival.
2. b) Persons with evidence of full COVID-19 vaccination will not be required to quarantine on arrival if the final vaccine dose is administered at least three weeks before date of arrival.
3. c) All persons entering Anguilla will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test 3-5 days before entry.

• Multi-generational families and/or groups with a mix of individuals who are not eligible for the vaccine (i.e. children), will not need to quarantine, but they will need a negative PCR test 3-5 days ahead of arrival, and may be tested on arrival and subsequently during their stay.
• Unvaccinated returning residents will be required to:
  –        Produce a negative COVID-19 test 3-5 days prior to arrival
  –        Submit to a COVID-19 test on arrival
  –        Quarantine for 10 days in approved accommodation

Phase 2 runs from Sept. 1-30, 2021 with unvaccinated returning residents required to do the following:

•  Produce a negative COVID-19 test 3-5 days prior to arrival
•  Submit to a COVID-19 test on arrival
•  Quarantine for 7 days in approved accommodation

Phase 3, which signifies the culmination of the government’s COVID-19 Exit Strategy, comes into effect on Oct. 1, 2021 and includes the following:

• The travel authorization application for entry will be removed
  
• It will be the duty of all transport operators to ensure that their passengers have all the necessary documentation for entry including:
  
  • Evidence of completed COVID-19 vaccinations
  • Pre-arrival test for unvaccinated returning residents
    
• All Phase 2 provisions for unvaccinated persons remain in place
• The legal requirements for businesses providing services to short stay guests (those operating in the bubble) will be removed entirely

For more information go to https://beatcovid19.ai/.