Saint Lucia mandatory pre-travel testing for COVID-19

TORONTO — Pre-travel testing for COVID-19 is now mandatory for all travellers heading to Saint Lucia, effective July 9.

From this date onward, travellers are required to obtain a negative PCR (Polymerized Chain Reaction) test within seven days of travel unless they arrive from designated ‘Travel Bubble’ countries, which according to the Government of Saint Lucia are those with zero or a low instance of COVID-19 cases. These destinations include: Antigua; Barbuda; Aruba; Anguilla; Bahamas; Barbados; Bermuda; Bonaire; British Virgin Islands; Curacao; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; Monsterrat; Saint Barthelemy; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Martin; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; and Turks and Caicos.

Visitors with a travel history from these areas in the last 14 days will also be exempt from quarantine.

This latest safety measure was announced following a reassessment of travel protocols based on market conditions and will be reviewed after 30 days.

In addition to the pre-testing requirement, here are other safety protocols travellers can expect:

NEW TESTING PROTOCOLS

All arriving passengers will be screened, including temperature checks, at the airport. Any symptomatic passengers will be isolated and tested. They will be required to remain in quarantine/isolation at their hotel or Government Operated Quarantine Facility until the test result is obtained. If the test is positive, they will be transferred to a treatment facility until they receive two negative test results and are clinically stable.
Passengers arriving with proof of a negative PCR test may be exempt from on-island testing and advance through immigration, baggage claim, customs and arrivals for transportation to their COVID-19 certified hotel, pre-approved home quarantine facility of Government Operated Quarantine Facility.
Anyone arriving without proof of a negative PCR test will be subject to immediate isolation and testing with possible quarantine or treatment should a passenger test positive, at their own cost.

HOTEL, ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORTATION

During Phase One, visitors can stay only at hotels that are COVID-19 Certified. To date, hotels that have receive COVID-19 Certification include: Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, Sandals Grande St. Lucian; Stonefield Resort Villas; and Sugar Beach – A Viceroy Resort.
Several other hotels and resorts are on track to receive certification in July. Visitors can select COVID-19 certified hotels through direct booking, tour operator or airline provider.
To be COVID-19 Certified, accommodations must sanitize luggage upon check-in; maintain a fully-equipped nurses station; observe strict sanitization protocols for housekeeping; maintain required distance with tables for dining; and have hand sanitizer stations installed throughout the property. Sanitizing stations and showers for staff must also be installed for use prior to re-entering the public.

MANDATORY ON-ISLAND SAFETY PROTOCOLS

The Government of Saint Lucia introduced its first Phase One protocols on May 18 ahead of reopening its borders to international travellers on June 4. These protocols remain in place and include the wearing of masks during on-island transportation and when in public places.
Visitors are advised to check with accommodation properties regarding individual hotel safety and wellness policies.
Health and safety protocols have been reinforced with new signage at airports and other public places that includes QR codes that lead travellers to a landing page for more information.

For more information on all safety protocols and requirements prior to entry go to stlucia.org/covid-19.