BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS — St. Kitts & Nevis has updated its entry protocols, making it easier for air travellers to visit the destination.

As of Dec. 11, fully vaccinated international travellers, nationals and locals arriving by air are no longer required to test upon arrival and quarantine (Vacation in Place) for 24 hours while awaiting their test results.

Plus, fully vaccinated cruise passengers upon arrival at Port Zante, Charlestown or South Friars are now permitted to fully integrate (Free Flow) into the Federation.

Only travellers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 may visit St. Kitts and Nevis. As of Dec. 11, 2021, this rule also applies to children 12 and older. Exemptions are in place for citizens and residents, as well as for children 11 and under who are accompanying their fully vaccinated parents or guardians.

To be fully vaccinated, travellers must have completed their two-dose vaccine series (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac), or a single-dose regimen (Johnson & Johnson), at least two weeks prior to arrival. Mixing of approved vaccines is accepted.

In addition, all travellers must submit negative test results from an RT-PCR nasopoharyngeal test taken within 72 hours of travel (rapid tests, self-samples or home tests are not valid), as well as fill out the embarkation form and all other supporting documentation.

On what the new rules mean to the destination, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Ports Lindsay F.P. Grant, said: “The end of our Vacation in Place protocol for air travellers and Free Flow for cruise passengers are major achievements in our phased approach to tourism recovery in the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Grant also noted that the destination will “maintain all tourism protocols through Travel Approved Certification for both air and cruise passengers, and that all stakeholders must be vaccinated to operate Travel Approved taxis/tours, attractions, excursions, restaurants, bars or to provide vendor services such as hair braiding.

“We are confident that our continued focus on a phased reopening will enable a meaningful rebound of the industry,” he added.

Travel Approved hotels for international travellers include: Golden Rock Inn; Montpelier Plantation & Beach; Oualie Beach Resort; Paradise Beach; Park Hyatt, St. Kitts; Royal St. Kitts Hotel; St. Kitts Marriott Beach Club; St. Kitts Marriott Resort; The Four Seasons, Nevis; and Timothy Beach Resort.

Travellers must continue to show proof of vaccination to visit attractions or book tour experiences. Excursions must be scheduled through the concierge desk at Travel Approved Hotels or Resorts, and must use Travel Approved Taxis. Attractions that are now accessible with proof of vaccination include: Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park; Carambola Beach Club; Caribelle Batik; Fairview Great House; Palms Court Gardens; Port Zante; St. Kitts Scenic Railway; Vibes Beach Bar; Reggae Beach; and Spice Mill.

In addition to the relaxed entry protocols come on the heels of other significant announcements by the Federation, international travellers can now plan overnight stays at multiple hotels, or book a twin-island getaway between St. Kitts and Nevis.

For all travel protocols and requirements, go to https://www.stkittstourism.kn/travel-requirements.