Destination News

St. Kitts & Nevis to Reopen Borders on October 31, 2020

Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 1, 2020) – St. Kitts & Nevis is pleased to once again welcome visitors to its shores beginning October 31, 2020. In order to ensure a responsible reopening of its borders, the Federation is the last Caribbean destination to do so.

The CDC recently assessed the Federation’s Covid-19 risk as very low and designated it as “No Travel Notice” required, having had only 19 cases of the Coronavirus, no community spread and no deaths.

“We have been working diligently to prepare for this reopening to ensure that we are ready to welcome travelers by training and certifying local businesses and individuals in the health and safety protocols they are required to meet and be certified in to be permitted to operate,” said the Hon. Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Ports. “This is particularly important as we encourage visitors to explore our islands beyond their hotels to experience what makes us a unique, authentic and quintessential Caribbean experience.”

The Hon. Mark Brantley, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Aviation, added, “The genuinely friendly people of St. Kitts & Nevis are a key component of our tourism product, so the protocols we have established aim to provide for their safety in interacting with visitors as well as visitors’ safety in interacting with our people. It is critical to travelers’ perceptions of St. Kitts & Nevis as a safe and desirable destination of choice as well as to citizens and residents own safety in embracing their return.”

The twin-island Federation has received international recognition of their successful management of the first wave of the global pandemic as a result of early and aggressive testing, contact tracing and quarantine program along with an “All of Society Approach” that includes mask-wearing in public, social distancing and sanitization protocols to ensure everyone’s health and safety. Key outlets such as the BBC, Sky News and Tripoto have named St. Kitts & Nevis among the few countries in the world to have effectively “beat” the virus.

Ongoing and careful consultation with the Chief Medical Officer and Ministry of Health to fully develop and implement health and safety protocols for the entire industry was paramount to ensure the well-being of all citizens, residents and visitors. In fact, for business to reopen, tourism industry businesses, employers and employees must undergo “Travel Approved” training for their respective sector/business/department and upon completion of the training they receive the “Travel Approved” Certification and Seal. The “Travel Approved” Certification and Seal provides assurance to citizens, residents and visitors the destination is ensuring health and safety protocols are not compromised in St. Kitts & Nevis and can be trusted.

It was only then St. Kitts & Nevis decided to reopen its borders.

About St. Kitts & Nevis
Located in the northern Leeward islands where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean is the captivating twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Step off the beaten track in this uncrowded quintessential Caribbean destination to discover a distinctive array of tourism activities and astonishing natural beauty.

Experiences ranging from one-of-a-kind attractions such as the UNESCO recognized Brimstone Hill Fortress Park and The Sugar Train, the Caribbean’s only scenic passenger railway in St. Kitts to the birth place of America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton in Nevis bring the historic past of the first European outpost in the Caribbean to life.

Authentic “hidden gems” abound, including local restaurants that grill up the catch of the day to barefoot beach bars and private inlets for swimming or anchoring a sailing vessel or yacht.

Become immersed in nature with a hike up the rainforested Mt. Liamuiga in St. Kitts or Nevis Peak in Nevis, then take to the water for kayaking, speedboating or a scenic catamaran sail along the coast. When the beach beckons, head to one of many secluded stretches of sand to soak in the Caribbean sun until at day’s end it silently slips below the horizon.

St. Kitts & Nevis is a secret treasure just waiting to be discovered. Learn more at www.stkittstourism.kn and www.nevisisland.com.

Belize Officially Reopens International Airport To Leisure Travel

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE (Oct. 1, 2020) – Today, the country of Belize officially reopened the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) welcoming inbound leisure travel for international visitors, with approved hotels and tour operators only. The decision to reopen the international airport, which was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions in late-March, as well as launch Phase 3 of the destination’s five-phased Travel Reopening Plan, was made in conjunction with the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow.

Travelers looking to visit Belize in 2020-2021 can choose from a new schedule of year-round, non-stop flights offered by American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines. Beginning Oct. 1, Belize will welcome non-stop flights from Miami (via American Airlines) and Houston (via United Airlines). Similarly, longtime BZE partner Delta Airlines will resume airlift on Nov. 20 with non-stop service from Atlanta. The restoration of direct-flight service enables visitors to get to Belize in approximately three hours or less and is a major milestone in the country’s phased reopening.

In this initial phase of reopening for international visitation, Belize’s Safe Corridor will include hotels, restaurants and tour operators that have achieved the destination’s “Tourism Gold Standard” Recognition. This 9-point program seeks to enhance the tourism industry’s health and safety standards by adapting new behaviors and procedures to ensure both employees and travelers are confident in the cleanliness and safety of Belize’s tourism product. Businesses that meet the requirements of the Tourism Gold Standard Program are certified and promoted as having implemented these enhanced measures with a Gold Standard Seal of Approval. This seal certifies industry stakeholders who’ve embraced the safety protocols, and will be visible for all guests where practical, such as tour operator vehicles and vessels, hotel lobbies, primary doors of entry, etc.

“We’re confident the Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program and Gold Standard Seal of Approval will allow travelers and the tourism industry to operate safely as COVID-19 restrictions are eased,” said BTB Director of Tourism, Karen Bevans. “While visitors will need to adhere to our “new normal” entry requirements and safety protocols, their experience will remain authentic to Belize’s adventurous spirit.”

GOLD STANDARD CERTIFIED HOTELS

As the Belize Tourism Board continues to process applications, inspect and approve new properties, visitors are advised to visit https://belizetourismboard.org/industry-sectors/gold-standard-approved/ for approved properties. It recommends travelers visit the site often for updates, as new properties are added daily.

Hotels approved to open within the safe corridor:

• Have achieved the Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program and received approval to reopen
• Are able to provide full service to guests. This means that these properties are able to provide all amenities, including round-trip transport service from the airport, access to a restaurant on property, a pool and/or beachfront, offer onsite activities and provide isolated tours.
• In addition to the above, these properties will also implement:
  • Social distancing and the use of facemasks while in public spaces
  • Online check-in/out, contactless payment systems, and automated ordering/booking
  • Hand sanitizing stations across the property
  • Enhanced room cleaning and increased sanitation of public spaces and high-touch surfaces
  • Daily health checks for guests and employees
  • Designated ‘isolation/quarantine rooms’ for suspected COVID-19 cases and action plans

GOLD STANDARD CERTIFIED TOUR OPERATORS

As with Gold Standard hotels, visitors are advised to review the current list of approved operators at https://belizetourismboard.org/industry-sectors/tourism-gold-standard-tour-operators/. Gold Standard operators:

• Have a “Gold Standard Program Manager” who implements protocols and ensures compliance
• Conduct non-invasive temperature checks when picking up guests
• Ensure social distancing protocols for workers and visitors during tours
• Provide enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures of tour equipment
• Have a response plan should there be any suspected cases and training plan for employees to ensure preparedness to manage new protocols

Travelers are required to follow new arrival and departure processes to enter and leave the country, all of which are available on https://www.travelbelize.org/health-safety. As the situation continues to remain fluid, these protocols are subject to change. For questions or concerns, contact the Belize Tourism Board at info@belizetourismboard.org.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO “BELIZE IS OPEN” FROM THE FOLLOWING LINK:

https://belizetourismboard.photoshelter.com/galleries/C0000q1aGKWQpN6E/G0000r2dzLIIIPxo/Belize-IZ-Open-video

If prompted, enter this password: belizeizopen

Pure Grenada Is Open and Welcoming Visitors

St. George’s, Grenada W.I. – 30^th September, 2020 – Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean, recognized and listed by the US Center for Disease Control as very low risk for COVID-19, is open and welcoming travelers from the destination’s key source markets in North America, the UK, and Caribbean, and indeed from all over the world. With Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique achieving World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels status, global travelers are encouraged to plan, book and get ready to experience the destination’s offerings for the fall and winter travel season, safely and responsibly.

Regionally, Grenada is included in a travel bubble with neighboring islands Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Dominica and St. Kitts. Visitors whose journey originates from these islands can enjoy travel to Grenada with very minimal requirements and explore the destination like a local Grenadian. Once on-island, travelers are free to enjoy immersive experiences including visiting historical forts, agricultural estates, diving and off-road adventures. With scheduled connectivity provided by Caribbean Airlines five days a week, InterCaribbean Airlines three times a week and One Caribbean which started a weekly service from September 15, 2020, exploring the culture and dynamic excursions on the three-island nation are even easier.

Visitors from all other countries must have a negative PCR test result taken within seven days prior to arrival in Grenada, details of which are found in an updated Traveler’s Guide to entering Grenada on the Ministry of Health website https://covid19.gov.gd. Canadian visitors can fly with Air Canada once flights resume on October 5, 2020, directly to Grenada and be easily processed through the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA). Flights will operate weekly departing Toronto on Mondays at 8:55 a.m., arriving in Grenada at 2:05 p.m. UK and European visitors can take advantage of frequent British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights to the Barbados hub and on proof of a Covid-19 negative test (within 72 hours of arrival in Barbados) can transit seamlessly to the regional carriers providing connectivity to Grenada. All travelers are required to book Pure Safe Travels Approved Accommodation prior to arrival and these are listed on the Travel Advisory page of www.puregrenada.com. US carriers JetBlue Airways and American Airlines are resuming weekly flights to the destination on October 3 and October 8 respectively, providing the perfect opportunity to plan a fall or winter retreat. Once cleared by Ministry of Health officials, all visitors can go out and enjoy the tri-island destination and look for the GTA’s Pure Safe Travel Approved Stamp on certified taxis, attractions and tourism services.

The world’s leading five star luxury included Sandals Grenada will open its doors on October 1, 2020 with their Caribbean wide platinum protocols of cleanliness plans. The largest hotel on island, Royalton Grenada, with 269 rooms, has announced its re-opening date of November 29, 2020. As part of the yachting sector re-opening, Grenada and Carriacou had a successful migration from the Grenada Lima database to the SailClear regional clearance platform for arriving yachts. For further Covid-19 Travel related queries, please contact the Customer Service number 473-440-0670 at the Grenada Tourism Authority.

Work Easily From Antigua and Barbuda

JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (30 September, 2020) –  The Caribbean country of Antigua and Barbuda is providing much needed space for workers throughout the world, with the launch of its Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) Programme, that allows persons to work safely and with ease from the twin-island paradise for as long as two years with the new NDR visa.

Announced by Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, The Honourable Gaston Browne, the Nomad Digital Residence programme is designed to attract persons who can meet the requirements of their employers or their clients, while working remotely.

Under the programme, eligible persons can live and move freely throughout Antigua and Barbuda for up to two years, and benefit from Antigua and Barbuda’s no personal income tax status.

“Antigua and Barbuda is in a unique position to offer the ‘Nomad Digital Residence’ programme.  Our very small number of Covid-19 cases and our effective system of containing community spread, makes our country one of the safest environments in the world”, said Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Charles Fernandez  said, “Antigua and Barbuda represent the perfect place to escape, and enjoy all the space you need – space to move, space to think and space to work.  The Nomad Digital Residence Programme encourages persons to broaden their horizons and consider Antigua & Barbuda when thinking of work from home options.”

The country’s telecommunication system, linked seamlessly to the rest of the world, places it in an advantageous position to attract persons seeking a safe environment in which to work and live their lives.

For more information on the Nomad Digital Residence Programme, go to www.antiguanomadresidence.com/

Persons entering Antigua and Barbuda on the NDR programme will be required to comply with all of Antigua and Barbuda’s protocols regarding COVID-19 which can be viewed on www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.

Anguilla Announces Phase Two Reopening

The Valley, Anguilla, September 30, 2020……Anguilla’s Ministry of Tourism is preparing for Phase Two of the tourism reopening, slated to start on November 1^st, 2020.  In Phase Two, hotels and resorts, along with the villas, have been added into the approved and certified accommodations mix for visitors to the island.  Furthermore, the government is introducing the bubble concept, which allows properties to safely offer their guests access to a variety of approved amenities, services, and activities while they stay in place. These vary by property but may include watersports, select indoor and outdoor games, beach yoga, and other activities, provided that they are implemented in accordance with general COVID 19 protocols, such as social distancing, sanitizing and hygiene practices.

A revised fee schedule has also been introduced to help offset the steep costs of managing the re-entry protocols and procedures.  For visitors staying at a pre-approved property, for a period of less than three months, the fees listed below are effective immediately:

5 DAYS OR LESS

Individual Traveler: US$300

Couple: US$500

Family: Main applicant US$300 + US$250 per additional family member. 

6 DAYS TO 3 MONTHS (90 DAYS)

Individual Traveler: US$400

Couple: US$600 + US$250 per additional family member.

Family: Main applicant US$400 + US$250 per additional family member.

This fee covers two (2) tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence.

For extended stays of over 3 months and up to 12 months, the original fees still apply, as follows:

3 MONTHS TO 12 MONTHS

Individual Traveler: US$ 2,000

Family (4 persons): US$ 3,000 + US$ 250 per additional family member.

Family: Main Applicant + three (3) dependents.

A Dependent:

1. a child or step-child under the age of 26 years;
2. any other relative who is, by reason of age or any infirmity of body or mind, wholly dependent on that person for his/her subsistence.

This fee covers two (2) tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence, the cost of extended immigration time/entry and a digital work permit.

All fees are payable only on approval of the travel application.

In June 2020, Anguilla was categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having “no cases” of COVID-19.   Anguilla currently has the classification of “No Travel Health Notice: Very Low Risk for COVID-19” from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html).

To date, there are no active or suspected cases on the island, and to ensure that this remains the case, there is no change to the entry requirements.  A negative test result obtained three to five days prior to arrival along with travel health insurance that covers COVID-related treatment is required, and all visitors will be given a PCR test on arrival.  A second test will be administered on day 10 of their visit, for those originating from low-risk countries, and on day 14 for guests arriving from higher-risk countries. Once a negative result is returned after the second test, guests are then free to explore the island.

Travel Applications are being accepted online at the Anguilla Tourist Board’s website; a concierge will guide each applicant through the process.  The site provides visitors with everything they need to know about the application process as well as experiencing life in Anguilla.

For information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

For the most recent guidelines, updates and information on Anguilla’s response to effectively containing the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.beatcovid19.ai .