- Saint Lucia will be welcoming visitors from the United States only from June 4, 2020.
- All travelers will be subjected to a series of enhanced safety protocols starting from the booking stage.
- Hotels and other travel partners will also required to enforce and maintain safety standards.
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The Caribbean island of Saint Lucia is hard at work putting measures in place as it plans to welcome visitors from the United States on June 4, 2020.
On May 18th, Minister of Tourism Dominic Fedee announced plans to re-open Saint Lucian borders on a phased basis from June 4, 2020. As part of phase one, nationals and visitors will be subjected to elevated protective measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some of those include advanced testing, daily screening and monitoring of staff and visitors, sanitization at various points throughout the travelers’ journey, and new social distancing protocols.
“Our new protocols have been carefully crafted and will build confidence among travelers and our citizens,” said Minister Dominic Fedee. He noted, “the Government of Saint Lucia remains resolved to protect both lives and livelihoods as it jump starts its economy.”
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Phase One re-opening at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF)
From June 4, 2020, international flights from the United States only will be allowed entry to the island via the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF). Passengers booking these flights are advised to contact their airline and/or booking partner for information about additional rules besides the ones mentioned below.
Over 1,500 hotel rooms will be made available to accommodate incoming travelers, pending that the respective hoteliers acquire a COVID-19 Certificate (which is still being finalized).
New Requirements and Procedures
Travelers booking flights to Saint Lucia will be subjected to a number of new safety protocols, which will begin at the booking process. Some of the major points include the following:
- Visitors are required to present certified proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding their flight.
- Upon arrival in Saint Lucia, all travelers must continue the use of face masks and physical distancing.
- Travelers will be subject to screening and temperature checks by port health authorities.
- Protocols are being established for taxis, to provide safety precautions and separate the driver from guests as an added security measure.
- Health and safety protocols will be reinforced through the use of signage that includes QR codes which take travelers to a landing page for more information.
Hotels held to new standards
Even though the Saint Lucian government is working to make as much as 1,500 rooms available, all participating hotels will be required to maintain over a dozen specific criteria with regards to sanitization, implementation of social distancing policies, and other safety practices before they can accept guests. The measures are being put in place to protect both foreign travelers, and local staff members and visitors.
Limited activities
The government has decided to limited the number of traveler experiences to registered hotels and travel/tour agencies in an effort to help reduce potential the spread of the virus. It’s recommended that you confirm which activities will be allowed before booking.
Phase 2?
The tourism minister has said that phase 2 of their recovery plan will start from August 1, 2020, but said that details will be revealed later on.
[Featured Photo: Bradley Wint/Gate Checked]
