Saint Lucia is to allow antigen tests as well as PCR tests as proof of Covid-19 status for vaccinated visitors arriving into the country, from March 5.

Updated protocols say those aged five and over arriving from Sunday can either provide a negative rapid antigen test or a rapid PCR test taken one day prior to entering Saint Lucia, or a negative RT-PCR Covid-19 test taken up to five days before arrival.

Changes apply to fully vaccinated international arrivals, in-transit passengers and returning nationals.

Rapid antigen tests must be administered by a healthcare provider. Self-administered tests and saliva tests are not accepted. NHS tests are not valid for travel.

All unvaccinated travellers must present a negative RT-PCR Covid-19 test, taken up to five days prior to entering Saint Lucia.

Unvaccinated visitors can continue to stay at Covid-certified properties. Returning nationals who are unvaccinated are required to quarantine for a seven-day period.

All test results must be registered here and those who test negative will receive a ‘ready to go’ email. St Lucia’s previous two-step approval process is no longer required for boarding.

Lorine Charles-St. Jules, chief executive of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, said: “As one of the very first destinations to implement a responsible tourism reopening strategy, Saint Lucia has continuously evaluated Covid-19 travel protocols.

“These major changes are good news for visitors and returning nationals as it means a simplified process, greater access to testing and a significant reduction in cost. We have been listening to our travel community in the US, UK, Caribbean and around the world.

“Travellers are seeking a seamless experience along with confidence in safety, and our eased protocols reflect our commitment to welcoming travellers back to Saint Lucia.”

As of January 2022, 90% of tourism arrivals to Saint Lucia were fully vaccinated. Travellers are considered fully vaccinated two weeks (14 days) after a dose of an accepted single-dose vaccine or two weeks (14 days) after the second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine series.