Saint Lucia relaxes Covid travel curbs

Saint Lucia has eased Covid-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers.

Visitors who have received jabs against the virus can now book hire cars, dine at more local restaurants and take part in additional activities such as beach hopping.

Vaccinated tourists have increased access to all parts of the Caribbean island from the day of arrival without restrictions.

Quarantine has also been removed for vaccinated returning nationals.

Visitors can stay at a range of Covid-certified hotels, villas and rental properties.

The island currently has amber status on the UK government’s traffic light system for reopening international travel on May 7, with advice not to travel. The list is up for review later this week.

Under the St Lucia government’s new rules, travellers must have had the last dose of a two-dose Covid-19 vaccine or a one-dose vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel.

Arrivals must indicate that they are fully vaccinated when filling out a pre-arrival travel authorisation form, and upload proof of vaccination.

Visitors must travel with their vaccination card or documentation. If you live in England,

Saint Lucia will accept the NHS app or NHS letter to demonstrate Covid vaccination status.

Pre-registered fully vaccinated visitors will be expedited via a dedicated health screening line and will be provided with a non-electronic identification wristband for the duration of their stay which must be worn throughout the stay.

Non-vaccinated travellers will continue to be permitted to stay at up to two certified properties for the first 14 days and non-vaccinated returning nationals will be required to apply for quarantine for the same period.

Saint Lucia prime minister Allen Chastanet said: “For both visitors and our local residents, our commitment to safely and responsibly coexisting with COVID remains strong.

“While all visitors to Saint Lucia can currently experience a wonderful holiday as well as approved tours and attractions, fully vaccinated travellers are now invited to explore the entire destination at their leisure, while following our protocols.

“We’ve successfully and safely managed tourism since reopening our borders in June 2020, with no need to close because of our protocols and the bubble we created for our visitors and frontline tourism workers.

“We are delighted to be able to expand the opportunities for vaccinated visitors and ease the restrictions for returning nationals. Vaccinated visitors can now truly holiday like a local.”