TORONTO — Saint Lucia is welcoming back major Canadian airlines for fall and winter 2021-2022 with new nonstop service to the island.

The first flight after nine months returns on Oct. 3 with Air Canada, following the cancellation of all flights to the Caribbean earlier this year amid the pandemic.

Air Canada will resume nonstop service on Saturdays from Toronto (YYZ) to Saint Lucia (UVF) starting Oct. 3. Service ramps up starting Oct. 31 with two weekly flights (Fridays and Sundays). And starting Dec. 25 Air Canada will operate four weekly flights (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays).

WestJet plans to resume its service from Toronto to Saint Lucia starting on Nov. 7 with weekly flights every Sunday, then increasing service to three weekly flights (Sundays, Thursdays and Saturdays) starting the week of Dec. 12.

Sunwing is also set to resume nonstop service on Saturdays from Toronto to Saint Lucia starting on Nov. 6.

An updated from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority notes that Canadian visitors to the island must obtain a negative PCR test within five days before travel to Saint Lucia. All visitors and returning nationals must complete a Pre-Arrival registration form before departure, found on www.stlucia.org. The page features a checklist overview of mandatory requirements to ensure that visitors are not denied entry upon arrival.

Saint Lucia’s COVID safety protocols include a non-electronic wristband for fully vaccinated travellers, to allow expanded island access. Visitors can book car rentals and dine at more restaurants, all while observing existing on-island protocols.

Unvaccinated travellers will receive a bracelet that identifies them as long-stay visitors after 14 days on the island. Starting on day 15, they are free to explore the island while observing standard COVID protocols such as physical distancing and wearing masks in public places.

More information on the latest travel protocols can be found at www.stlucia.org/covid-19.