TORONTO — As global travel restrictions continue to ease around the world, three Caribbean nations have announced the lifting of COVID-19 testing requirements for entry, making it easier for travellers to escape to the sun.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

The Caribbean twin-island nation has lifted the travel testing requirement for fully vaccinated visitors, as of March 16, 2022. Its latest travel advisory, as outlined by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, is as follows:

1. Fully vaccinated arriving passengers are not required to present a PCR/Rapid Antigen Test negative result to be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda, (unless they show symptoms of possible infection). This includes transiting passengers.
2. Fully vaccinated passengers showing symptoms of possible infection may be required to submit to a RT PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 upon arrival at their own expense. Instructions on permissible activities while awaiting results will be provided by Port Health officials.
3. Partially/unvaccinated British citizens en route to, and partially/unvaccinated residents of, Montserrat are permitted to land in Antigua and Barbuda and transit via aeroplane from V.C. Bird International Airport to Montserrat. Such passengers will not be permitted to leave the airport prior to departure.
4. Unvaccinated minors between the ages of five and eighteen years old must present a negative RT PCR test of four days or fewer from date of testing.
5. Children below the age of five (5) years entering Antigua and Barbuda, DO NOT REQUIRE a COVID -19 RT-PCR test.
6. The wearing of face masks in public spaces is actively encouraged throughout Antigua and Barbuda and social/physical distancing protocols should still be adhered to. Therefore, all passengers arriving in Antigua and Barbuda are encouraged to wear face masks wherever there are gatherings of significant numbers of people e.g., ports, supermarkets, bars and clubs.

For more information go to www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.

ARUBA

Effective March 19, 2022, all travellers will no longer be required to present a COVID-19 negative test result or proof of vaccination to enter Aruba. However, all travellers are still required to complete Aruba’s Embarkation/Disembarkation Card before arrival and purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance.

Aruba also recently lifted local COVI-19 protocols, although the Aruba Health & Happiness Code, mandatory cleaning and hygiene standards for all tourism-related businesses, continue to be in effect.

For more information go to www.aruba.com.

CURAÇAO

The Dutch Caribbean Island of Curaçao has eliminated COVID-19 testing for entry, as of March 10, regardless of vaccination status or country of origin.Curaçao will continue to require travellers to complete its standard process for entry via its entry portal at www.dicardcuracao.com. The necessary steps for entry into the country is as follows:

• Complete the digital immigration card online before departure.
• Digitally fill out the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) form 48 hours prior to departure and carry a printed document of proof with you.

In addition, restrictions surrounding nightly curfew, mask mandates and proof of vaccination for large-scale events have all been removed. The relaxed measures apply to the destination, though hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues and tour operators may enforce protocols at their discretion. Subsequently it is recommended that travellers verify specific requirements or protocols directly with each venue.

For more information go to www.curacao.com.