TORONTO — Antigua and Barbuda have updated their entry requirements to include both PCR and antigen tests for fully vaccinated visitors.

As of Nov. 18, 2021, those who are fully vaccinated can present either a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 or an approved rapid antigen test result within three days of their flight or fewer.

Prior to this new update, the destination was requiring all arriving passengers by air to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result within seven days of their flight.

Updated protocols also include the following:

• All partially vaccinated passengers will require a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) test for SARS-CoV-2 using a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab taken within four days of their flight or fewer.
• Children below the age of 5 years entering Antigua do not require a COVID -19 RT-PCR test.
• As of November 18, 2021, all arriving passengers including returning nationals and residents (excluding children 18 years and younger) are required to have received at least one dose of a World Health Organization (WHO) or Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment (MOHWE) approved 2-dose COVID 19 vaccine.
• The wearing of face masks in public spaces is mandatory throughout Antigua and Barbuda and social/physical distancing protocols must be adhered to.

The new protocols come at the same time WestJet resumes flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport. The airline resumed weekly flights yesterday, Nov. 21, marking the first time it has flown to Antigua & Barbuda since March 2020.

“We are ecstatic that WestJet has decided to resume flights from Toronto to St. John’s Antigua,” said Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez. “Antigua and Barbuda is every bit as warm and beautiful as Canadians remember and we look forward to welcoming our northern friends back once again.”

For more information on entry and safety protocols go to https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-advisory/.