New travel protocols include one-day antigen tests for vaccinated travelers and simplified ‘Ready to go’ registration process.
CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA – The Government of Saint Lucia is updating international arrival protocols, creating a “Seamless Saint Lucia” experience for travelers.
The following changes for international arrivals, in-transit passengers and returning nationals will be implemented starting on Saturday, March 5, 2022:
- Fully vaccinated travelers and in-transit passengers aged 5 and over must have a negative rapid Covid-19 antigen test or a Rapid COVID-19 PCR test taken one day prior to entering Saint Lucia. Travelers may also provide a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test taken up to five days prior to arrival.
- All unvaccinated travelers must present a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test, taken up to five days prior to entering Saint Lucia.
- All travelers must register their information and upload test results online prior to travel. On completion, they will receive an automatic ‘ready to go’ email. The previous two-step approval process is no longer required for boarding.
“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 U.S., UK, Caribbean and around the world. Travelers are seeking a seamless experience along with confidence in safety, and our eased protocols reflect our commitment to welcoming travelers back to Saint Lucia,” said Chief Executive Officer of Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Lorine Charles-St. Jules.
Rapid antigen tests must be administered by a healthcare provider. Self-administered tests and saliva tests are not accepted. UK NHS tests are not valid for travel.
Unvaccinated visitors can continue to stay at Covid-certified. Returning nationals who are unvaccinated are required to quarantine for a seven-day period.
As of January 2022, ninety (90) percent of tourism arrivals to Saint Lucia are fully vaccinated travelers. Travelers 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.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
