Saint Lucia officially reopened for tourism on June 4, 2020.
Saint Lucia, which closed its borders to international tourists on March 23 due to the pandemic, will begin reopening its tourism industry in phases beginning on June 4, 2020, said Dominic Fedee, the destination’s minister of tourism.
“COVID-19 has kept us apart for too long. What a devastating few months we’ve had as a destination and as travelers,” Fedee said in a video message. “But there is good news – we are getting ready to host you again. Our people, our beaches and our mountains await you in all of their splendor. Now, the way we used to vibe will change just a little bit [with] responsible tourism [and] heightened protocols. There’s still going to be plenty of fun in the sun.”
*Important Note: The reopening of tourism activities is dependent on approval of the Saint Lucia federal government. Be sure to check with local and state authorities before traveling.
Saint Lucia’s coronavirus strategy is designed to protect locals and visitors through advanced coronavirus testing, daily screening and monitoring of staff and visitors; sanitization protocols at intermittent points during travelers’ stays throughout the travelers’ journey; and new social distancing strategies.
First, the destination will reopen Hewanorra International Airport for flights from the U.S.
Approximately 1,500 hotel rooms are being readied for the early June reopening, pending the completion of a new COVID-19 certification process.
Saint Lucia Entry Requirements
Updated December 2020:
Since reopening in June, St. Lucia has updated their entry requirements. The most important updates are:
1– Effective from July 9, 2020, All arriving passengers (with the exception of persons under the age of 5) must have a negative result from a PCR test within 7 days of travel.
2– All persons entering Saint Lucia must complete a Pre-Arrival Registration Form before arrival to ensure your efficient and expedited processing on arrival. Please print and travel with a copy of your completed registration form.
- Visitors must be tested for Covid-19 up to a maximum of 7 days before their flight to Saint Lucia. They must be certified Covid free to be able to travel.
- All travellers must wear a face mask during the flight and in the airport in Saint Lucia.
- All travelers must continue the use of face masks on arrival in Saint Lucia.
- All travellers will be subject to screening and temperature checks by port health authorities in Saint Lucia. If they have symptoms when they arrive, another test will be done.
*As of December 2020, this article will no longer be updated, as we have a newer version of travel rules published at “St. Lucia's Covid-19 Entry Requirements”
Additionally, protocols are currently being put into taxis to separate drivers from travelers and to sanitize luggage upon arrival.
On the hotel front, properties will be required to adhere to more than 12 specific criteria for sanitization, social distancing and more.
In the first phase of Saint Lucia’s reopening, excursions and experiences will be limited in capacity. Hotel staff and travel providers will work directly with visitors to arrange activities, tourism officials said.
What Hotels Are Reopen in St. Lucia?
The properties listed below have been certified. This list will be updated regularly as additional properties receive their certification.
- Sandals Grande St Lucian
- Ladera
- Sugar Beach, AViceroy Resort
- Stonefield Villa Resort
- Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa
- Jade Mountain
- Anse Chastanet
- Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
Other important rules for visiting St. Lucia
- You must have confirmed reservations from a COVID certified accommodation provider for the duration of your stay
- You must remain at your COVID-certified accommodation for the duration of your stay in Saint Lucia unless you are on an excursion arranged by the hotel.
- You may not leave the property by vehicle or on foot during your stay.
- You must remain on one COVID-certified property for the duration of your stay; you may not spend time in one property before moving to another.
The second phase of the destination’s reopening will begin on Aug. 1, 2020, with details being announced in the coming weeks.
“Our new protocols have been carefully crafted and will build confidence among travelers and our citizens,” Fedee said. “The government of Saint Lucia remains resolved to protect both lives and livelihoods as it jumpstarts its economy.”
Read More: See what countries that have reopened for American Tourists, and which travel insurance companies that cover Covid
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Source: stlucia.org
Article originally published May 20, 2020 with updates