Travel Week: Saint Lucia announces more freedoms for vaccinated guests & new Roadshow dates

Fully vaccinated travellers can now enjoy more freedoms while visiting Saint Lucia, including book rental cars, dine at local restaurants and take part in additional activities like beach hopping. According to the Government of Saint Lucia, as of May 31, 2021, vaccinated visitors now have increased access to all parts of the island from the day of arrival, without restrictions. For example, they can explore shops, markets, restaurants and activities in popular areas like Castries, Rodney Bay, Soufrière and more.

All visitors can stay at a range of COVID-certified accommodations that include hotels, villas and Airbnb. For vaccinated visitors, they can now stay at more than two properties if preferred.

“While all visitors to Saint Lucia can currently experience a wonderful vacation as well as approved tours and attractions, fully vaccinated travellers are now invited to explore the entire destination at their leisure while following our protocols,” said Prime Minister Allen Chastanet. “We’ve successfully and safely managed tourism since reopening our borders in June 2020, with no need to close because of our protocols and the bubble we created for our visitors and frontline tourism workers.”

To qualify as fully vaccinated, travellers must have had the last dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a one-dose vaccine at least two weeks prior to travel. Travellers must indicate that they are fully vaccinated when filling out the pre-arrival Travel Authorization form, and upload proof of vaccination. They must also travel with their vaccination card or documentation.

Upon arrival in Saint Lucia, pre-registered fully vaccinated visitors will be expedited via a dedicated Health Screening line and will be provided with a non-electronic identification wristband for the duration of their stay. This wristband must be worn throughout their stay, only to be removed when departing Saint Lucia.

Non-vaccinated travellers will continue to be permitted to stay at up to two certified properties for the first 14 days, while non-vaccinated returning nationals will be required to apply for quarantine for the same period.

Regardless of vaccination status, no changes have been made to pre-arrival protocols for travellers, including: all arrivals to Saint Lucia (five years or older) must obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than five (5) days before arrival; submit the online Travel Registration form; and must adhere to all safety protocols in place, including wearing a mask in public places. Detailed information on the latest travel COVID-19 protocols for all visitors, plus Frequently Asked Questions for vaccinated travelers can be found at www.stlucia.org/covid-19.

To provide the travel trade with all the latest updates, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) will be hosting its second installment of its popular ‘North American Roadshow.’ Following overwhelming feedback from travel agents, three new sessions have been added to the virtual series lineup, all themed after ‘Inspiration for Experts.’

The first session took place on May 25, with the remaining two on June 3 and June 8 from 2-3 p.m. EST. Agents can register here. 

During the event, agents will learn about the latest COVID-19 travel protocols, hotel reopenings and excursion experiences, as well as learn why the island has been voted as one of the most romantic destinations in the world 12 times in a row by the World Travel Awards. Several prizes are also up for grabs, including a three-night stay for two at Ladera Resort with daily complimentary full breakfast, and a three-night stay for two at Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort.

Each live event will be hosted by SLTA’s international sales team with representatives available for Q&As. For more details go to stlucia.org.