St. Kitts and Nevis eases predeparture testing requirement for vaccinated visitors

Although unvaccinated visitors are still barred from entering St. Kitts and Nevis, it just got easier for vaccinated tourists looking to escape to the dual-island country thanks to eased restrictions starting this week.

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Entry requirements starting April 1

As of April 1, only fully vaccinated tourists are eligible for entry to St. Kitts and Nevis.

A traveler is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the final dose of a two-dose or single-dose vaccine. Acceptable vaccines for entry include:

• Covaxin.
• Pfizer.
• Moderna.
• AstraZeneca.
• Sinovac.
• Sinopharm.

"As of July 12, St. Kitts & Nevis accepts a mixed vaccine doses of two dose regimens of AstraZeneca/Oxford, Bharat Biotech- Covaxin, Covishield, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Sinovac and Sinopharm," according to the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.

In addition to being fully vaccinated, all international visitors age 18 and older must continue to take a predeparture test to visit, specifically an antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival or a PCR test conducted within 72 hours, per updated guidance issued by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.

Travelers must also upload a copy of their vaccination certificate and test results to an online portal, in addition to completing an embarkation form no later than 24 hours prior to travel.

Note that travelers should also have hard copies of their negative test results and vaccination records in case they are requested on the island.

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Upon submitting the requested information to the tourism authority, all travelers will receive a travel authorization form, to be presented to airline and health officials upon arrival. Either a mobile copy or printed version of this form is acceptable.

Rules for children

As mentioned, unvaccinated adults are currently prohibited from visiting the islands as of March 30, but unvaccinated children ages 12-17 may enter if accompanied by fully vaccinated adults.

However, this age group must take a PCR test for $150 within 24 hours of arrival, conducted by a Ministry of Health-approved medical health professional at a government-approved hotel.

After taking the test, children must quarantine (with their parents/guardians) until receiving negative test results. Both the child and parents/guardians are to remain in place at lodging until they receive a negative test.

Read more: Sandy beaches and historic forts: 5 things families should do in St. Kitts

The following hotels have been approved for this use by the government:

• Four Seasons.
• Golden Rock Inn.
• Koi Resort St. Kitts, Curio Collection by Hilton.
• Marriott's St. Kitts Beach Club.
• Montpelier Plantation & Beach.
• Oaulie Beach Resort.
• Paradise Beach.
• Park Hyatt.
• Royal St. Kitts Hotel.
• St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
• Sunset Reef.
• Timothy Beach Resort.
• The Hermitage.

Testing or vaccination rules do not apply to travelers age 11 and younger.

Upon-arrival health screenings

Passengers arriving at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) should expect to have their temperature checked in addition to answering a series of health screening questions.

Should a traveler exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms during this screening process, they will be asked to take a test on site at their own expense.

Bottom line

Face masks and social distancing efforts remain required on the islands, but otherwise, you should be able to enjoy St. Kitts and Nevis as you did pre-pandemic.

Related: Caribbean luxury for cheap: A review of the Park Hyatt St. Kitts