Antigua has been open for two weeks; here are the rules for visiting
The Caribbean twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda reopened to tourists in early June. But it's taken two weeks for the country to offer clear guidance for hopeful visitors. TPG's Brian Kelly canceled a June trip to Antigua last minute due to the lack of information on permitted activities.
However, the nation finally updated its website this past week with travel guidelines, although not everything is clearly explained. Here's everything we know about visiting Antigua post-coronavirus.
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Related: Jamaica is open to tourists, but only if you follow all of these rules
What to expect
Upon arrival
As of June 15, Antigua's entry protocol requires travelers prepare for the following procedures upon arrival in the country:
- Face masks must be worn at all ports of entry and in public spaces from the moment of disembarkation from the plane. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
- Health screenings and temperature checks will be conducted at each point of entry. Officials will also collect a self-reported traveler accommodation form from each passenger.
- Arriving passengers may undergo nasal swabbing for rapid antigen tests.
- Hand washing and sanitization stations will be available in many public spaces.
- Customs and ground transportation will handle traveler luggage as little as possible.
- All people must abide by social distancing guidelines of six feet or more.
You will not need to present a negative COVID-19 test before arrival, but having one can help you bypass some of the screening protocols on the ground.
Every incoming traveler will be tested for COVID-19. The test will take 15 minutes to complete, and results will be released within 48 hours, according to Antigua's travel advisory website. Travelers will have to pay for the test, which costs $100 per person.
Related: 4 Caribbean ports to explore in a day, including Antigua
Until a clean bill of health is received, travelers must remain quarantined. As spelled out on the website, the Ministry of Tourism still hasn't clarified if the short-term quarantine has to happen under government supervision or if travelers can stay at their own hotels, Airbnbs or homes. Until more clarification is given, it's safe to assume that your hotel facilities will be sufficient, based on the website guidance.
Travelers entering Antigua from countries with known COVID-19 outbreaks may be asked to quarantine for 14 days. TPG has reached out to the tourism board to clarify this guideline for U.S. travelers, but had not heard back as of the time of publication. It's probably safe to assume that you won't have to quarantine beyond the period it takes for you to receive a negative COVID-19 test. But just know that Antigua does reserve the right to require you to do so at its discretion.
There's a testing loophole for fancy travelers: Private jet passengers will not be screened for health upon arrival.
Curfew
Antigua and Barbuda has introduced a nightly curfew through July 31, and only essential services will be allowed to operate within public spaces between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Tours, car rentals and beach access
Unfortunately, tourists cannot rent cars in Antigua at this time; transportation will be arranged by the country. Furthermore, tour and excursion outings will be limited during the early stages of reopening. (In fact, this is part of the reason Brian Kelly canceled his trip to Antigua — he wasn't sure if he would be allowed to scuba dive or not.)
Guests staying at a hotel with a beach may access that beach at any time, once a negative test result has been received. Public beaches in Antigua and Barbuda are open on weekdays and weekends between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the current curfew period, which ends on July 31.
How to get there and Where to stay
Airlines
The cheapest flights from the New York City area originate out of Newark (EWR) and stop in Miami (MIA) en route to Antigua (ANU) for $355 round trip in basic economy in early July.
Current flights to Antigua for mid-late June average $450 round trip from major airports across the U.S.
Hotels
If you're looking to book on points in Antigua, now is not the time to do so. Hotels.com lists a short list of 53 properties on the island with booking availability for mid-June dates, almost all of which are small guesthouses or homestay-type rentals. No major points hotels, such as the Hyatt-owned Inn at English Harbour, appear to be open to the public just yet. Unfortunately, the award-winning Blue Waters Resort and Spa in Antigua does not appear to be open either. However, there are dozens of homes available on Airbnb.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.