Grenada is finally open again for US travelers, but you'll have to quarantine upon entry
The Caribbean country nicknamed the Spice Isle reopened on Oct. 1, 2020, after a two-month delay from its original reopening date date of Aug. 1.
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Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Grenada.
Grenada reopening on August 1
Like its Caribbean neighbors, Grenada has finally reopened to foreign tourists — with many health conditions attached.
There are differing health protocols for low-risk countries, based on the country's success in flattening the COVID-19 curve. Freedom of movement and rules will be based on a region's transmission levels and epidemiological data. Restrictions apply to the traveler's last country visited within the previous 14 days before travel, rather than the traveler's nationality.
Unfortunately it's not going to be easy for U.S. travelers to visit, since the U.S. is not on Grenada's list of low-risk countries where visitors can avoid quarantine.
More: A country-by-country guide to reopenings
No matter where you come from, there are several action items that all travelers must complete before entering Grenada:
- Visitors must agree to the requirements pertaining to their country of origin, such as quarantining and testing
- Complete, sign and submit a Health Declaration Form, and download Grenada's Ronatrac Mobile App and register as an incoming traveler
- Any costs related to traveling to Grenada — flights, potential quarantine reservation, costs of testing — must be paid for by the visitor
- All non-nationals must have travel insurance that covers coronavirus-related incidents, such as treatment and isolation — or must declare that they will bear those costs
- Any possible quarantine accommodation must be approved by the Ministry of Health and paid for by the tourist.
Failure to uphold any part of this agreement may prevent the tourist from entering the country, or they may be subjected to hefty fines for violations after arrival. For example, failure to download and adhere to the requirements of the app will face a fine of $1,000, or one year in prison.
Related:
- The Caribbean is reopening; recovery depends on you
- 7 little-known Caribbean destinations that you should discover
High-risk countries
Travelers entering Grenada from high-risk countries must produce the following in order to pass immigrations:
- Negative PCR test results dated within seven days of travel for each traveler over the age of 5
- All travelers must book a minimum five-day reservation at an approved accommodation for observation and quarantine
- Visitors can opt for a PCR test on Day 4, and will be allowed to leave quarantine if the results are negative and health officials grant clearance. Otherwise, the duration of the visit must be completed at the visitor's hotel
- Locals can return home after undergoing a PCR test on Day 4 and receiving a negative test result and clearance from local health officials.
Related: Bermuda is open to Americans
How to get there
Prices to Grenada vary wildly across the board, even from the same airports. The lowest prices we found start at $306 from New York (JFK) to Grenada (GND) on American in November and December.
Related: How to maximize the Google Flights tool for the best deals possible
Award flights are relatively sparse at this time, as major airlines have reduced capacity and routes to many destinations, particularly in smaller markets. But Miami to Grenada nonstop is available for 27,500 AAdvantage miles and $77 round trip on AA.
United Airlines doesn't offer award flights for many dates checked in November and December 2020, while Delta offers round trips about twice a week, for a whopping 155,000 Skymiles and $170 in taxes round trip from New York's JFK or 172,500 Skymiles round trip from its hub in Atlanta.
Related: How to travel to the Caribbean with points and miles
Where to stay
Hotels.com only lists 50-some hotels available on Grenada in mid-November. Typically, you'll find traditional homestays and independently-owned hotels in this country, with most clustered in the southern part of the island near Grand Anse Beach.
The 21-suite-and-villa Mount Cinnamon hotel — one of TPG's favorites — runs down the hillside leading to Grand Anse Beach and features a fully outfitted beach club with massage cabanas and a five-star PADI dive center, Dive Grenada.
Rooms begin at $255 per night at Mount Cinnamon in October and November. The hotel is also offering a promotion on bookings: Your choice of 15 percent cash back, a 5 percent donation to a cause of your choice, or 15 percent credit toward your next visit.
The ever-popular Sandals franchise has a resort in Grenada, where rooms begin at $1,589 per night in November for two adults.
The 229-room Radisson Grenada Beach Resort begins at $158 per night after taxes and fees.
IHG's new Kimpton Hotel in Grenada is set to open sometime in 2021.
Marriott's Category 7 Laluna Grenada is available from $291 per night in cash, or 60,000 Bonvoy points per night in off-peak pricing in October for a king-bed cottage room with an ocean view.
Bottom line
Grenada is open again, but it's hardly the most convenient destination for U.S. travelers at this time. If you're searching for a tropical destination within a few hours' flight distance, TPG has a country-by-country Caribbean guide with other destinations that offer more favorable entry policies
Related: Why you should plan an epic beach escape to Grenada
Additional reporting contributed by Brian Kim.
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