St. Kitts and Nevis crack down on travelers, will only allow fully vaccinated visitors
Editor's Note
If you want to go visit the dual-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, you better make sure you get your vaccine shots. The popular Caribbean destination has implemented tough new safety protocols after discovering a cluster of new COVID-19 cases. It had previously reopened to tourists back in October.
As of May 29, only fully-vaccinated travelers (having received their shots at least two weeks from their travel) will be allowed to clear customs. Aside from uploading a vaccination card, visitors will need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel to the twin-island nation, as well as complete a Travel Authorization Form. Rapid COVID tests will not be accepted.
Related: Americans welcomed back to St Kitts and Nevis
All tourists who clear those hurdles will then have to "vacation in place" at an approved hotel for nine days. If the visit is longer than nine days, you will have to take another COVID test, at your own expense. If that test comes back negative, then you will be free to move about the island and go to the beaches, shops and restaurants. Another new restriction put in place is an island-wide curfew from 11pm-5am.
Related: Country-by-country guide to coronavirus reopenings
Vaccinated travelers can visit the island federation with unvaccinated minor children. However, keep in mind that a family staying 10 days or more will have to "vacation in place" until day 14, when the child/children will be tested. Vaccinated parents traveling with a non-vaccinated child will not be allowed to integrate into the twin-island nation until after the child is tested on day 14 and the test results come back negative.
Approved hotels for international travelers include these three hotels in St Kitts: The Marriott Vacation Beach Club, the Park Hyatt St Kitts and the Royal St Kitts Hotel.
Related: A guide to Caribbean re-openings
Approved hotels in Nevis include: The Four Seasons Nevis; the Golden Rock Inn; Paradise Beach and the Montpelier Plantation and Beach. Travelers who want to stay at a private rental home or condo will have to obtain pre-approval from the government.