St. Kitts and Nevis crack down on travelers, will only allow fully vaccinated visitors
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.
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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.
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees