Ok, ok. Sitting poolside in a Bajan resort for a couple days was hardly the world’s worst quarantine setup, while awaiting test results. Still, it wasn’t the complete and total feel of vacation and freedom.
There’s good news though. Barbados has nixed its quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated visitors, which means any fully vaccinated people will be able to land, and immediately enjoy their vacation, without hassle. Here’s what you need to know, if a trip is potentially on the horizon.
Barbados Drops Quarantine For Fully Vaccinated
Fully vaccinated visitors to Barbados no longer need to worry about the hassles of a mildly interrupted trip, while awaiting arrival test results.
Barbados has dropped its post arrival testing and quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated visitors, meaning anyone fitting the bill who arrives with a negative test result taken with 3 days can proceed immediately to their chosen accommodation, villa, hotel or boat.
A full official update on Barbados entry protocols can be found here.
Families, Kids And More
Barbados has taken a thoughtful approach to the new and simplified rules, particularly for people traveling as families, or with children. Children under the age of 18 do not need to be vaccinated to enter without quarantine, when traveling with parents.
Children under the age of 5 don’t need to provide a covid-19 test before travel to Barbados, but those over 5, as well as all adults, regardless of vaccination status, must.
A Great Time To Visit
Near the equator, Barbados is a truly year round destination, but few months are more coveted than those immediately ahead. This island is paradise in November, December, January and February.
Now that quarantine free really means “free”, it’s easier than ever to enjoy a trip. Most island activities have come back, and restrictions continue to roll back, allowing for late night dining, among other things.
In addition to mandatory testing for all visitors over the age of 5, downloading the BIMSafe app and filling out a passenger locator form is also a requirement to visit. The forms can also be found here. With quarantine dropped, this is a great option for fall and winter travel.
Am in Barbados right now and it is perfect weather. They’re still working some bugs out at the airport with arrivals and screening, but it only took us about 30 minutes to get through it all (buses off the plane to intake area, temperature, test verification, QR code from the BIMSafe app). Just be patient…island time + COVID = slow. Word of caution – they are not accepting the saliva PCR test, only the nasal swab PCR test. About 1/3 of the restaurants are still closed and they have a 9 pm curfew for some bizarre reason (I’m pretty sure COVID doesn’t wear a watch). But still awesome down here.
9pm curfew still in place and beaches close at 7pm (he says, finishing his breakfast at Sandy Lane)