Anguilla, B.V.I. Drop Pre-Arrival Test Requirements

By Matt Turner Jul 19, 2022 9:39am

Two Caribbean countries—Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands—have announced updates to their COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

In effect since Friday, July 15, persons visiting the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.) will no longer be required to present a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry. The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands passed an amendment to the COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Entry of Persons) Regulation on July 13 that revokes COVID-19 testing requirements.

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Marlon Penn said that further relaxation of the COVID-19 Suppression measures is based on the reduced impact of the disease and the move from pandemic to endemic. “Currently, the statistics are revealing that the virus is having a very minimal impact on those affected and the mortality rates have decreased significantly,” he said. “That is why we feel at this stage we can reopen the borders and return to pre-COVID normal with regards to travel to the territory.”

For the latest, visit bvi.gov.vg.

Separately, Anguilla’s Ministry of Health has announced further changes to the island’s entry protocols. Effective August 8, there shall be no pre-arrival testing requirement for vaccinated persons. Evidence of vaccination status must still be presented to the airlines on check-in and on arrival at the ports of entry in St. Maarten and Anguilla.

From that same date, unvaccinated visitors will be permitted to enter Anguilla with a negative pre-arrival COVID-19 test result. There shall be no quarantine or further testing.

The Ministries of Health for both countries is reminding the public that frequent handwashing and the practice of good hygiene remain the best ways to protect and prevent the spread of COVID-19, as is mask-wearing when in appropriate environments.

For more information, visit www.ivisitanguilla.com.

Anguilla, B.V.I. Drop Pre-Arrival Test Requirements

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