Excellent news was revealed today (Thursday the 3rd of March) as the St Lucia testing rules have been changed and simplified for fully vaccinated travellers around the world.
As of Saturday the 5th of March, fully vaccinated travellers will be able to take an antigen test as an alternative to a PCR test to verify entry. PCR tests will still be an available option for fully vaccinated travellers.
This means that fully vaccinated travellers (those who had the final dose of an approved vaccinated over 14 days prior to travel) will have two options:
- Provide proof of a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival in St Lucia; or
- Provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 5 days/120 hours of arrival in St Lucia.
Within the new St Lucia testing rules, an antigen test taken by a fully vaccinated arrival must have been administered by a healthcare provider. They will not accept self-administered or NHS tests.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers must still follow the previous rules and provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 5 days/120 hours of arrival in St Lucia. Unvaccinated travellers must also stay in Covid certified properties.
These rules will apply to all travellers over 5 years of age. Test results must be registered online prior to departure through a travel form on the Saint Lucia website.
In the announcement of the new St Lucia testing rules, the chief executive of Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Lorine Charles-St. Jules said, “As one of the very first destinations to implement a responsible tourism reopening strategy, Saint Lucia has continuously evaluated Covid-19 travel protocols.
“These major changes are good news for visitors and returning nationals as it means a simplified process, greater access to testing and a significant reduction in cost. We have been listening to our travel community in the US, UK, Caribbean and around the world.
“Travellers are seeking a seamless experience along with confidence in safety, and our eased protocols reflect our commitment to welcoming travellers back to Saint Lucia.”
As always, we highly recommend checking out the Foreign Travel Advice page to keep up to date with the testing rules and travel restrictions in your chosen destination. Especially with so many destinations opening up restrictions in 2022, this will help you stay prepared for your holiday.
So, if you’re looking forward to your next great holiday, don’t wait, book now with a travel business registered with PTS for 100% financial protection through trust. Or, if you’d like assistance choosing one of the lovely PTS members to book with, you can contact PTS directly at 0207 190 9988.
And if you’d like to learn more about your financial protection with PTS or how the Package Travel Regulations protect your holiday booking, check out our pages and Travel Advice.
