What You Need To Know About Traveling To Saint Lucia This Summer

Saint Lucia continues to welcome back travelers seeking out one of the most diverse destinations in the Caribbean and recently eased restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors. Whether your passionate about history, food or nature or aiming to rekindle the romance in paradise this summer, the island country certainly won't disappoint. Nonetheless, things are still a bit different in the time of COVID-19. So, before you go, here are some important things to know.

The U.S. State Department is advising Americans to reconsider travel to Saint Lucia this summer due to COVID-19, pointing out that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the island, indicating a high level of COVID-19. The CDC recommends that travelers get fully vaccinated before traveling to Saint Lucia and encourages unvaccinated travelers to avoid nonessential travel to the Caribbean country. As of June 17, Saint Lucia has reported nearly 5,200 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, including 80 deaths.

Saint Lucia recently eased restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors, which is defined as two weeks after the second dose of the two-shot vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Nonetheless, all visitors (age five and up) will require a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than five days of arrival and must submit an online Travel Registration Form (age 18 and up) prior to arrival. Visitors will undergo health screening upon arrival as well, including a temperature check, and must adhere to all safety protocols in place throughout the island, including wearing a mask in public. Americans traveling to Saint Lucia will need to secure a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than three days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past three months before they are able to board a return flight home to the United States, regardless of vaccination status.

Saint Lucia offers an exceptional experience but travelers who can provide proof of vaccination will have far more freedom, including the ability to book rental cars, dine at local restaurants and access various beaches. Inoculated individuals can also stay at more than two COVID-certified properties, whether it be a hotel, villa or Airbnb accommodations during their stay. "While all visitors to Saint Lucia can currently experience a wonderful vacation as well as approved tours and attractions, fully vaccinated travelers are now invited to explore the entire destination at their leisure while following our protocols," said Allen Chastanet, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia. "We are delighted to be able to expand the opportunities for vaccinated visitors and ease the restrictions for returning nationals. Vaccinated visitors can now truly vacation like a local."

As previously stated, the CDC recommends that travelers get fully vaccinated against the coronavirus before traveling to Saint Lucia. However, inoculated visitors will still have to wear a mask on their flights out of and into the United States and follow recommendations and requirements while on the island. Currently, public health protocols in Saint Lucia include face masks, physical distancing, temperature checks and enhanced hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing and sanitizing. "Visitors will be required to observe social distancing of six feet. Masks will be required in public places, when within six feet of others and in select public spaces at hotels," the country's official tourism website states. The CDC encourages travelers to get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel to Saint Lucia, asking vaccinated individuals to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, isolating and get tested if any develop. Meanwhile, unvaccinated individuals are advised to quarantine for seven days if their result comes back negative and 10 days if they choose not to get tested.

Travelers planning a trip to Saint Lucia this summer will want an experienced travel advisor by their side. With flights, COVID-19 certified accommodations, vaccination documentation and testing requirements to worry about, the prospect of booking and traveling to a foreign country in the time of COVID-19 can be daunting, so let a travel advisor step in and put their knowledge, experience and connections to work for you. TravelSense.org is a great place to begin your search for an experienced travel advisor as users can quickly and easier find their ideal professional who has been verified by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) based on their destination and trip type.