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The new rules, which came into force last Monday, apply to foreign tourists arriving in the country by plane, yacht or ferry.
“The government of Antigua and Barbuda has updated its travel advisory to facilitate the unimpeded entry of tourists into the country, », — the government said in a statement. “The country has adopted a successful strategy of mass vaccination, rapid detection of imported and domestic infections, and has launched several active campaigns to inform the public about the significant decrease in the rate of COVID-19 infection over the past five months. Under the new rules, face masks are no longer required, but encouraged, especially where there is a significant gathering of people, such as ports, supermarkets, bars and clubs.
Previously, Antigua and Barbuda required, that tourists are fully vaccinated, have a recent negative PCR test and live in certified accommodation.
According to official figures, more than 63.3% of the total population on the islands are vaccinated. The day after the new rules came into effect, only 25 new infections were reported in the country.
Antigua and Barbuda will now rank with several other Caribbean countries that have completely abandoned restrictions: Grenada , Aruba and Bonaire. Other islands, such as Anguilla, have so far canceled only preliminary testing of vaccinated travelers.