On Thursday, 22 September, the Government of Barbados announced the country will discontinue all Covid-19 related travel restrictions. Therefore, there will be no testing requirements for entering Barbados whether regardless of vaccination status. In addition, the wearing of masks generally will now be optional.
“Conscious of the direction in which the rest of the world is going, effective tomorrow (today), we will also discontinue all Covid-19-related travel protocols for Barbados, joining 95% of the countries in the hemisphere who preceded Barbados in going in this direction. This means that there will be no testing requirements for entering Barbados whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated”, said Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw.
Previously, only fully vaccinated travellers were allowed to enter the country without additional testing required, provided they presented a vaccination certificate. Unvaccinated travellers had to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within three days before departure.
This is the last step for us which reflects our position as fully open for business following the Covid-19 pandemic. We look forward to continuing to welcome visitors to our shores to experience all the new and returning events slated for the rest of the year and into early 2023.
Lisa Cummins, Minister of Tourism and International Transport
At the same time, officials announced the wearing of face masks “as the best defence against Covid-19” is now optional, with a few exceptions. It will still be mandatory to wear a face mask on public transportation, in schools, medical facilities such as hospitals, dental offices, clinics, nursing homes and daycare institutions.
The Acting Prime Minister warned however that the elderly population and those considered high-risk, should still wear their masks to protect themselves. “Individuals who are at increased risk for illness or death due to COVID-19, particularly the elderly and those with health conditions, may find it prudent to continue wearing masks around others”, Bradshaw said, adding that “Those who come in close contact with such vulnerable persons are also encouraged to wear masks and practise good hand and respiratory hygiene.”
