Effective Saturday, September 19, everyone arriving in Barbados from a country designated as high or medium risk for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will be required to travel with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result.
This stipulation is contained in the latest travel protocols, updated on September 11.
The new measure states that travellers must take a test at an accredited or certified facility or laboratory within 72 hours prior to arrival, and present a negative test result on entry.
A statement issued by Barbados Government Information Service on Tuesday said anyone arriving without a valid negative test result may be denied entry.
Test results must be submitted electronically at www.travelform.gov.bb. Travellers are also required to present a copy, bearing their name, on arrival. Test results, which must be validated by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Barbados, should be presented in English to facilitate validation.
Relevant accrediting bodies and standards include ISO: 15189, CAP, UKAS, or the equivalent.
The statement also said people from low-risk countries are strongly advised to get tested for COVID-19 before arrival, in order to expedite processing through the airport. The test may be taken up to five days prior to arrival.
People arriving without a valid test will be tested at the port of entry. Travellers from countries designated as very low risk are not required to take a COVID-19 PCR test prior to, or on arrival.
They may leave the airport after clearance by Immigration, Customs and Port Health officers. The Ministry of Health and Wellness reserves the right to require testing of any person, regardless of documentation presented or any other requirement, obligation or condition associated with their assigned risk category. (BGIS)
