Barbados introduces at-home Covid-19 tests for visitors
Barbados’ government will provide an ‘end-to-end’ Covid-19 testing process designed to enable travellers to provide approved test results within the three-day window the country requires for entry
US medical company Stage Zero Life Sciences is providing a dedicated website via which Barbados travellers can order an at-home Covid-19 test kit, said Barbados government officials during a press conference.
Test packages will be shipped to the traveller’s address, after which a health professional will administer the test at the traveller’s home.
Stage Zero officials also provide data outlining what day potential visitors should be tested relative to when they intend to arrive. Following the test, the health professional will oversee re-packaging, and the subject uses a pre-paid, pre-labelled box sent back via UPS or an express shipping service.
Test results are required as part of the entry process
Travellers are required to upload their test result to the Barbados tourism website as part of the entry process. The tests are priced at US$265 for one person and $166 per person for a family of four.
“We are pleased to offer this initiative,” said Lisa Cummins, Barbados’ tourism minister. “As the Covid infection rate has surged in many of our source markets, travellers, many of whom are hoping to come home for the holidays, are facing challenges not just in getting the test results but also within the three days.”
Quarantining for two to three days
Barbados currently requires US travellers to complete an online immigration and customs form 24 hours prior to arrival in Barbados and submit proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Travellers will have to go through additional health screenings upon arrival, including temperature checks and brief interviews. They also have to quarantine at an approved hotel, villa or guesthouse. A second PCR test is required on day two or three after arrival, with results obtained 24 hours later.
Travellers are not permitted to leave their accommodation or enter Barbados beaches until they have received a negative result from the second PCR test.