It’s no secret that the tourism and travel industry have suffered financially during this pandemic. Many countries closed their borders as a way to protect their citizens and help to diminish the spread of COVID-19—rightfully so. However, countries are now finding new ways to entice travelers, keep the population safe, and still generate revenue for their travel and tourism.
Barbados has taken the crown by welcoming American (and other) remote workers with a 12-month visa to stay and work from there.
The visa
Prior to the pandemic, Americans were allowed to go to Barbados for six months without having to apply for a visa. They are now, however, issuing a “12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp” for anyone who works remotely. This means that if you are looking for work in Barbados, you will not be eligible. This welcome stamp is strictly for people that work from home in countries outside of Barbados.
Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley, stated that people can “come and work from here overseas, digitally, so that they don’t need to remain in the countries in which they are.”
Pandemic precautions
Obviously, we are still in the midst of a global pandemic and the welcome of Barbados is not without certain requirements. This invitation is extended for people who are willing to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
According to the official “Visit Barbados” website, travelers coming to Barbados must:
Complete an online immigration and customs form 24 hours prior to arrival
Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of traveling
Take a test upon arrival if unable to present a negative test from the prior 72 hours
Wear a mask
Anyone unwilling to comply with taking a test upon arrival will be denied entry into Barbados. Here’s what you need to know if you have to take a test at the airport:
Barbados will provide you with government accommodations to wait for your test results. The test and accommodations will be of no charge to you.
You also have the option to wait for your test results at a hotel of your choice, but it will be at your own expense.
You can also choose to have the testing done at a satellite hotel for the cost of $150, where you can also await the results at your own expense.
Test results should come within 24 hours; if you test positive, you will be transported to alternative accommodation for isolation until you fully recover. Barbados will then offer you the option of continuing your vacation or returning home.
Continuing your stay
Travelers from high-risk countries will be monitored and given a COVID-19 test 7 days into their stay. If that test is negative, the monitoring will not continue. However, if a test is not given then you will have to be monitored for 14 days.
For further information, you can check this site. They also have a COVID hotline you can find on the last page of their traveling guidelines.