Anguilla Reopens to Tourists, Offering Visa For Up to 12 Months But There’s a (few) Catch(s)

If you ever wanted to find out what it’s like to live in a Caribbean paradise, now might just be your best shot. The government of Anguilla has announced the island will reopen to tourists and is currently taking applications.

Start planning. We're almost ready for you! 🏝We're happy to announce that starting Aug. 21st, Anguilla will be accepting online applications for entry, and our friends at @TravelLeisure have all the info you need to get ready: https://t.co/LUUko0KhTh

🇦🇮 #BeyondExtraordinary pic.twitter.com/q3ACqq6Jba

— Anguilla (@Anguilla_Trsm) August 17, 2020

Currently, there are no active cases of COVID-19 on Anguilla and three recovered cases. That’s something that Anguillans are quite proud of and, of course, want to find a way to maintain while also being able to accept a limited number of tourists.

Requirements to enter Anguilla

In order to enter Anguilla, there are a number of requirements that vary depending on where you’re coming from.

Visitors to Anguilla from locations with low COVID-19 prevalence rate (that is at or below 0.2% of total population):

1. Receipt of pre-arrival approval from the Chief Medical Officer. This will require evidence of a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) COVID-19 test conducted no less than 3 and no more than 5 days prior to the planned date of arrival;
2. Mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 10 days in a specified property approved by the Chief Medical Officer; and,
3. Mandatory COVID-19 testing on arrival, at the end of the quarantine period prior to discharge, or at any stage during quarantine if symptoms develop.

Visitors to Anguilla from locations with high COVID-19 prevalence rate (that is above 0.2% of total population):

1. Receipt of pre-arrival approval from the Chief Medical Officer. This will require evidence of a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) COVID-19 test conducted no less than 3 and no more than 5 days prior to the planned date of arrival;
2. Mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days in a specified property approved by the Chief Medical Officer; and,
3. Mandatory COVID-19 testing on arrival, at the end of the quarantine period prior to discharge, or at any stage during quarantine if symptoms develop.

In addition, there are fees that must be paid in order to assist the Government of Anguilla with the costs of testing and monitoring.

Fees to Enter Anguilla

For those intending to stay for less than three months, there is a charge of $1,000 USD for individuals and $1,500 for families of up to four persons, with an additional $250 for every family member beyond four.

For those intending to stay for longer than three months, there is a charge of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for families of up to four persons, with an additional $250 for every family member beyond four. This charge will include all labor and immigration fees.

Should you apply to visit Anguilla?

The government has announced that long-term applications will be given priority over short-term applications. Honestly, I don’t see how this could work for anyone interested in a vacation less than three weeks unless you’re content just chilling at your pre-approved property the entire time.

This is clearly set up to entice those with dreams of spending a longer period of time in this stunning paradise. And who wouldn’t want to do that? Of course, it comes with a number of strict requirements that, once met, will help to ensure Anguilla stays on top of active COVID-19 cases.

To me, this feels more like baby steps towards a larger reopening to tourism. A carefully planned reopening meant to ease the island back from being completely closed. If you ever wanted to experience the calm, quiet, and, natural beauty and simplicity of Anguilla, now’s the time.

Read the official announcement from the Government of Anguilla here.