Guidance for processing incoming persons from St Vincent

The Government of Grenada has issued guidance for the processing of persons entering the country from St Vincent and the Grenadines, in the wake of the ongoing volcanic activity on the mainland.

While Vincentians have been reluctant to evacuate their home country, in recent days, the Government of Grenada has received several requests on behalf of tourists in St Vincent, wanting to transit through Grenada.

Government has been facilitating some of these requests on the condition that they meet specific guidelines requiring incoming persons to have a negative PCR test within 72-hours of arrival in Grenada, along with appropriate travel documentation. Some persons have attempted to gain entry without presenting the requisite PCR test results and such requests have not been approved.

Government therefore advises marine stakeholders, agents and all others involved in the process, of the necessary steps to ensure the efficient processing and transfer of persons.

The first step is a formal request to the Government of Grenada, for permission to enter the country, which should be submitted via the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA), the coordinating agency. The contact email is [email protected]

Ideally, this request should be submitted at least 3 days in advance of the proposed travel date. The request should include the number of passengers, the identification documents of each passenger, estimated time of arrival, the final destination of passengers, proof of a negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours before embarkation and confirmation of immediate onward travel or accommodation in Grenada, where applicable. On arrival in Grenada, rapid antigen tests will be administered to all passengers. Persons remaining in Grenada will be required to quarantine, in keeping with Grenada’s entry protocols.

In addition to notifying NaDMA, marine vessel operators must also contact the Ministry of Health to provide the Maritime Declaration of Health and adhere to the testing requirements. They are also required to make contact with Customs and Immigration authorities in keeping with industry norms.

The full list of entry requirements will be publicised through the Government Information Service and NaDMA.

For persons who will transit through Grenada by air, from any of the Grenadine islands, where the airport is still operational, the standard entry protocols must be followed.

The Government of Grenada solicits the cooperation of all concerned in ensuring a seamless and hassle-free transfer of persons.

The guidance provided pertains only to persons who will transit through Grenada because of the volcanic eruption in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The guidelines are not applicable for routine travel, in which case, the usual entry processes, inclusive of Covid-19 protocols, will be applicable.

GIS