Anguilla Is COVID-free and Open to Visitors — Here's How to Plan a Visit

Anguilla — Travel + Leisure readers' favorite island in the Caribbean, according to the 2020 World's Best Awards survey — entered phase two of its reopening plan on Nov. 1, with new requirements for entry.

As of November, all visitors are welcome to visit the island, on the condition that they meet the pre-entry requirements, which includes submitting an application that can be found on Anguilla Tourism Board's website. Each applicant will be asked to fill out a home address and desired travel dates and be required to submit a negative PCR test taken within three to five days prior to arrival along with proof of health insurance that would cover medical expenses related to treatment of COVID-19. (Visitors from countries considered low-risk will be given preference.)

Another PCR test will be administered upon arrival and a second test will be given on day 10 or 14. Visitors to the island may now also take advantage of a new bubble concept, offered to allow guests to move around and explore the destination in a safe way. Guests will be given access to a variety of approved amenities and activities, including select restaurants, golfing, scuba diving, kayaking, excursions to Prickly Pear, Sandy Island, and Scilly Cay, and more. Advance reservations are required, and transportation from an approved operator only will be provided.

Phase two will also see hotels and resorts joining villas as certified visitor accommodations. Upscale properties like the Frangipani Beach Resort, Belmond Cap Juluca, and Tranquility Beach Anguilla are already open, while others will welcome guests in the coming weeks, just in time for the holidays. CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa will open on Nov. 14., Four Seasons Resort and Residences will open on Nov. 19, Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts will open on Dec. 14, and Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection, will open on Dec. 17. Registered and approved accommodations will be listed on the tourism portal, including villas ideal for social distancing.

Although no minimum duration stay is required, the island has introduced an application fee structure for travelers, depending on the length of their visit. Prices start at $300 for individual travelers staying five days or less. Couples, on the other hand, will be required to pay $500, while families will have to shell out out $300 for the main traveler and $250 for each additional family member. There are also fees for visitors staying up to three months (starting at $400 per person for individual travelers) and those staying for three months to a year (starting at $2,000 per person for individuals). According to officials, the fees are meant to cover costs for COVID-19 testing, "surveillance, and costs associated with the additional public health presence."

Anguilla currently has no COVID-19 cases, and has reported only three cases since the beginning of pandemic.

“We know that there is considerable pent-up demand for Anguilla, among our homeowners, our repeat guests, and those who just need a break from the stress and strain of the past several months," said Anguilla Tourism Board chairman Kenroy Herbert. "We offer a wonderful respite, a safe haven where you can relax and enjoy our spectacular beaches and our culinary delights.”

The tiny island north of St. Maarten is home to 33 beaches and is known for both gorgeous villa rentals and World's Best Award-winning hotels, including Belmond Cap Juluca and Frangipani Beach Resort.