COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Montserrat (22 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents with a permanent residence permit issued by Montserrat are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No, with exceptions

• Most foreign nationals are banned from entering Montserrat. Exceptions are as follows:

• Husband, wife, child, or other dependents of a person residing in Montserrat.

• Fully vaccinated parents or siblings of a Montserratian intending to enter Montserrat no earlier than 19 July 2021 and leaving no later than 30 September 2021.

• The parent, sibling, husband, wife, child, or dependent of a person who (i) holds a permit of permanent residence, (ii) ordinarily resides in Montserrat, or (iii) owns a habitable house or home in Montserrat. However, the parent, sibling, husband, wife, child, or dependant must be fully vaccinated, and must be planning on entering Montserrat no earlier than July 19, 2021, and leaving Montserrat no later than September 30, 2021.

• The parent, sibling, husband, wife, child, or dependent of a professional person who has been engaged by an entity in the public or private sector. However, the parent, sibling, husband, wife, child, or dependent must be fully vaccinated and intends to enter Montserrat no earlier than July 19, 2021, and leave Montserrat no later than September 30, 2021.

• A fully vaccinated person who has been granted permission by the Minister to enter Montserrat for the purpose of aiding a person in Montserrat who is seriously ill or for the purpose of aiding with an emergency situation related to a person in Montserrat.

• A person who holds a permanent residence permit.

• Any professionals or other category of traveller granted permission by the Minister of Health to enter Montserrat before travelling to Montserrat;

• A member of the crew of an aircraft or ship.

• A non-resident technician once has been granted permission to enter Montserrat prior to travelling in Montserrat.

• A person granted permission by the Minister of Health for the purpose of aiding with preparations for a disaster or after a disaster.

• Any other person as may be determined by the Minister of Health for the purpose of aiding in the suppression of COVID-19.

• An attorney-at-law, judge, or other officers of the Court, who intends to come to Montserrat to appear in or preside over Court proceedings; and

• A person who has been granted a remote employment stamp.

• A parent, child, or sibling of the spouse of a deceased person, provided the parent, child or sibling of the spouse of the deceased person, has been granted permission by the Minister of Health to enter Montserrat for purposes related to the death of the person to include attending the funeral of the person. More information can be found here.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• Anyone arriving in Montserrat may be subject to medical screening. Medical officers have the authority to clinically examine and isolate any traveller who may have a high risk of being infected with COVID-19.

• Unvaccinated travellers and non-resident technicians must take a PCR COVID-19 test or an RNA COVID-19 test within 24 hours of entry into Montserrat.

• If unvaccinated non-resident technicians stay in Montserrat for more than 5 days, they must undergo a COVID-19 test (PCR or RNA) on day 5.

• Fully vaccinated travellers
  are exempted from this requirement.

• Children under 18 years of age are exempted from the test on arrival requirement.

Is a test certificate accepted?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Test certificates obtained in other countries are accepted. Both PCR COVID-19 tests and RNA COVID-19 tests are accepted for entry to Montserrat.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate (PCR or RNA) prior to arrival in Montserrat. The test must be performed within 5 days prior to arrival.

• Children under 12 years of age, medical evacuation, or persons granted permission by the Minister to enter Montserrat for the purpose of aiding with preparations for a disaster or after a disaster are exempted.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes, with exceptions

• All unvaccinated travellers arriving in Montserrat must self-quarantine for 14-days upon arrival (including those who will be staying in government-approved facilities). The travellers will also be required to take a PCR or RNA COVID-19 test between 12 and 14 days after entering Montserrat. The traveller will be permitted to exit quarantine on testing negative and completion of the 14 days. Travellers may be permitted to leave Montserrat before the 14-day quarantine period.

• Fully vaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine for up to 5 days at their place of residence, place of occupancy, designated quarantine facility or place of isolation. The traveller will be permitted to exit quarantine subject to testing negative on the PCR or RNA COVID-19 test performed between 3 or 4 days after entering Montserrat. If the travellers test negative for COVID-19 they can leave quarantine on day 5. However, if the travellers are expected to leave Montserrat before the 5 days have elapsed they will be allowed to leave Montserrat. More information can be found here.

• Authorities intend to use an electronic monitoring device to manage persons in self-quarantine or in isolation. More information regarding monitoring devices can be found here.

• The categories of people who are not required to quarantine upon arrival include:

• Aircraft or ship crew members ( including, freight, cargo or courier craft or vessel);

• An attorney-at-law, judge or other officers of the court who intends to come to Montserrat to appear in or preside over court proceedings;

• Non-resident technicians who have been granted permission to enter Montserrat;

• An individual who has been permitted to enter Montserrat to aid in preparing for a disaster or the after-effects of a disaster.

• Travellers may quarantine at a government-designated facility at their own expense. The full list of designated quarantine facilities can be found here. Arrangements must be made before entering Montserrat.

• Non-Resident Technicians receiving a negative test result after day 5 of their stay in Montserrat will still be required to comply with the following:

  (a) Only be in a public place for the purpose of travelling to and from the place of work; (b) Wear a mask and practice social distancing while at work; (c) Remain at their place of occupancy at all times except when travelling to and from work. More information regarding the requirements for non-resident technicians can be found here.

• Based on the above restrictions, the traveller will be required to spend between 5 and 14 days in quarantine.

Insurance required?

• No

• Travel insurance covering COVID-19 expenses is not mandatory but highly recommended.

Vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not mandatory for entry into the country.

• Fully vaccinated travellers will have to comply with a shorter period of quarantine, i.e. 5 days of quarantine instead of 14 days, and also be exempted from the test on arrival. Information regarding what is considered “fully vaccinated’’ can be found here.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Anyone arriving in Montserrat must complete the Access Declaration Form and submit it at least 72 hours before the expected date of arrival. Upon submission, the travellers will receive an email pre-approving their travel. The airline may ask for the email.

• Information regarding this process can be found here.

Recommended Border App?**

• No

Airline restrictions

• Significant

• Commercial flight services to and from Montserrat are operating but are minimal.

• Face coverings are required at the airports.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• Borders are closed.

• For those permitted, all travel to or from Montserrat is via Antigua. Passengers travelling to Montserrat must comply with Antiguan entry requirements, even when immediately transiting on to Montserrat.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• The curfew has been lifted.

Social restrictions

• Minimal

• A physical distance of two meters from other people in public places must be maintained.

• Gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Buses and taxis will be allowed to operate.

• Face masks are recommended on public transport.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• All businesses are allowed to operate.

Accommodations open?

• No

• Hotels are not currently open, as entry restrictions prohibit touristic visits.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are allowed to open as normal but must enforce a strict social distancing policy (six feet).

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars are allowed to open as normal but must enforce a strict social distancing policy (six feet).

*Personal care services open? *

• Yes

• All businesses are allowed to operate. However, self-care businesses will be allowed to operate through appointment only.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Religious establishments are allowed to operate.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Wearing face-coverings will be mandatory in public places. Therefore, a customer, visitor, staff, or employee will be required to wear face-covering when entering, while conducting business, and while working in a public place, business, organization or department, or place of business. However, certain exceptions can be found here.

Other

• Schools at all levels are allowed to operate.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.