The move comes with the addition of the UK to Barbados’ “high-risk” list of countries. 

Even with proof of a negative PCR test when arriving, being in this category now means a requirement for UK travellers to quarantine in a government-designated “holding hotel or approved villa at their own expense, or free of charge at a government facility” for a few days.

There are 70 approved properties – 13 hotels and 57 villas – for high-risk arrivals, with hotels including Cobblers Cove, Hilton Barbados, Sandals Royal Barbados and Meridian Inn. Tourists will then have to be tested again two or three days later; the list of villas and hotels can be found here.

If the second test is negative, guests will be free to leave the confines of the property, although they will continue to be monitored for seven days after their arrival, which includes daily self-temperature checks and sharing the information with the public health teams who will check in via call or text.

The government announced the change in categorisation “in accordance with the country risk assessments” conducted by the Barbados Ministry of Health & Wellness. 

The changes will come into effect from 1 October, but many in the industry had been pinning their hopes on Barbados as one welcoming destination for half-term and a strong winter season contender, given it was still on the UK’s travel corridors list.