The island’s borders will reopen after more than two months on 4 June, during which time it had recorded just 18 cases of Covid-19.
Tourism minister Dominic Fedee said measures to protect Saint Lucian nationals and visitors would include advanced testing; daily screening of airport and border staff and arrivals; new sanitation measures at various stages of the passenger journey; and stringent social distancing protocols.
The island is also developing new Covid-19 certification for hotels, which will require them to meet more than a dozen specific criteria for sanitation, social distancing and other measures.
Phase one of the reopening includes will see Hewanorra International airport reopen to some international flights, initially just flights from the US.
Some 1,500 hotel rooms in Saint Lucia are being prepared to open in early June, pending completion of the new Covid-19 certification process to accommodate guests.
During phase one, traditional Saint Lucian experiences will be available in a "limited capacity", with registered hotels and travel providers working with visitors to arrange safe experiences.
"Our new protocols have been carefully crafted and will build confidence among travellers and our citizens," said Fedee. "The government of Saint Lucia remains resolved to protect both lives and livelihoods as it jumpstarts its economy."
These protocols include: requiring visitors to present certified proof of a negative Covid-19 test, taken within 48 hours of boarding their flight; using face masks and observing social distancing upon arrival; submitting to screening and temperature checks at ports of entry; and complying with various other safety measures to protect locals, such as taxi drivers.
The measures will be reinforced through signage, which will feature QR codes allowing travellers to quickly gain more information about a specific measure or protocol.
The initial stage of Saint Lucia’s phased resumption of tourism will run until 1 August, with further details of a second phase to be revealed "in the weeks ahead".
Saint Lucia closed its borders to international markets on 23 March, with nationals observing shelter-in-place guidelines. It has recorded 18 cases of Covid-19, and no deaths. No active cases are being investigated and all 18 who contracted the infection went on to make a full recovery.
