17 July - Border to Reopen

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PaulMakin
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17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by PaulMakin »

Borders to reopen 17 July, it was announced yesterday and reported in online press today.

Mildly confusing reports in said press but it seems that non-nationals, doubly vaccinated and with a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival are not required to undergo quarantine.
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Re: 17 July

Post by Steve Wooler »

Hi Paul

That's brilliant news, of course. All we need now is for the U.K. to add T&T to our "Green" list of approved countries so that visitors can travel to Tobago without the need to quarantine on return. Fingers crossed!!!!!! =D>
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by Steve Wooler »

I can now clarify the above news a little.

When the T&T borders open on 17th July, foreigners will (subject to flights, etc) be technically allowed to enter T&T without any quarantine requirements if they have are fully (double dose) vaccinated and can present proof of a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours before arrival.

Visiting foreigners who are NOT vaccinated will NOT be allowed to enter T&T.

Citizens of T&T will be able to return home to the island if they can present a recent (72 hours) negative PCR test. However, if they are unvaccinated, they will have to undergo mandatory state-supervised quarantine for 14 days.

There is currently no word on a likely date for beaches, bars, restaurants, etc., to reopen.

So, at least things are moving in the right direction. :)
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Armand
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by Armand »

That's positive news! We are hoping now to come over in January next year, all being well.
PaulMakin
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by PaulMakin »

Press suggesting that international arrivals will be channelled through Piarco in the initial phase (although no news on airline intentions as yet)
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by Steve Wooler »

I now believe that BA flights to Trinidad (POS) will resume on 30th August. There will be no direct international flights into Tobago for the foreseeable future. Trinidad & Tobago remains on the UK 'Red' list.
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PaulMakin
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by PaulMakin »

yep, a little bit of debate in the press as to who initiated the delay on reopening Crown Point - minister says hoteliers requested extra time to prepare, hoteliers saying" not us guv". however, they also point out that there's not much point them gearing up until recreational activities are allowed again (bars, shops, eateries etc.)

single entry point does sound sort of sensible but guidelines were republished over the last couple of days and there is a clear statement that international flights to tobago will resume (albeit at some, as yet, unspecified point). not heard of any airlines expressing a view on this though.

very few flights on the airbridge right now - would be a brave vacationer who decided to risk getting on a flight out of Piarco currently, not sure i'd want to do the stand-by shuffle after 11 hours from europe
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by Armand »

So how have the first couple of weeks gone following the re-opening of the border? Are BA flights now landing in Tobago? Are the beaches still closed. Hope everyone is safe and well .
PaulMakin
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by PaulMakin »

State of emergency continues along with curfew. some small relaxations taking place sporadically.

More vaccines have arrived and the roll-out continues in a semi-targeted manner. Still no wholesale re-opening of the leisure sector and no timetable announced.

Some chatter locally that BA, Virgin and Condor are aiming for November, assuming that they will be able to land at Crown Point as opposed to Piarco. All international travel is via Trinidad - the Miami, JFK flights are operating as well as regional international flights.

Better but by no means good as yet
PaulMakin
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by PaulMakin »

and announced yesterday that Coco Reef is to close.

minimal staffing will be retained with a view to reopening once there is more certainty around tourism and the initiatives being planned for the reopening of the sector but for now, the gates are locked
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by Armand »

Thank you for the update Paul.
PaulMakin
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by PaulMakin »

more unlocking scheduled from the 23rd - service sector mainly. a review of curfew hours has been spoken of but also noted that there is a plan to seek an extension to the state of emergency for another 3 months.

the ministry of Tourism, Arts and Cultural Affairs has a document on their social media advocating the re-opening of the tourism sector, citing tobago as the mainstay of the industry. no actual detail but what appear to be realistic and appropriate thoughts about multi-agency working in order to relaunch.

vaccination rates around 20% on tobago and around 30% nationwide according to the health ministries latest numbers with a surprisingly high proportion having had 2 doses. not got the latest numbers on active cases, sorry. many more doses have arrived this week and, again, surprisingly little vaccine reluctance.

CAL are flying internationally now, and the JFK and FLA routes are reinstated. the unofficial rumblings aroung BA and Virgin continue but nothing from the airlines publicly as yet.

the pace of these changes is quicker than might initially have been expected given what happened in other places following their relaxations and it remains to be seen how sucessful they are - watch and wait !
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by Hugh S »

After providing proof of vaccination, negative COVID PCR test and an approved T&T Entry form, my Tobagonian wife and her sister were able to visit (from the US) to attend a (non-COVID) funeral on the 16th. Only ten at a time in the church and at the burial, curfew in place all over the island. My biggest worry is her travel through MIA and sitting in close quarters on her multiple flights.

Regularly updated stats:
https://health.gov.tt/covid-19/covid-19 ... and-tobago

8)
PaulMakin
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by PaulMakin »

Big article in today's Guardian outlining a schedule for the return of international flights to TnT, Piarco mostly.

A lot of detail is given, including flight timings, route particulars etc so i'm inclined to think that the reporter isnt just embellishing rumours.

Virgin and BA details are listed and also their dates for the re-start of TAB flights. The usual caveat regarding ongoing disruptions and changes of course
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by Armand »

Starting to sound promising..... Now just waiting for London to Tobago flights to come on line. Fingers crossed
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by CTDA Castara Tourism »

We have booked flights for !0th January.
I see there are flights showing for December But we are being cautious. We were in lockdown in Castara until we got out on a UK Gov. flight in June 2020. We cannot wait to get back, we did all the recommended health practices but we thought , as we all did, that it would be over by last November, not November this year! Hopefully!
A couple we know well have just had their November flights 'cancelled' again.....
Again today, somebody , a returning national , coming in from New York has tested positive and been put into quarantine.
The curfew times have been relaxed a little today. Now 10pm to 5am, so little by little things are getting better. The TT Ministry of Health have been great and kept everybody really well informed, it was 'essential' viewing while we were there.
More people are being vaccinated and trusting the science more than some religious leaders and purveyors of 'snake oil' remedies........

Important information on the BA site.
Please note that the borders of Trinidad and Tobago are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purchase of a ticket or any other form of payment for a flight, or a seat on a flight during the period of border closure is no guarantee that any flight or passenger will receive an exemption to enter/depart Trinidad and Tobago. It is your responsibility to check the latest travel advice and entry requirements for your outbound and return journey, including any flight connections.

See you all in Castara !
Armand
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by Armand »

Thank you! Hopefully see everyone at Englishman's Bay, Buccoo, or perhaps Pigeon Point in January or February next year - fingers crossed!
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Chris Runciman
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen: UK.GOV

Post by Chris Runciman »

The GOV.UK site official statement:
Update from GOV.​UK for:

Trinidad and Tobago travel advice

Trinidad and Tobago travel advice

Change made:
From 4am on Monday 11 October, Trinidad and Tobago will no longer be on the red list for entering England. Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. (‘Summary’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages)
Armand
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by Armand »

Thank you Chris. Useful information.
PaulMakin
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Re: 17 July - Border to Reopen

Post by PaulMakin »

A little frustratingly, in anticipation of continuing restriction, i extended a short term contract in the UK which means it'll be Feb for me.

Checking flights though, prices dont seem to be too challenging and availability seems to be at the pre-pandemic level ? Am i right in thinking the Virgin flights are ex-LHR ?. Looks like i'll be paying for extra baggage - many things will need replacing on my arrival.

Waiting on word of beaches re-opening as, without that, my activities remain closed so maybe Feb will work out ok for me.
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