Vaccination requirements for children

[Partridge]

Hello everyone

We are travelling from the UK with our son (under 12 and unvaccinated) for Easter. We're both fully vaxxed.

It is a little unclear as to what the requirements are for PCR tests for kids in Tobago. Some of the TT government websites say that kids need to be tested 3-5 days into the stay. However, the official TT government tourist website - "visittobago" - does not mention a need for children to undertake a PCR test when they arrive; it just says that as long as the parents are fully vaccinated all that is required is for both kids and parents to be PCR negative within 72 hours of departure from the UK.

Can any one clear up what the requirement is at the moment and how this is working in practice in Tobago?

Many thanks

[PaulMakin]

As is customary, variable and contadictory information from different sources, including gov.tt

visittobago directs further enquiries to the ministries of health and also national security for further information and it seems that the quarantine protocols effective July 2021 are still on the books - the "Quarantine Amendment Act 2021"

hopefully someone with actual experience of what this looks like in practice will be along shortly but i think that you've already found the health ministry's take on things :

UNVACCINATED CHILDREN

The following conditions will be applied:
1. PCR Test 72 hours prior to arrival;
2. Repeat of a PCR test between days 3 to 5;
3. All test results, both positive and negative to be reported to the CMOH and/or CMO.

[Partridge]

"hopefully someone with actual experience of what this looks like in practice will be along shortly but i think that you've already found the health ministry's take on things..."

I wonder if there are any updates? Has anyone had any experience of this in the last few weeks (i.e. those who have travelled to Tobago recently or locals) - do kids still need to be PCR tested in Tobago after arrival, are the rules still in place, is this actually happening and is there any chance that this may change?

We're travelling at Easter and I imagine with Easter Holidays in the UK and elsewhere coming up, lots of parents with kids are likely to be arriving soon.

[PaulMakin]

Further small scale relaxations but no updates on this matter that i can see. Both UK and TnT gv websites still referencing the requirement for a PCR test within 3-5 days of arrival.

The protocols set out within the July 2021 amendments were reiterated in health/travel updates published Nov and Dec of 2021

[PaulMakin]

checked with a friend who has a young unvaccinated son and he confirms PCR test required - they travel to NY quite often (Mom is CAL crew) so have entered and exited since the pandemic.

Now they live in Lambeau so just went up to the hospital for his test (the Fort, not the new one) - whereabouts are you staying - i'll see what info i can get re. alternatives

[Partridge]

Great, thanks, where staying in Mount Irvine, up the hill behind the golf course towards Bethel.

[Partridge]

I'm hoping common sense may prevail and the requirement to PCR test children 2-3 days after arrival, who would have already been tested before departure anyway, is dropped in time for the influx at Easter.

[PaulMakin]

don't know if you have seen this ? :
viewtopic.php?t=13344

[PaulMakin]

Testing definitely still available at the airport - it's probably best to pre-book but minimal queues when i passed by yesterday.

Not sure if the easing of the requirement for PCR prior to arrival is going to affect the need for children to take a PCR post-arrival though. reports are a little short on detail but common sense would suggest that a non-vaccinated child can now take an LFT prior to arrival and upload the result to their own Travel Pass and be wholly compliant with conditions of entry ?

All travellers must still obtain the Travel Pass although we're told that this will "soon" be discontinued