If You Work Remotely, Do It in Barbados
It’s no secret that tourism and the travel industry have been hit hard during this pandemic. Many countries have closed their borders to protect their citizens and reduce the spread of COVID-19, and rightfully so. However, countries are now finding new ways to entice travelers, keep populations safe, and still generate income from their travel and tourism.
Barbados earned the crown welcoming American (and other) remote employees with a 12-month visa so they can stay and work from there.
Visa
Before the pandemic, Americans were allowed to travel to Barbados for six months without having to apply for a visa. However, they are now issuing a “12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp” for anyone working remotely. This means that if you are looking for work in Barbados, you will not be eligible. This welcome stamp is only for people who work from home in countries outside of Barbados.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said people can “come and work from here overseas digitally, so they don’t have to stay in the countries they are in.”
Pandemic precautions
It is clear that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic, and there are demands to greet Barbados. This invitation is for people who want to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
According to the official Visit Barbados website , travelers to Barbados must:
- Complete the online immigration and customs form 24 hours prior to arrival.
- Present a negative PCR test for COVID-19 within 72 hours of travel.
- Take a test on arrival if you cannot submit a negative result in the previous 72 hours.
- Wear a mask
Anyone who does not wish to take the test on arrival will be denied entry to Barbados. Here’s what you need to know if you need to take a test at the airport:
- Barbados will provide you with government housing to await your test results. The test and accommodation will be free for you.
- You also have the option to wait for the test results at the hotel of your choice, but this will be your personal account.
- You can also test at a satellite hotel for $ 150, where you can also wait for the results at your own expense.
Test results should be received within 24 hours; if you test positive, you will be transferred to alternative housing for isolation until you fully recover. After that, Barbados will offer you the option to continue your vacation or return home.
Continuing your stay
Travelers from high-risk countries will be monitored and tested for COVID-19 7 days after the start of their stay. If this test is negative, monitoring will not continue. However, if the test is not performed, you will have to be monitored for 14 days.
For more information, you can check this site. They also have a COVID hotline which you can find on the last page of their travel rules .