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ACTA warns of imminent bankruptcies
Independent advisors left “scrambling” in wake of new travel rules, says ACITA
TORONTO — The Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors (ACITA) is “disappointed” with the lack of information provided by the federal government regarding its newly introduced travel rules.
Announced by Prime Minister Trudeau on Jan. 29, the new travel rules were far more extensive than initially anticipated by the travel industry.
“While we welcome a decision and were hoping for a detailed plan, we again find ourselves disappointed with the lack of information, as well as the thought processes that went into this decision making,” said Nancy Wilson, ACITA co-founder.
Wilson added: “He opened his statement recognizing that only 2% of cases has been brought about by travel yet has again directed all his measures to protect Canadians from this virus by restricting travel. With only a cancellation of flights to Caribbean destinations, we feel this has not addressed the seriousness of the issues with community spread, or provided additional support to the provinces to get this spread under control, where the majority of the issues are, not to mention that the majority of critical issues with this virus are not originating in Caribbean destinations.”
Despite the lack of detailed information, said Wilson, the seriousness of the new measures will hopefully bring a newfound sense of urgency for sector aid, specifically for travel advisors.
“Airline staff and all related sectors are now in critical need for support to survive,” she said. “While they recognized airlines will need aid, no announcements on that leaves us again scrambling and concerned for the future of businesses.
“Independent advisors as well as travel advisors in storefront agencies and travel agency owners are at a greater risk today of shutting their doors for good, and the work we have ahead of us is paramount to ensure we can limit those closures as much as possible.”
Wilson did note one encouraging development: for the first time, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra made mention of travel agents in relation to sector aid during a press briefing on Jan. 29.
“We will look at this as a positive step forward and as an opportunity to further dialogue on the urgent need for commission protection with any bailout packages,” added Wilson.
Without aid, there will be imminent closures and bankruptcies: ACTA
TORONTO — ACTA issued a statement on Jan. 29 in the wake of the new travel restrictions announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“The news of earlier today with respect to the suspension of flying to the Caribbean and Mexico as well as significant related restrictions is absolutely devastating for all sectors within the travel industry – from airlines to hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, travel agents, independent contractors and all other businesses that rely on tourism,” said Wendy Paradis, President, ACTA.
Paradis said ACTA is sounding the alarm for travel agents and travel agencies following the federal government’s announcement that Canada’s major airlines have agreed to suspend all flights to the Caribbean and Mexico until April 30.
“Without enhanced and urgent aid, and protection against commission recall there will be imminent business closures and bankruptcies among travel agencies and independent contractors – as we have been warning the federal government,” said Paradis.
“However, as we have been stating for months to the federal government, travel agencies and travel agents cannot survive the brunt of about $200 million in recall commission on cancelled and refunded bookings related to the COVID-19 crisis,” she added.
Paradis said: “ACTA reinforced the impact of these latest travel restrictions to the federal government again today and reinforced our message that any aid given to an airline or tour operator MUST include funding to cover travel agent recall commissions, and for a FUND to cover past bookings already recalled.”
Paradis said that while, of course, ACTA understands the importance of protecting the health of Canadians, the impact of the new measures of suspended flights, new testing on arrival on top of the pre-boarding testing, mandatory hotel quarantines and other initiatives will further delay any meaningful recovery for the entire industry.
“We require immediate and focused discussions with the government to ensure not only the safety of Canadi-
ans and travellers --but of our travel businesses,” she said. “Travel agencies and travel agents need aid now. Our industry has been effectively shut down.”
Jamaica ramps up COVID-19 testing at resorts, airports and labs
KINGSTON — Jamaica’s approach to on-island COVID-19 testing capacity can be described as “aggressive,” which is good news for travellers returning home to both Canada and the United States.
Following pre-arrival testing requirements from the Canadian and American governments, Jamaica has announced an increase in destination-wide COVID-19 testing capacity, including at several hotels and resorts.
For travellers staying at other locations, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Tourism are working together to establish mobile testing facilities within Jamaica’s designated ‘Resilient Corridors.’ These Corridors, created to encourage safe tourism practices within popular tourist areas, comprise two parts: a northern segment stretching from Negril in Westmoreland to Port Antonio in Portland, and a South Coast segment running from Milk River in Clarendon to Negril in Westmoreland.
Testing resources will also be added at Sangster International Airport and Norman Manley International Airport. Plus, PCR and antigen tests will be conducted at 10 private laboratories approved by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
For a full list of approved laboratories go to www.visitjamaica.com/travel authorization/testing-labs.
Last month, Jamaica announced the creation of a special task force that will oversee the island’s testing capacity. Led by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, the task force includes various travel and tourism experts and professionals who will collaborate efforts to facilitate wide-scale COVID-19 testing for visitors.
“There is a great deal at stake”: NACC calls for financial support
OTTAWA — The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) is calling on the federal government to take “im-
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Azamara has appointed Orlando Ashford as its incoming Executive Chairman. Ashford, who previously served as president of Holland America Line from 2014 to May 2020, said he has “long admired” Azamara’s business and brand and believes that the boutique cruise line is “uniquely positioned in the industry.”
Last month, Azamara’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, entered into a definitive agreement with Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm, to sell the luxury line. The deal is expected to close in Q1 of this year.
“We are pleased for Orlando to take on this role as Azamara embarks on its next chapter supported by Sycamore Partners,” said Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners. “Orlando brings significant leadership experience as well as specific expertise in the cruise and travel industry, making him well-suited to serve as Azamara’s Executive Chairman.” mediate action” and provide financial support to airlines following the cancellation of all sun destination flights through April 30, 2021.
The cancellations, made at the request of the federal government, went into effect on Jan. 31 in an effort to secure Canada’s borders against COVID-19 and its new variants. All flights to and from Mexico and the Caribbean with Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing and Transat have been impacted.
In addition to financial aid, NACC, which represents Canada’s largest air carriers including Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation and WestJet, is also calling on the government to develop an aviation recovery strategy that will help restart the economy.
“We recognize the statements made by the government that a healthy aviation sector is critical to Canada and our economy, and that the government is committed to working with the sector on a true recovery strategy that incorporates a science-based approach to testing and quarantine measures, and that the government is also committed to providing sectoral support for the industry overall,” said Mike McNaney, President and CEO of NACC.
“We need to ensure we take substantive action soon,” he added. “Countries that have a true recovery strategy in place for their aviation sectors will be the best positioned to ensure the safe restart of their economy, to bring back jobs and investment and to successfully compete and take market share from countries that are not well prepared.
“There is a great deal at stake in the coming months and we look forward to engagement with the government on a clear and substantive sectoral recovery strategy.”
These Riviera Nayarit hotels are helping guests with COVID-19 testing
RIVIERA NAYARIT — A total of 36 hotels and resorts in the Riviera Nayarit are accommodating guests in need of either a PCR or antigen test prior to their departure home.
Canadians who require a PCR test, as mandated by the federal government in order to return home, and Americans who must take a viral test (either a PCR or antigen test) as part of the U.S. government’s new pre-arrival testing rule, can now take a test while in Riviera Nayarit either on site at their hotel or at hospitals, clinics and laboratories in the region.
“Riviera Nayarit is a destination recognized for its hospitality and this situation allows the hotel industry to reinforce its support to travellers and for us to continue promoting economic reactivation,” said Marc Murphy, managing director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In addition to providing testing at hotels, Riviera Nayarit has implemented sanitary protocols as per the Ministry of Health of the Mexican Federal Government at hotels and restaurants, which are operating at their permitted capacity. Additionally, access to beaches has been limited.
The following hotels are accommodating guests in need of either a PCR or antigen test, or both:
Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta; Paradise Village; Occidental Nuevo Vallarta; Hard Rock Vallarta; Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit; Marival Group; Dreams Villamagna; Hoteles Riu; Samba Vallarta; Krystal Grand; Hoteles Villagroup; Las Palomas; Royal Decameron Complex; Cactuc Inn; Refugio del Mar; Vista Vallarta; Grand Matlali Hills; B Nayar; Vallarta Gardens; Villa Bella; Grand Palladium Vallarta; W Punta de Mita; Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita; The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort; Palmasola; Mesón de Mita; Iberostar Playa Mita; Conrad Punta de Mita; Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita; Xiobella; Haramara Retreat; Playa Escondida; El Pueblito Sayulita; Hotelito Los Sueños; Hotel Cielo Rojo San Pancho; Maraica San Pancho; El Coral; Mar al Cielo.
Guests are encouraged to contact hotels directly for more details.
Book now, travel later: Malaysia awaits you
TORONTO — To celebrate a brand new year, Tourism Malaysia, in partnership with Canada One Travel, Goway Travel, Royal Scenic Holidays and SITA World Tours, has launched the ‘Book Now Travel Later, Malaysia Awaits You’ initiative. It includes a fun contest and new travel deals that extend through 2021 and beyond, all aimed at inspiring clients to travel again.
Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia has emerged as a cultural and eco-adventure hub in the region, offering both cultural and bio-diversity on land and in the water.
The World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) of the United Nations Environment Program identified Malaysia as one of only 12 mega-bio-diverse countries in the world. This is because Malaysia’s rainforest, which is 130 million years old and covers 60% of the country’s landmass, is the oldest rainforest in the world and considered one of the most bio-diverse on the planet. It’s home to over 15,000 species of flowering plants, 286 species of mammals and 150,000 species of invertebrates – and yet scientists believe that a huge array of Malaysia’s wildlife, flora and fauna has yet to be discovered.
Outdoor enthusiasts can’t get enough of Malaysia’s natural landscapes, which offer a plethora of activities ranging from jungle trekking, caving and mountain climbing, to white water rafting, bird watching and wildlife spotting, just to name a few.
Malaysia’s bio-diversity also encompasses the bodies of water that surround it. Earth.org, a global environmental non-profit and non-partisan Think Tank, considers the coral triangle the world’s epicentre of marine biodiversity, home to some 4,000 species of fish. Malaysia is lucky enough to be located within the prestigious coral triangle, which attracts not just avid diving enthusiasts but also marine biologists and scientists from around the world.
Besides bio-diversity, Malaysia is home to Asia’s three main ethnic groups – Malays, Chinese and Indians – not to mention over 20 indigenous groups. Malaysia also boasts cultural influences from the Portuguese, Dutch and British occupations, which are evident in its many varied architectural wonders. Its strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia makes Malaysia a cultural melting pot, which is why it’s often said that ‘Malaysia is Truly Asia.’
Turks and Caicos adds additional COVID-19 testing sites
PROVIDENCIALES — Turks and Caicos has “exponentially” increased its COVID-19 testing facilities in response to the CDC’s new pre-arrival requirements, says the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board.
All travellers now have the option of getting tested at any of 12 different locations across three islands, many of which are located on-site at resorts. Additional testing sites are expected to be added throughout the sister islands.
The following centers are open and approved to provide travel-related testing and are now accepting appointments: • Amanyara (Providenciales), 1-649-941-8133 • Associated Medical Practices (Providenciales), 1-649-946-4242 • Beaches Resort (Providenciales), 1-888-BEACHES • Carolina Medical Clinic (Providenciales), 1-649-946-4367 • COMO Parrot Cay (Parrot Cay), 1-649-339-7788 • FamilyCare Medical Services Ltd (Providenciales), 1-649-431-3262 • Flamingo Pharmacy (Providenciales), 1-649-941-4527; Offering Services
Starting Feb. 1 • Grace Bay Club (Providenciales),
1-649-946-5050 • Grace Bay Medical Centre (Providenciales), 1-649-941-5252 • OMNICARE (Providenciales), 1-649-941-5050 • Sail Rock Resort (South Caicos), 1-649-946-3777 • Seven Stars Resort (Providenciales), 1-649-333-7714
The Turks and Caicos Islands still requires negative COVID-19 PCR test results within five days prior to arrival to the destination as part of TCI Assured, a quality assurance pre-travel program and portal. TCI Assured can be found on the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board website and has been in effect since the reopening of borders on July 22, 2020. A travel authorization is provided only after visitors have provided proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test results from an accredited healthcare facility within five days prior to their arrival to the destination, proof of medical insurance, as well as a completed health screening questionnaire. A 14-day quarantine period is not required for visitors once they have tested negative for the virus.
Upon arrival to the airport, visitors must present their TCI Assured certifications to local authorities, all of whom wear PPE, before proceeding through immigration where temperature checks for each travellers will occur.
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Holland America announces new director appointments
Holland America Line has promoted Margo Beam to Director, Strategic Accounts, and Tara Schreiner to Director, National Accounts. Both will report to Michelle Sutter, vice president of North America sales.
In her new role, Beam, who most recently served as Deputy Director of National Accounts, will lead the team that oversees key online travel partnerships. She first joined Holland America in 2015 as part of the corporate charter and incentives team. Schreiner, who previously served as Senior Manager, National Accounts, will now lead the team that oversees the national account consortia and host account partnerships. She started her time at Holland America in 2017 as the first Strategic Accounts Manager and has since managed a varied portfolio of online, host account and national account partners.
Travel advisors can connect with their BDM manager and sales team through GoHAL.com or by emailing sales@hollandamerica.com.
Carnival, Holland America & Cunard to protect commissions for another year
MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Cunard are all standing by travel advisors by extending commission protections by an additional year.
In doing so, the cruise lines are honouring the commission tier each account earned in 2019 through 2022, allowing travel advisors to earn commission at their current rates for the next two years without commission percentage changing.
All three lines had previously announced commission tiers would be maintained through 2021. Commissions are typically commensurate with sailed booking volumes.
“We truly appreciate the continued partnership and loyalty of our valued travel partners,” said Adolfo Perez, Carnival’s senior vice president of global trade sales and marketing. “By maintaining our current commission tiers, we’re recognizing the important role that travel advisors play in the vacation-selling process while providing peace of mind, knowing their efforts through 2022 will be compensated at the rate they have worked so hard to earn.”
Michelle Sutter, vice president, North America Sales at Holland America Line, added: “Holland America Line appreciates the support and business efforts of travel advisors during these challenging times. Our focus is to do everything we can to support the pursuit of cruise sales and reassure travel advisors that, once we are back in full swing, they will be in a strong position for success.”
And Cunard’s Jamie Paiko, vice president of Sales, North America, said: “Our travel partners are passionately committed to Cunard and are critically key to our business. We are especially grateful for their steadfast dedication to Cunard in 2020 and will protect their commission levels through 2022.”
Tauck successfully operates first tour departures since March
WILTON, CT — It’s a sign of good things to come for Tauck, which recently completed its first tour departures since the outbreak of COVID-19 last spring.
The company’s initial ‘Wonderland: Yellowstone in Winter’ itineraries, which are part of Tauck’s ‘Ken Burns American Journeys’ collection, operated in January with comprehensive health and safety protocols. Additional departures of the eight-day Montana and Wyoming national parks tour are scheduled for this month.
According to CEO Dan Mahar, the resumption of the Yellowstone tours follows considerable preparation.
“Tauck is a family-owned and operated company and for 96 years the safety and well-being of our guests have been our very highest priorities,” he said “We’re thrilled to once again be welcoming guests to Yellowstone and we’re confident in doing so thanks to the care, thought and planning that we’ve invested in our return to travel.”
While Mahar declined to speculate on when Tauck would fully resume operations, he was decidedly upbeat about the future.
“Well over 60% of our 2021 capacity is already reserved. We’re poised and ready for the upcoming year and we continue to look ahead with great optimism as reservations are coming in for 2022 and even 2023,” he said. “As a 96-year-old company, we’ve endured many, many challenges before and without exception, every downturn or disruption has fuelled huge pent-up demand. We know that our guests can’t wait to travel with us and we’ll be ready to host them when the time is right.”
Safety protocols have been implemented across all of Tauck’s 2021 tours and cruises including mandatory use of masks, social distancing wherever possible, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures developed in close cooperation with its hoteliers, restaurateurs, transportation companies and other partners. In addition, Tauck is requiring each guest to complete the sign its ‘Travel Well Pledge,’ a health screening form that confirms guests have tested negative for COVID-19 within five days of departure, are free of virus-related symptoms and have not been in close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.
Feedback from Yellowstone travellers, which was collected post-trip, were overwhelmingly positive, says Jeremy Palmer, Senior Vice President for Tauck Land Journeys.
“Even with our robust COVID-19 precautions, our guest satisfaction scores for ‘Yellowstone in Winter’ have been consistent with our tour scores from prior years,” said Palmer. “It’s clear that we’re fully capable of delivering a Tauck-level experience while remaining diligent about our guests’ health and safety.
“While it’s impossible to totally remove all risk, our guests understand that we’re going to incredible lengths to keep everyone safe and healthy, and that knowledge is allowing everyone to relax, totally engage in the experience and enjoy these beautiful national parks at this magical time of year.”
Tauck group on 'Wonderland: Yellowstone in Winter' itinerary
CONTEST
Travel agents can win one of three Amazon e-gift cards with the ‘Book Now Travel Later, Malaysia Awaits You’ contest. Launching Feb. 4 and ending March 21, 2021, the contest includes weekly questions about Malaysia and its top selling points, including its biodiversity, natural wonders, and package specials by travel partners such as GOWAY Travel, Canada One Travel, SITA World Tours and Royal Scenic Holidays. At the end of the contest period, a draw will be made for all agents who successfully completed the contest. First prize is a $1,000 Amazon e-gift card, second prize is a $500 Amazon e-gift card, and third prize is an Amazon e-gift card valued at $200. Winners will be notified within two weeks of the contest closing date. Go to travelweek.ca/contests to enter.
FT. LAUDERDALE — Ensemble Travel Group has added Atlas Ocean Voyages as a preferred supplier, giving advisors greater access to bucket-list travel experiences.
“As the industry looks forward to the restart of travel and cruising in particular, we are truly thrilled to be working with such an innovative and fresh new brand,” said David Harris, CEO of Ensemble Travel Group.
“Our advisors are seeing a lot of pentup demand for this kind of luxury adventure travel and we anticipate there will be tremendous interest in the destinations and onboard experience that Atlas will offer,” he added.
Atlas will be launching service in July 2021 with the World Navigator, which
Bermuda
will offer inaugural-season itineraries to Israel, Egypt as well as the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea. Additional destinations include the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica in winter 2021/22. World Navigator will also introduce the first-ever L’OCCITANE luxury spa at sea.
Guests may choose among 98 suites and staterooms, all with an ocean view and most with a private veranda. The line’s signature ‘All Inclusive All the Way’ program includes complimentary roundtrip air travel, shore excursion at every port, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, emergency medical evacuation insurance, premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, Wi-Fi, L’OCCITANE bath amenities and regionally-inspired gourmet dining. Plus, in every stateroom, guests enjoy binoculars to use onboard, ensuite coffee, tea and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites.
To reassure guests at this time, Atlas’ ‘Plan With Confidence’ flexible travel policy provides travellers with a 100% refund of deposited funds up to 91 days prior to sailing. Plus, they can change their reservation as many times as they want, up to 15 days before their voyages’ sail date. They can even change their destination and sail with Atlas in another part of the world or choose to cancel at least 15 days or more prior to the departure date and be assured of a 100% future cruise credit.
For more information, agents can call 1-844-44-ATLAS (1-844-442-8527) and visit www.AtlasOceanvoyages.com where they can register to be an Atlas Ocean Voyages Advisor.
Bermuda is ready to handle increased PCR testing for guests
TORONTO — Bermuda is well equipped to accommodate visitors in need of COVID-19 testing, including those from Canada, the United States and the U.K.
The island’s Ministry of Health confirmed that its testing system provides easy access to PCR COVID-19 tests, including results within the 72-hour turnaround time required by Canadian and American officials.
Since Jan. 7, anyone five years and older arriving in Canada must have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their scheduled departure and must show the results to their airline before boarding their flight. The U.S. implemented a similar rule that requires a negative a viral COVID-19 test, which includes an antigen or PCR test, from anyone arriving by air.
The Bermuda Government Molecular Diagnostic Lab (MDL), where test samples are processed, is expecting a 20%-25% increase in testing volume as a result of these new pre-arrival protocols. MDL technicians have confirmed that they can handle the additional demand with the required 72-hour turnaround time because their current performance standard is results in less than 24 hours. The lab operates seven days a week, which covers all traveller contingencies.
“This is excellent news for Bermuda tourism,” said Glenn Jones, Interim CEO at the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “The Government of Bermuda’s stellar pandemic management and rapid response to a constantly shifting landscape are putting Bermuda at the top of travellers’ consideration lists. And post-travel to Bermuda, visitors tell us
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Karisa Lui is signing off from the HKTB after more than 26 years
Karisa Lui, a driving force behind the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) efforts in promoting the destination to Canadian travellers, has retired after more than 26 years. Speaking with Travelweek, Lui shared some of her fondest memories from her time at the HKTB, including her first Chinese New Year Media Dinner held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the mid-1990s. “It was the first time we had the exciting Hong Kong horse racing game. The annual celebration with media friends had become a signature event thereafter,” she recalled. That said, visiting Hong Kong with the media and trade are among Lui’s fondest activities. “There is always something new to experience and explore in Hong Kong. Patronizing my favourite local eats and local brand stores were on my must-do list.”
Lui joined the HKTA (now HKTB) Toronto Office responsible for PR & media matters in September 1994. Although she says farewell with reluctance, “it is time to start the next chapter of my life - to become a retiree.”
they felt safe from the pandemic while here.”
Bermuda reopened its tourism industry in July 2020 with all incoming travellers being tested upon arrival by air or sea. They are automatically booked to be tested again on days 4, 8 and 14; results are typically returned within 24 hours. Bermuda is in the top 10 globally for testing per capita.
Most Bermuda visitors returning to Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. will have their outbound testing requirements met within the existing testing regime. Anyone in need of an outbound test not covered by this regime is automatically booked for a return home test. Bermuda pivoted its existing automated system to consider the traveller’s departure date supplied on the way in, matched with the 72-hour requirement for test results on the way out.
Outbound test results contain the following information: name, birth date, gender, date of test, type of test and test credentials, lab name and address. This will satisfy the entry requirements in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.
Guests and agents being notified of more Carnival cancellations
MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Line is extending its pause in U.S. departures through April 30, 2021 and cancelling Australian operations through May 19, 2021.
In addition, European itineraries for Carnival Legend, which were to begin this May through Oct. 31, 2021, have been cancelled. The start date for Mardi Gras from Port Canaveral has also been moved, with the first cruise now set for May 29, 2021.
Carnival Cruise Line is notifying guests and travel agents directly of the cancellations and their options for a future cruise credit and onboard credit package, or a full refund.
“Our guests and travel agent partners continue to express their loyalty to Carnival and their desire to get back on our ships as soon as they can, and we are heartened by the booking demand and activity we continue to see,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We are certainly committed to welcoming them back as quickly as possible, but unfortunately we have determined it’s going to take a while longer, and the situation in Europe will also impact Mardi Gras’ departure to the U.S., and Carnival Legend’s itineraries in Europe.”
Anguilla targets extended-stay travellers with e-Visa portal
TORONTO — Anguilla’s Department of Immigration has introduced a new online portal, e-Visa Anguilla, to facilitate the application process for visitors who need a visa to travel to Anguilla.
The portal offers visitors detailed information on the island’s visa requirements, and guides prospective applicants through an easy, three-step process.
Travellers who log on to e-Visa Anguilla can complete and submit the application form, check the status of the application, and receive the electronic visa authorization that must be presented on arrival.
Citizens of Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and many European and Caribbean countries can enter Anguilla and stay for up to three months without a visa. Also, travellers who have a valid visa to enter the U.K., U.S. or Canada may use this visa to enter Anguilla. Travellers can determine whether they require a visa by visiting the portal here. “This is a significant and welcome development for our island, which will also have a positive impact on the growth strategy for our tourism industry," said the Hon. Parliamentary Secretary Tourism, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs Marie. “As we expand beyond our traditional source markets of North America and Europe, and as we target extended-stay visitors, it is important to make it as easy and convenient as possible for our guests to come to our island.”
Visitors can apply for a single entry or multiple entry visa. A single entry visa, which costs US$140, is processed within 3-5 business days and allows the holder to stay for up to 90 consecutive days. It must be used within 30 days of the issue date. A multiple entry visa costs US$250, is valid for one year, and allows for multiple stays of up to 90 consecutive days. It is also processed within 3-5 business days and must be used within 30 days of the issue date. Both single entry and multiple entry visas may be used for both business and leisure purposes.
To apply for a visa visitors must present a current passport, valid for at least 6 months, and a valid email address. For more information on Anguilla’s visa requirements and to make an application for a visa to travel to the island see e-Visa Anguilla at https://evisa.gov.ai.
