On behalf of the BSL Rentals family we want to assure you that in times of uncertainty surrounding travel, your safety and well-being remain our priority. We appreciate that the situation with respect to COVID-19 is rapidly changing and we want you to know that we are monitoring the situation in Barbados closely. We appreciate the level of concern you have for your safety in light of the travel restrictions and advisories imposed by your home countries and ours. We are listening carefully to the concerns we receive from our guests and would like to share a few updates on how we’re preparing for your safety and comfort as you consider your decision for your visit with us.
When you stay in a BSL Rentals home you will enjoy a home away from home, backed by international cleaning and sanitization standards, plus world-class service from our friendly and hospitable staff. We look forward to welcoming you back to Barbados. When you book with us today we give you the assurance that you can book with confidence.
1. What is the current status of COVID-19 in Barbados?
As of Thursday, 8 April 2021 there are 95 active cases in recovery in isolation and new case rates have been declining daily, with new cases in the single digits, or less than a 2% positivity ratio for the past week. For current case figures and regular updates on the situation please refer to the Barbados Government Information Service.
Following heightened cases over the peak Christmas season, Barbados has been going through a period of increased restriction, however, from 11 April 2021 curfew will only apply from Thursday through Sunday from 11pm until 5am. Restaurants, beaches, and attractions are all open with safety protocols for you to enjoy!
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is monitoring the situation carefully and will make adjustments as necessary to ensure the safety of our community and our visitors. The management of the pandemic in Barbados has been exemplary, and protocols are in place for all businesses in regard to sanitization, use of personal protective equipment, and other such safety measures.
Barbados is also well underway with its vaccination program with over 63,000 persons receiving their first dose of the vaccine to date, representing over 30% of the adult population and including the majority of our staff. The government of Barbados remains focused on ensuring that Barbadian citizens and residents have the opportunity to receive the vaccine as soon as possible with a goal of reaching herd immunity as soon as possible to further support our tourist economy. Read more about our vaccination program in our blog.
2. What are the protocols I need to be aware of if I’m traveling to Barbados?
All passengers traveling to Barbados, whether vaccinated or not, will be required to have a negative COVID-19 antigen test within 3 days of arrival. The test must be ISO:15189, CAP, UKAS compliant, or equivalent. Should you not be able to complete a test or receive results prior to travel, you may be refused entry to Barbados.
Vaccinated Already?
Effective 8 May 2021, new protocols will be in place if you are fully vaccinated. A fully vaccinated person has been classified by the Barbados Government as having received an approved vaccine in a two-dose regime and has received both doses plus 14 days, or a one-dose regime, one dose plus 14 days. Your vaccination status will be fact-checked by the Barbados Government and persons who do not meet the criteria will fall under the travel protocol for unvaccinated persons. On arrival you will take a rapid test or classic PCR test. Once that returns negative you’re free to move around Barbados! That means only 24-48 hours of restriction depending on test result turnaround.
Not yet vaccinated?
On arrival in Barbados you may be required to take a rapid test and will be subject to quarantine with a mandatory retest 5 days after arrival. With results returned within 24-48 hours, this means you can expect quarantine for up to 7 days. Don’t worry we have plenty of ideas for how you can spend these relaxing days in the comfort of your holiday home to rest up for the energy you’ll need to explore after that. The majority of our holiday homes have been quarantine approved and inspected, and our team can assist in advising what applies to your specific circumstance.
Guests should expect security services to cost between US$100-300 per night (depending on the services required) until their second tests are returned and quarantine is lifted. Our team will be happy to assist with grocery pre-stocking, delivery meals and all your airport transfer arrangements.
To see the most up to date protocols please see the Barbados Travel Protocols page for further details and updated information.
Download the BIMSafe App from the App Store prior to departure. All passengers will be expected to complete their Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card 24 hours prior to departure including specific questions relating to issues of personal health and symptoms including test results being submitted in advance. Once submitted, passengers will receive an email confirmation with a barcode confirming their certificate to travel to Barbados. To complete your online Immigration and Customs form please click here.
3. Health & Safety – All Homes Safely Cleaned and Inspected
Providing safe and clean environments for our guests is a top priority. Our homes are not just cleaned, they are disinfected. Cleaning is the act of removing dirt, germs, and other impurities. Disinfecting is when you use chemicals to kill germs. All of our homes are cleaned first and then disinfected to lower the risk of infection.
All of our staff have undergone training on COVID-19 specific disinfection procedures in accordance with recommendations made by the World Health Organisation, USA Centre’s for Disease Control (CDC), and local authorities in respect of cleaning for virus prevention. Protocols have been established in Barbados for all Tourism Accommodation to ensure the health and safety of our guests, staff and community. Comprehensive COVID-19 guidance is in place globally detailing how to best protect against transmission of the virus and we have included this in our protocols for cleaning procedures including frequent cleaning of high-touch areas. Full logs are being kept of our sanitisation processes and confirmation that our homes are prepared for your arrival and throughout your stay to the highest standards. Every home is inspected prior to arrival.
Our staff are being monitored for their own health to keep both our team and guests safe and protocols are in place for use of Personal Protective Equipment. In line with internationally recommended safety practices we have placed a minimum of two days between bookings as much as possible to ensure that we have more than adequate time to clean, sanitise and prepare homes for your arrival. Many of our staff have already received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as well.
Where possible we are able to offer self check in and check out to encourage social distancing – but don’t worry, we’re always reachable with a 24 hour contact for guest services and our property management team. We’re just a phone call, instant message or email away and can’t wait to help you make memories.
We are happy to share full details with you through the booking process in our Stay, Safe guide.
4. Flexibility on Cancellation
We understand the need for increased flexibility with travel planning in the current situation with the situation changing rapidly. To assist guests, BSL Rentals is now extending a relaxation to our standard cancellation policies under which you booked for all bookings, past or present, until further notice.
For existing bookings the alternatives provided below can only be exercised within 30 days of your stay since the situation is changing so rapidly and it would be folly to make decisions beyond that horizon at this point. This means you have options up to and including the day of your arrival. In all cases, we are extending the ability to our guests to make changes without penalty to their reservations by adjusting dates to a future stay in the same home within twelve months (subject to availability of course).
For any new bookings taken from 27 May 2020 onwards, we appreciate you are taking a risk in booking your travel. For any bookings outside of the Christmas period you can cancel up to 30 days prior to arrival for a full refund* if you are forced to cancel due to reasons related to COVID-19. Any cancellations due to COVID-19 less than 30 days prior to arrival will have no penalty for changes, and a credit of all funds paid will be extended for a stay in the next 12 months. For bookings in the Christmas period we are also able to offer flexibility on cancellation subject to certain terms and conditions existing 30 days or less prior to arrival.
Our team would be happy to guide you on the specifics of these policies to give you the comfort to get planning your holiday! We hope this temporary policy gives you the ability to continue to book your Barbados holiday.
5. Keeping you informed
With guidelines and restrictions changing frequently in Barbados through this challenging time we’ll keep you informed. In advance of your arrival and when you join us we’ll ensure you have complete information on everything you need to know.
Thank you for your support and your loyalty. We will continue monitoring the situation with respect to COVID-19 and respond further based on the advice of governments, public health authorities and medical professionals. We look forward to welcoming you at one of our homes in the future.
Kind regards,
Tania Wallace
Managing Director
Blue Sky Luxury