A Pure Safe Travel Authorization Certificate will be a critical document for incoming travellers to Grenada from December 01, 2020. Travellers will be required to show the certificate to travel agents before boarding an aircraft.
The certificate, which will be obtained from the Ministry of Health’s new web portal (covid19.gov.gd), is a health clearance authorisation to enter Grenada, and is similar in intent to the forms that have been used by travellers so far, to enter the country. The difference with this new system is that it is interactive and inclusive, requiring that all health and other relevant information be entered and submitted digitally.
The process is also easier and less time-consuming. Incoming passengers will also be able to upload their certified negative COVID-19 test results onto the form for one complete and secure submission. Each individual must complete an application, even if travelling as part of a group.
The application, which also makes provisions for quarantine requests and confirmed flight information, must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure to Grenada. Once approved, the individual will receive a digital copy of the Certificate for travel to Grenada. A record of the certificate in printed or electronic form must be retained by the traveller for presentation at the check-in counter from their point of origin.
Speaking to the added layer of security designed to further protect the Tri-Island State from an outbreak of COVID-19, Minister of Health Hon Nickolas Steele said, “This will be absolutely necessary by [Tuesday] December 01. We are asking individuals to begin the process now, individuals who have already applied can re-apply on the system or use the current acceptance and PCR.”
At present, all incoming passengers are required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test and a place for temporary quarantine while they await the result of on-island testing before they are cleared to mingle with citizens.
During Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, the Health Minister said, “We are informing IATA (The International Air Transport Association) and the airlines of our intention and within 10 days the airlines will begin to enforce.” IATA supports aviation with global standards for airline safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability.
According to Steele, all persons entering Grenada will have to undergo a minimum state quarantine of seven days, as opposed to four days.
Grenada is among four countries that recently launched new portals that manage persons coming into the country and for requests for home and state quarantine.
The portal and management software was designed by the Amber Group, a technology company headquartered in Jamaica, collaboratively among Grenada, Turks & Caicos, Jamaica and Saint Lucia.
I hope by February 2021 all of these protocols will be at a minimum because I am dying to come home… Perhaps I should use another word.. I am yearning to come home…