FAQs
Before Departure
Do I need to get a COVID-19 test before leaving the U.S. or Canada?
Yes, all destinations in which Sandals Resorts operate require a COVID-19 test for all travelers entering into the country. This includes vaccinated travelers. Please review our detailed list of travel requirements by country to see which test you'll need and when you'll need it.
Do I need to be vaccinated before leaving the U.S. or Canada?
A COVID-19 vaccination might be required to visit certain destinations. Please review our detailed list of travel requirements by country to find out more.
Do U.S. citizens need to be fully-vaccinated to re-enter the U.S.?
No. Unvaccinated citizens of the U.S. can re-enter the U.S., but need to get tested before departure just like vaccinated citizens. Tests will be provided on resort free of charge by a medical professional. Unvaccinated U.S. citizens who are exempt from the testing requirement include children under 18, people medically unable to receive the vaccine, and emergency travelers who do not have timely access to a vaccine. Please review our detailed list of travel requirements by country to find out more.
Will I need to purchase travel insurance?
A Travel Protection Plan will be purchased on your behalf at no additional cost. This applies to all U.S. and Canada bookings, including bookings made through travel agents. Find more information about the coverage of this complimentary travel insurance. Additional coverage can be purchased at your discretion.
Can I cancel my vacation and receive a full refund before leaving the U.S. or Canada?
Cancel for any reason up to 31 days before departure and get a 100% cash refund. Cancel 15 - 30 days before departure and get a 50% cash refund and 50% worth of travel certificates. Cancel 14 days before arrival or less and get 100% worth of travel certificates. Travel certificates are to be redeemed within 12 months and can be used to book a future vacation with Sandals Resorts. Note that refunds only apply to the land portion of your trip, refunds for flights are subject to airline regulations. Find more information and blackout dates on our cancellation policy page.
During Your Transfer to the Resort
How can I protect myself from COVID-19 while using transportation once I arrive?
There are Platinum Protocol of Cleanliness measures in place which apply to all of our external transportation teams as well as on resort. Sandals Resorts only uses direct transfers, making no stops at other resorts. The number of guests transported in every type of vehicle has been reduced to ensure proper social distancing. In addition, every driver will be wearing a mask and gloves, and every guest will be provided with hand sanitizer. All vehicles will be re-sanitized after every trip. Learn more about our Platinum Protocol of Cleanliness.
While at the Resort
What health and safety measures are in place at the resort?
Each and every area of the resorts will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on an ongoing basis. All public restrooms for example, are cleaned, sanitized and inspected every 30 minutes. All restaurants have a host providing hand sanitizer to guests before entering. Hand sanitizer is also provided in every room, for free. Staff members will wear a mask at all times. Learn more about our Platinum Protocol of Cleanliness.
Must I wear a mask while at the resort?
Guests do not have to wear a mask when outdoors on the resort grounds, this includes the swimming pools and the beach. However, when entering an indoor common area wearing a mask is mandatory. At the restaurants, guests will only have to wear a mask when they’re not seated. The resort’s mask policy also applies for vaccinated guests, as per government regulations. Wearing a mask is mandatory for members of our staff at all times.
What are the COVID-19 restrictions at the resort?
Restrictions will be kept to a minimum for guests to ensure your vacation in paradise is everything you dreamed of, all the while keeping your health and safety in mind. Seats at the restaurants and loungers at the pool and on the beach are set up keeping physical distancing in mind. Hand sanitizer is provided throughout the resort, in the restaurants and in the rooms. At restaurants offering a (breakfast) buffet staff members will help you serve the food and drinks you want. Please note Sandals Resorts has to adhere to government regulations. For the latest COVID-19 measurements in place at your Sandals Resort start a chat or contact our Vacation Assurance Hotline at 844-883-6609.
Will I still be able to make use of the ‘Stay at one, Play at multiple resorts’ offer?
In Saint Lucia, only vaccinated guests of Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon Beach will be able to visit all three Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia. Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados are adjacent to each other and all guests can make use of the amenities of both resorts. In Montego Bay, the shuttle is running normally between Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean every day except Sunday. Please note Sandals Resorts has to adhere to government regulations, the situation might change without prior notice.
Will Sandals be providing tests on resort free of charge?
Yes, to ensure minimal disruption to your vacation, we have arranged complimentary COVID-19 antigen testing for U.S. residents and PCR testing for Canadian residents, right in the comfort of the resort. Tests will be conducted by approved and practiced medical professionals with maximum convenience and minimal distraction to your overall vacation experience.
When will the complimentary COVID-19 test be given on resort?
We provide U.S. citizens a complimentary COVID-19 antigen test within the required timeframe prior to departure to the U.S. Canadian citizens will be provided a PCR test within the required timeframe prior to departure to Canada. Test results will be e-mailed to you before departure. Re-entry tests are completely free and administered on-resort by medical professionals, to guarantee minimal I interruption to your vacation. For more details about the re-entry requirements please review our Travel Requirements page.
What happens if I test positive while at the resort?
In the unfortunate event of a guest testing positive for COVID-19 preventing departure from the resort, the guest will be able to quarantine and recover at the resort for 14 days, free of charge. Food and drinks of your choice will be served to the room by the staff until you have recovered. The Travel Protection Plan purchased on your behalf will cover you for up to $200.00 (USD) per night per person; up to $2,800.00 (USD) per person. Any additional room costs for the first 14 days will be covered by Sandals at no additional charge. You'll also be eligible for a replacement vacation. For more information review our Travel Assurance page.
Who covers the evacuation cost if I get sick while at my destination?
The Travel Protection Plan purchased on your behalf will cover the cost of transport paid to the closest hospital capable of providing treatment for sickness or injury that is acute or life-threatening. Once treatment is received, transportation is provided to return home. Evacuation must be approved by the Program Medical Advisor. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan.
Returning Back Home
Do I need to get a COVID-19 test before returning to the U.S. or Canada?
Yes, negative COVID-19 test results are required for all travelers arriving in the U.S. and Canada. U.S. re-entry negative test result requirement applies to travelers 2 years of age and older and for Canada 5 years of age and older. The tests will be given on resort free of charge by medical professionals. For more details about the re-entry requirements please review our Travel Requirements page.
Will Sandals be providing tests on resort free of charge?
Yes, to ensure minimal disruption to your vacation, we have arranged complimentary COVID-19 antigen testing for U.S. residents and PCR testing for Canadian residents, right in the comfort of the resort. Tests will be conducted by approved and practiced medical professionals with maximum convenience and minimal distraction to your overall vacation experience.
Do I need to be vaccinated before leaving the U.S. or Canada?
A COVID-19 vaccination might be required to visit certain destinations. Please review our detailed list of travel requirements by country to find out more.
Who is checking to make sure that people have a negative test or documentation of recovery before they board a plane to the U.S. or Canada?
The airlines will check for a COVID-19 negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before boarding.
What happens if I do not take a test and want to travel to the U.S. or Canada?
Air passengers traveling to the U.S. or Canada are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. This includes passengers returning from vacation back to the U.S. or Canada. Airlines will check for a negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before boarding. If a passenger chooses not to provide a negative test result or documentation of recovery, the airline will deny boarding to the passenger.
Do I still need a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 to re-enter the U.S. or Canada if I am vaccinated?
Yes, you’ll still need a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery to re-enter the U.S. or Canada if you’re vaccinated.
What happens if my flight is delayed and my departure day goes over the time limit for testing?
If your flight is delayed before departure, causing your test to fall outside of the pre-departure testing period requirement, you will need to get re-tested. Should this be the case, another COVID-19 test will be provided free of charge at the resort, administered by medical professionals.
Replacement Vacation
What is a replacement vacation?
If your stay is interrupted, you’ll receive a Unique Travel Corp credit voucher for a future vacation to be redeemed within 12 months of voucher issue date. The value of this voucher will be equal to the amount you paid for your entire stay at the resort (for flights, see next question). For more information review our Travel Assurance page.
Does the replacement vacation offer include flights?
If your stay is interrupted, you’ll receive a replacement air credit voucher valued at the amount you paid for your flight tickets (max. $500 USD a person) to be redeemed within 12 months of voucher issue date. This offer is ONLY valid for U.S. bookings with flights made directly through Unique Travel Corp. For more information review our Travel Assurance page.
When can I expect to receive a replacement vacation?
If your stay is interrupted, you’ll get a Unique Travel Corp credit voucher which you can use to book a future vacation with Sandals Resorts. Interruption of your vacation includes testing positive while on resort. Credit vouchers need to be redeemed within 12 months of voucher issue date. For more information review our Travel Assurance page.