The Government’s restricted decision, to cautiously embark on a soft reopening of the island’s tourism industry, with online applications for visitors to enter the shores of the British Overseas Territory, is gaining attention and momentum across the world. From all indications, regional and international markets, including the travel trade press, are beginning to buzz over the arrangement.
Part of the most recent publicity, and commentary, Anguilla has gained from its announcement is a feature article, dated August 24, 2020, published by Metro News UK. The headlined story reads: “You can apply to live and work in Anguilla for up to a year”. The article, written by Lizzie Thompson, is illustrated by scenes of some of the island’s breath-taking beaches (by Getty Images) and provides other information of interest to tourists and, in particular, those persons who not only want to visit Anguilla, but who also want to work remotely on the island.
The article noted: “According to the island’s application system, visitors can stay on the island for up to 12 months. Anguilla’s Tourist Board is currently looking for people to come to stay before 31 October. Those planning to arrive after 1 November can apply at the end of September.”
The opening paragraphs of the article read: “If working from home for the past six months has made you desperate for a change of scenery, how do powdery white beaches and pristine blue waters sound?
“The Caribbean island of Anguilla is now accepting online applications for visitors to live and work there, as part of its plans to welcome back tourists following the coronavirus pandemic.
“The whole idea is to encourage people to come and stay on the island for a long period of time. This means that applicants who plan to stay on the island for up to a year will be prioritized over short-term travelers.”
The article went on to provide information about the required Covid-19 tests to enter and stay in Anguilla – and the fees to pay for the provision of various services as part of the process. The fees include immigration, health services and work permits.
The payment of the fees is detailed as follows: those persons staying in Anguilla for less than three months: US$1,000 (about 762 pounds; a family of four: US$1,500 (£1,143); individuals staying between three months and a year: US$2,000 (£1,525); and a family of four, staying for the same period: US$3,000 (£2,287).
The online applications commenced on Friday, August 21, to launch the soft reopening of Anguilla’s tourism industry, but officially the island’s borders remain closed – hence the online application forms.
It has been arranged for the visitors, wooed to Anguilla, to stay at villas of their choice. It is understood that some hotels are hoping to open their doors to guests at the normal start of the tourism season on November 1, but this is still to be confirmed.
The Anguilla Government has pointed out that, while tourists are being invited to apply to visit and stay on the island, the arrangement is not to take immediate effect. Currently, the priority is the repatriation of some 300-400 Anguillians caught by the pandemic in various regional and international countries, and are desirous of returning to their homeland.
