Antigua and Barbuda will only allow fully vaccinated arrivals to stay in hotels from 1 October as part of tough new entry rules to try to reverse a rise in COVID cases on the Caribbean islands.

From now until the end of September, all passengers from the age of five, arriving by air, are required to provide a negative PCR test taken within the previous seven days, regardless of their vaccination status.

Previously, only those aged 12 and over needed to provide a negative test.

The PCR must be taken in a clinic, home tests are not permitted.

In an update to its travel advice for Antigua, the Foreign Office said: “From 1 October, only fully vaccinated guests will be permitted to stay at any of the hotels in Antigua and Barbuda”

Antigua and Barbuda accept the UK’s proof of vaccination and recovery.

The Caribbean islands are on the UK’s green travel list, but there are fears they could be moved to amber due to a recent rise in cases.