American citizens heading home . . . US Embassy charters flights from Barbados

The US Embassy in Barbados has worked with Seaborne Airlines (Silver Airways) to arrange two private charter flights for US citizens and Legal Permanent Residents on May 15 and 16 from Grantley Adams International Airport. A previous repatriation flight from Barbados was arranged for April 7.

The US State Department issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory on March 19 due to the impact of COVID-19 where it advised US citizens not to travel and those abroad to return to the United States unless they were prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.   

Since that time, the US Embassy in Barbados has assisted more than 600 US citizens and residents to return home on 28 flights across the Eastern Caribbean. The US Embassy in St. George’s, Grenada arranged four repatriation flights, including the latest on May 14, from Maurice Bishop International Airport for approximately 100 US citizens and residents.

“We’re glad to do this as the entire State Department has been focused on getting Americans home,” said US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Larry Socha. “Our top priority is the health and safety of US citizens overseas. This pandemic is a historic challenge, and we are committed to meeting it with our Caribbean partners.”

Both US Embassies continue to operate with staff on-site and working remotely, though routine visa services remain suspended.