Work from paradise as Anguilla tempts remote workers with year-long visas

With many people working from home thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now possible for remote workers in certain jobs to be based almost anywhere. On this basis, those who fancy a bit of sunshine may like to apply to live and work on the Caribbean island of Anguilla.

Anguilla is famous for its 33 white-sand beaches and vibrant reefs, and those who obtain the visa can enjoy snorkeling, glass-bottomed kayaking and sailing to offshore islets and atolls. Extraordinary rock art dating back to settlement by the Amerindians and Arawaks is still being discovered in sites such as Fountain Cavern National Park, and the 35-square-mile island's flat terrain makes it easy to get around by car, bicycle or quad bike.

The British Overseas Territory is currently accepting online applications for visitors who would like to spend from three months to a year on Anguilla, arriving on the island no later than 31 October. Those hoping to arrive from 1 November or later can apply at the end of September. Those seeking to stay for up to a year have to pay $2000 (€1694) per person, which includes costs related to testing for visitors, additional health staff, surveillance and security for the ports and accommodations where guests will quarantine.

For families looking to stay there, the cost is $3000 for up to four people and $250 for every additional family member. Individuals who wish to stay for less than three months pay $1000 (€847), and families of four pay $1500 (€1271), plus $250 (€212) for every additional family member. At present, Anguilla is giving priority to people coming from “low-risk” countries, where the prevalence of COVID-19 is less than 0.2% of the population.

Anguilla has reported three positive coronavirus cases and no deaths so far during the pandemic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has deemed it to have a "very low" COVID-19 risk. Visitors are required to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted within three-five days prior to arrival date, undergo a mandatory test and health screening upon arrival, remain quarantined at their approved location for at least ten days and obtain a negative PCR COVID-19 test to be released from quarantine.

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“Anguilla is currently COVID-19 free, so our objective has always been to reopen in a prudent way, taking every precaution to protect the health and safety of our residents and our guests,” says the Hon. Quincia Gumbs-Marie, parliamentary secretary for tourism.

The application process and further information is available on Visit Anguilla's website here.

Lockdowns are easing globally as the planet adjusts to a new normal. Find out how COVID-19 is changing travel.

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