Protocols for traveling to the Caribbean during the ongoing pandemic
We love the Caribbean. It’s diverse and vibrant in culture, the community is welcoming and charming and the vibe is relaxing and laid back. You can’t overlook the gorgeous scenery, the unique and tasty cuisine, and the numerous activities from hiking to sailing or just rejuvenating in nature.
After months of closing and stringent protocols for entry, most of the nations have reopened their borders allowing visitors in with no questions asked, or very few.
The following list is a sampling of what each country requires, check the country websites for more details and changes that may occur.
Anguilla
One of the first islands to reopen now receives both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Those vaccinated must provide proof and those not vaccinated need a negative Covid-19 test three days before arrival. www.ivisitanguilla.com
On Anguilla, Meads Bay Beach invites with silky- smooth white sand and gin blue water. Home to resorts like Malliouhana, Frangipani and Carimar Beach Club. Photo: William A. Boyd Jr./Anguilla Tourism
Antigua and Barbuda
As of August 29, 2022, all Covid restrictions have been lifted for arriving passengers via air, yacht and ferry. https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/
Yachtsmen around the world know Antigua’s harbours. Stroll through Nelson’s Dockyard at English Harbour for a history lesson and check out the yachts at Falmouth Harbour. Photo: iStock
Aruba
There is no longer proof of test or vaccination when heading to Aruba. All visitors must fill out the ED card online which is the country’s customs and immigration card. Visitors are no longer required to purchase the Aruba Visitors insurance. https://www.aruba.com/us/traveler-health-requirements
Once dotted with iconic fisherman’s boats the waters from Palm Beach to Malmok are now shared with windsurfers, kite boarders and snorkeling boats. Photo: Abner Valero/Unsplash
Bahamas
The first island nation to accept fully vaccinated travelers and today proof of vaccination is still in order. Unvaccinated arrivals will need an RT- PCR or antigen test three days before arriving. All visitors must fill out a Bahamas Travel Health Visa and be approved for travel. https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates
Arawak Cay in Nassau is the place to go for Bahamian fare. Known as Fish Fry there is an assortment of brightly painted restaurants and bars. Photo: Winston Tinubu/Flickr
Barbados
Now open to all passengers whether vaccinated or not. There is no testing required. https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel- guidelines-2022
Harrismith Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches on Barbados and sits on the windy southeast coast. You can reach the sand via a series of stone steps. Photo: iStock
Bermuda
Today vaccinated travelers must upload proof to the travel authorization application one to two days prior to arrival along with a negative test. Unvaccinated must be tested two days before arrival and will again be testing on island on the fourth day.
https://www.gotobermuda.com/guide- bermuda-bound-travellers
Bermuda’s archipelago is a fishhook-shaped collection of 181 islands and islets. The eight larger islands are connected by bridges, some dating back to 1620. Photo: Reilly Durfy/Unsplash
Bonaire
The island has lifted all requirements and is open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated. Travelers must complete a health declaration form. https://bonairepublichealth.org/en
Washington Slagbaai National Park is Bonaire’s 14,000-acre nature reserve popular with hikers, mountain bikers and bird watchers. The lake at Gotomeer is the place to see flamingos. Photo: Natalie Rice/Flickr
British Virgin Islands
The islands are open to all travelers with no testing, vaccination, or quarantine involved. A BVI Gateway Travel Certificate is to be completed 24 hours before travel (https://bvigateway.bviaa.com/). https://www.bvitourism.com/reopening
Spring Bay on Virgin Gorda, BVI is dotted with giant boulders that line the beach forming small coves. It’s a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. Photo: iStock
Cayman Islands
After some strict initial requirements and opening phases, the Cayman Islands has decided it’s time to open to all travelers. No requirements for testing or vaccine are needed. https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en- https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en- us/travel-requirements
Grand Cayman has a number of white sand beaches with the most popular on the west coast. Long walks, restaurants and bars make Seven Mile Beach a favorite. Photo: Heidi Kiss/Pixabay
Curacao
There is no covid testing, vaccinations, or quarantine for entry but travelers must complete an online immigration card two days before departure. dicardcuracao.co https://www.curacao.com
The capital and port town of Willemstad overlooks the St. Anna Bay. The colorful buildings were influenced by Dutch colonial and Caribbean concepts. Photo: Adolfo Ven/Curacao Tourist Board
Dominica
Travelers are no longer required to submit tests, proof of vaccine, or quarantine time. https://discoverdominica.com/travel-advisory- for-dominica
Dominica’s Emerald Pool in the Morne Trois National Park is a short 15-minute walk through lush tropical forest. Swimmers and waders find a cool dip refreshing. Photo: iStock
Dominican Republic
Still, one of the most lenient countries when it comes to entry requirements in the Caribbean. There are no entry requirements but random testing upon arrival may be administered at ports of entry. https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/newsro om/coronavirus/
Mangroves, reefs and palm-lined beaches bring visitors to Saona Island for a day trip from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Photo: iStock
Grenada
Grenada dropped requirements and is open to all passengers vaccinated or not. Visitors must fill out a health declaration form (https://travelauth2.gov.gd/) https://www.puregrenada.com/travel-advisory/
St. George’s on Grenada is a perfect town to explore on foot. The historical capital showcases Georgian architecture, and colonial forts and churches. Photo: Hassine Wajdi/Flickr
Guadeloupe
The French islands dropped all entry requirements allowing both vaccinated and unvaccinated. A health declaration will be completed on arrival. https://www.guadeloupe.ars.sante.fr/covid-19- jaime-la-guadeloupe-je-me-teste
The town of Le Gosier on Guadeloupe has plenty seaside restaurants and shops. Beach lovers head to Gosier Island for picnics and snorkeling. Photo: iStock
Jamaica
The island began to welcome back visitors early in the pandemic with the resilient corridor. Now the island allows all travelers to visit whether vaccinated or not. https://www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorizati on/
Jamaica’s waterfalls are a must on any visit to the island, there are as many as 40. YS Falls is made of several falls that flow into pools. Photo: Andreas Volz/Pixabay
Martinique
This French territory is open to vaccinated and unvaccinated as of August 2022. https://meetmartinique.com/
Creole cuisine in Martinique is a fusion of French and African accented with a Caribbean twist. Seafood is readily available and fish is on most menus. Photo: Jametlene Reskp/Unsplash
Montserrat
While the island scrapped pre-arrival testing, all visitors will be tested upon arrival whether vaccinated or not. https://www.visitmontserrat.com/travel- advisory/
The once dormant Soufrière Hills Volcano erupted in 1995, the first time in 400 years. Today Montserrat is known for hiking and bird watching. Photo: Chuck Stanley/Flickr
Puerto Rico
US travelers arrive in Puerto Rico just as they would travel through the US Mainland. No testing or proof of vaccination. https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/trav el-guidelines
One of the best views on Puerto Rico, a hike to Cueva Ventana unveils pre-Columbian petroglyphs and stone engravings along the way. Photo: Wei Zeng/Unsplash
Saba
The island is open to all travelers whether vaccinated or not. http://www.sabatourism.com/travel- requirements
The Bottom is the largest town and the capital of Saba. The island is know for its red-roofed houses with green trim and shutters. Photo: Carmen Eckard/Flickr
St. Barts
Now it’s a breeze to enter this island as no proof of vaccine or negative test is required. https://www.saintbarth.com/st-barts-travel- restrictions/ https://www.stbarth.com/covid-19
Views of St. Barts from above showcase the capital city and harbor of Gustavia and the runway, which is one of the shortest in the world. Photo: St Barths Tourism
St. Eustatius (Statia)
Just like sister isle Saba, there is no testing or proof of vaccination required to visit. https://www.statiagovernment.com/document s/regulations/2021/05/31/country-list
While the island of St. Eustatius (Statia) is popular among divers, the interior attracts hikers to the Quill with various trails around the crater rim. Photo: Christine Warner/Flickr
St Kitts & Nevis
The sister islands just announced in August there are no longer requirements for testing or vaccination. Visitors must complete an online customs and immigration form. https://www.stkittstourism.kn/travel-advisory- update https://nevisisland.com/
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park on St. Kitts dates back to 1690. Today visitors can walk across the Citadel and wander through the barracks. Photo: Shutterstock
St. Lucia
This island is open to everyone whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. All visitors are to complete an online health screening form before travel. https://www.stlucia.org/en/covid-19/
Marigot Bay, just south of Castries on St. Lucia is a perfect slice of Caribbean with anchored sailboats and white sand beaches lined with palms. Photo: iStock
St. Maarten/St. Martin
Arrivals to this dual-nation island come through Dutch St. Maarten and must follow that country’s protocol. Fill out the Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) on the website: https://stmaartenehas.com/application-form/. Vaccinated travelers will not need to provide a test but unvaccinated must provide a negative PCR test within 48 hours of arrival. https://stmaartenehas.com/travel- requirements/
A stroll up and down Grand Case on French St. Martin is heaven for any gourmand. Tempting are the French Bistros and the Lolos grilling barbeque. Photo: iStock
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
This island chain is open to all. Vaccinated travelers must complete the pre-arrival form at www.health.gov.vc Unvaccinated must arrive with a negative PCR Covid-19 test that was administered no more than 72 hours before arrival. Arrivals may be retested if so determined by the Port Health Officer. http://health.gov.vc/health/index.php/covid- 19-protocols-documents
Lush rainforest, tropical flora and a glimpse of the St. Vincent parrot in its natural habitat are in order on a hike through Vermont Nature Trail on St. Vincent. Photo: iStock
Trinidad & Tobago
One of the last nations to open, the islands are now accepting US tourists whether vaccinated or not with no tests involved. Applicants can apply for the TTravel Pass online 72 hours before arrival. https://www.visittobago.gov.tt/ https://visittrinidad.tt/
The Trinidad Carnival is one of the best street festivals in the world. Vibrant elaborate costumes, parties, dancing in the streets and steel band competition round out the event. Photo: iStock
Turks & Caicos
Open only to fully vaccinated passengers. https://turksandcaicostourism.com/ For questions about exemptions to mandatory vaccinations email [email protected]
Home to lux resorts like Wymara and Grace Bay Club, Grace Bay Beach is the most popular and beautiful on the island of Provo in the Turks & Caicos. Photo: Matthew S/Flickr
USVI
The three islands are open to all travelers from the US. https://www.usvitravelportal.com/. For more information https://usviupdate.com/
World-famous Magens Bay on St. Thomas is the most stunning beach on the island. One mile of white sand surrounds the horseshoe bay of calm aquamarine water. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock
