Latest Travel Guidance, Entry Requirements for the Caribbean’s Top Destinations
What You Need To Know Before Your Caribbean Vacation
Like the world as a whole, the Caribbean is nearing a return to normal as destinations have reopened and, in many cases, done away with burdensome COVID-related entry requirements, making it easier for travelers to gain access in 2022. These changes, combined with the U.S. State Department’s decision to cut back on “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisories for international destinations earlier this year should give travelers a much better idea of what to expect as well as confidence that they can explore their favorite Caribbean destinations safely and without limits. Here’s a look at the latest travel guidance based on updated advisories from the U.S. State Department as well as the current COVID-related entry requirements in some of the most popular Caribbean destinations this summer.
Aruba
Travelers can visit Aruba stress-free this summer as the State Department has issued a “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” travel advisory for the island country. What’s more, visitors are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination. However, travelers will still need to complete the online ED Card immigration form and purchase mandatory COVID-19 insurance, which costs just $15 for travelers ages 15 and up.
Dominican Republic
The State Department recommends that travelers exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime. Nonetheless, the Caribbean destination remains one of the most accessible in the region as travelers can visit without pre-travel COVID-19 testing requirements. Visitors can also enter without proof of vaccination. Travelers still need to complete the free electronic entry and exit form (E-Ticket) combining the Traveler’s Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms.
Jamaica
Jamaica dropped COVID-19 testing requirements and mask mandates in mid-April, making it easier for travelers to visit the island. “We are optimistic that these simpler requirements will serve to increase the appeal of Jamaica as a premier destination and keep us moving along the road to a stronger recovery for both the tourism sector and the nation’s economy as a whole,” said Jamaica Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett. As of May 31, the State Department is advising Americans to reconsider travel to the country due to crime.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas recently eliminated COVID-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated visitors and is no longer requiring travelers to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa. However, unvaccinated travelers ages 2 and older must still obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than three days prior to travel. According to the latest State Department advisory, travelers are encouraged to exercise increased caution in the islands due to crime.
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Travelers to popular Mexican Caribbean destinations such as Cancun and Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo are advised to exercise increased caution due to crime. This coveted region remains open to tourists without any COVID-19 vaccination, testing or quarantine requirements.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is open to fully vaccinated visitors without testing while unvaccinated travelers ages 5 and up must have a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result that was produced within five days of arrival. All visitors will need to download, print and complete the Health Screening Form as well. Additionally, travelers will be pleased to know that the State Department has issued a Level 1 travel advisory for the destination, advising visitors to exercise normal precautions this summer.
Puerto Rico
Americans can continue to visit Puerto Rico without a passport and the CDC’s decision to drop pre-travel COVID-19 testing requirements for entry into the U.S. on June 12 makes it even easier for travelers arriving in Puerto Rico from foreign countries.
US Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands has removed all COVID-19 restrictions as of June 1. Travelers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test result or complete the USVI Travel Screening Portal to visit the islands of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.
British Virgin Islands
Visitors to the British Virgin Islands no longer need to register for the territory’s Gateway Travel Portal or provide proof of travel insurance. However, travelers over the age of 5 are still required to present proof of a negative rapid antigen or PCR test obtained 48 hours prior to entry. The BVI will also accept a document issued by a licensed medical professional certifying COVID-19 recovery within 90 days of travel. The State Department currently lists the BVI at Level 1 on its four-tier travel advisory scale, advising travelers to exercise normal precautions in the islands.