COVID-19 Travel Restrictions: Latest Entry Requirements for the Caribbean’s Top Islands
Know What to Expect
The Caribbean remains a top target for spring travelers as the vast majority of the region’s coveted islands have reopened to international visitors with limited restrictions in place. Still, requirements vary from destination to destination, with some countries and territories reopening their borders to travelers regardless of COVID-19 vaccination or testing status and others implementing more stringent protocols that require travelers to take extra steps ahead of their trip. Regardless of the island, a smooth visit comes down to knowing before you go. Here’s a look at the latest entry requirements and restrictions for the Caribbean’s top destinations right now.
Aruba
Aruba has lifted COVID-19 entry requirements as of March 19. Travelers no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination to gain entry. However, visitors are still required to complete the country’s Embarkation/Disembarkation Card and purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance prior to arrival.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas updated testing protocols for visitors at the start of the year, allowing fully vaccinated travelers and children ages 2-11 to enter with a negative antigen test. The test must be taken no more than three days prior to the date of arrival on the islands. Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and older will require a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, including PCR, NAA, NAAT, TMA or RNA, taken no more than three days prior to arrival. All visitors traveling to the Bahamas will need to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs. and opt-in to the COVID-19 health insurance that covers them for the duration of their stay. The cost of the insurance is included in the visa application fee and varies based on the length of stay.
British Virgin Islands
Fully vaccinated travelers can visit the British Virgin Islands with proof of inoculation and a negative PCR or antigen rapid test no older than five days. They’ll also need travel insurance covering COVID-19 medical costs including hospitalization, doctor’s visits and prescriptions, medical repatriation and quarantine accommodation costs. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors will have to apply to enter on the BVI Gateway Portal, obtain the requisite approval from the Environmental Health Division, take a COVID PCR test 3-5 days prior to arrival and provide proof of travel insurance.
Cuba
Cuba recently updated its entry requirements. U.S. travelers will need proof of vaccination to gain entry and a negative RT-PCR test performed no later than 72 hours before travel to Cuba. What’s more, Cuban health authorities are randomly selecting arriving passengers for COVID-19 screening, which could include PCR testing, according to the U.S. Embassy in Cuba.
Curacao
International visitors to Curacao no longer require a negative COVID-19 test result as of March 10. However, travelers will still need to complete a digital immigration card online and fill out the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) 48 hours prior to their departure. Visitors should carry a printed or digital document of proof with them at all times.
Dominican Republic
Located on the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, the Dominican Republic is among the most-visited countries in the Caribbean and continues to be one of the easiest to travel to amid the pandemic as visitors will not require proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Currently, airports and other ports of entry are performing quick, aleatory tests on a small percentage of passengers and those who present symptoms upon arrival. However, visitors will need to complete the free electronic entry and exit form combining the Traveler’s Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms.
Grenada
Grenada is open to fully vaccinated travelers with a negative PCR or rapid antigen test that was taken within one day of arrival. Visitors also need to complete a health declaration form upon arrival.
Guadeloupe
The French overseas region of Guadeloupe has been reopened to fully vaccinated U.S. travelers since last summer. Visitors aged 12 and up can enter with proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a PCR or antigen test taken within one day of arrival. Meanwhile, unvaccinated visitors will have to present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken less than 24 hours of boarding as well as present a compelling reason as to why they are traveling and be subject to a mandatory seven-day quarantine prior to an additional test.
Jamaica
Jamaica eliminated COVID-related travel authorization requirements on March 1. Nonetheless, visitors age 12 and up will still require a negative COVID-19 test (antigen or PCR) conducted within 72 hours prior to the date of travel at check-in.
Puerto Rico
As of March 10, domestic travelers to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test prior to arriving on the island. Visitors arriving from another country will need to present a negative COVID-19 test (either antigen or PCR) taken within one day prior to departure along with proof of vaccination.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia recently eased entry protocols. As of March 5, fully vaccinated visitors age five and up can provide proof of a negative rapid COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result taken within one day of travel to gain entry to the island. Officials will also accept a negative standard COVID-19 PCR test taken within five days of arrival. Unvaccinated visitors over the age of five will require a valid negative standard COVID-19 PCR test done within five days prior to arrival.
St Martin and St Maarten
The Dutch Caribbean island of St. Maarten recently transitioned from pandemic to endemic status, relaxing COVID-19 entry requirements last month to allow all fully vaccinated visitors or those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last nine months to enter without a negative test. As of April 1, unvaccinated visitors can visit with a negative antigen test taken 24 hours prior to arrival. A health pre-authorization form is also required for everyone and must be completed as early as 72 hours before arrival at stmaartenentry.com. Similar requirements apply to the French side of Saint Martin.
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. arriving in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will require a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Unvaccinated individuals should click here.
Turks and Caicos
All travelers aged 18 and older visiting the Turks & Caicos Islands are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 while those aged two and up must provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test (within three days of arrival) to enter. Travelers will also need to complete an online health screening questionnaire and purchase insurance covering potential COVID-19 medical costs and full hospitalization, doctors’ visits, prescriptions, air ambulance and quarantine.
US Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands eased entry protocols for travelers last month, allowing those who have been fully vaccinated in the U.S. and the USVI to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination without requiring a negative test result for entry. Unvaccinated travelers arriving from the U.S. mainland still require a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days of travel through the USVI Travel Screening Portal for clearance.