Latest COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for the Caribbean’s Top Islands
Know What to Expect
The Caribbean will be a top target for spring break travelers in 2022 as the vast majority of the region’s islands have reopened to international visitors. Still, restrictions vary from destination to destination, with some countries opening their borders to travelers regardless of COVID-19 vaccination or testing status and others implementing more stringent protocols requiring travelers to take extra steps ahead of their trip. Here’s a look at the latest entry requirements and restrictions for the Caribbean’s top destinations this winter.
Aruba
As of February 3, Aruba is accepting certain vaccine certificates and is open to all countries. Currently, travelers age 12 and up have several options for entry, including proof of vaccination (with a booster shot for those age 18 and up), a negative antigen test taken prior to arrival and a negative molecular test taken prior to arrival. Individuals can also bypass vaccine and testing requirements with proof of recovery from COVID-19 by way of a positive molecular test taken between 10 days and 12 weeks prior to travel. They must also be free of symptoms. Meanwhile, children age 11 and under are exempt from vaccine and testing requirements. Visitors will also need to purchase the mandatory Aruba Visitors Insurance, provide basic traveler information and complete a personal health assessment and consent to Aruba government mandates related to COVID-19.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas updated testing protocols for visitors last month, 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.
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 COVID-19 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.
Jamaica
Jamaica is open to travelers with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival on the island. Visitors will also need an approved Jamaica Ministry of Health Travel Authorization, which can be completed online. The Travel Authorization and a copy of the negative PCR or antigen test result must be presented to the airline representative in order to board your flight to Jamaica. The country also recently reduced the isolation period for COVID-19 positive travelers.
Puerto Rico
The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico recently adjusted its entry restrictions to allow fully vaccinated travelers to enter without a negative test result. Meanwhile, unvaccinated travelers arriving on a domestic flight must provide a negative test result taken within two days or test within 48 hours of arrival and quarantine while awaiting results. Unvaccinated visitors who choose not to test are required to quarantine for seven days and are subject to applicable sanctions.
Saint Lucia
All travelers age 18 and up and unaccompanied minors visiting Saint Lucia must complete an online travel registration form to receive Travel Authorization and all travelers age 5 and older are required to take a COVID PCR test within five days of arrival in Saint Lucia. They’ll submit the negative results to the travel registration form for review and approval. All tests must be based on a nasopharyngeal swab as saliva samples are not accepted.
Turks and Caicos
Through the end of February, all travelers aged two years and older visiting the Turks & Caicos Islands are required to provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test (within three days of arrival) to enter. Plus, all visitors age 16 and over must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 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
All domestic travelers age 5 and older and all international travelers 2 years and up entering the U.S. Virgin Islands by air or sea must use the USVI Travel Screening Portal and be cleared to travel. Domestic travelers visiting from the mainland or other U.S. territories will require a negative result from an antigen or nucleic acid amplification test taken within five days of travel.