Which Caribbean Destinations Are Open Right Now Based on Vaccination Status?
Caribbean Travel Insight
Travel to destinations in the Caribbean is relatively easy right now, although your experience will depend on whether or not you are vaccinated — and when you received your last dose. Some Caribbean islands actually require vaccination for entry, although most let the unvaccinated visit if they’re willing to jump through some hoops.
If you’re aching for some relaxation or adventure in the sunny Caribbean, read on to learn which islands and destinations will welcome you with open arms, and which ones are currently shut off to unvaccinated visitors.
Anguilla
If you want to see the stunning beaches in Anguilla this fall or winter, you’ll have to take a few important steps first. The island nation is currently open to pre-approved visitors, meaning you will have to apply online to see if you’re eligible. You also must be vaccinated to visit, and visitors with certain types of vaccines are still required to quarantine. Visitors to the island also have to submit a negative PCR test taken within 3 to 5 days of their arrival.
Antigua and Barbuda
As of October 1, 2021, all arriving visitors to Antigua and Barbuda over the age of 18 are required to have had at least one dose of an approved vaccine to enter. A negative PCR COVID-19 test result from within four days of arrival is also required for entry. Children under the age of 5 do not need to take a COVID test to visit.
Aruba
Aruba is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it’s easier to visit than some of the other islands nearby. Currently, visitors ages 15 and older need a negative molecular test result within three days of arrival to visit Aruba. Guests also have to undergo a five-step online screening process to visit, purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance and consent to the local government’s coronavirus mandates.
Bahamas
Anyone who wants to visit the Bahamas this winter needs to head to https://travel.gov.bs to fill out a Travel Health Visa Application and purchase COVID-19 health insurance through the process. From there, vaccinated travelers need a negative PCR or antigen test taken within five days of their arrival. Meanwhile, unvaccinated visitors ages 12 and older need to have a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test within five days of their arrival to the islands. Unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 can show a negative PCR or an antigen test result within five days of their arrival.
Barbados
All travelers to Barbados, vaccinated or not, need to have a negative PCR test result within three days of arrival to visit the island. The specimen taken must be a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab (or both) taken by a healthcare provider, meaning that nasal swab tests are not approved. Also, Barbados dropped its requirement for a second test and quarantine for vaccinated travelers as of October 24, 2021. For the unvaccinated, quarantine at a pre-approved location for five days is required, as well as a second COVID-19 PCR test and continued quarantine until the test result is received.
British Virgin Islands
Vaccinated travelers who want to visit BVI destinations like Tortola and Virgin Gorda can get started by obtaining a BVI Gateway Traveler Authorization Certificate for $35 and making sure they have a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within five days before arrival. Unvaccinated guests need to obtain a BVI Gateway Traveler Authorization Certificate for $175 and show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken three to five days before arrival. From there, a second PCR COVID-19 negative test upon arrival is required along with a seven-day quarantine period and a third PCR COVID-19 negative test on the seventh day after arrival.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands introduced a phased reopening plan for tourism that started in September of 2021. Potential visitors can apply for entry with the Travel Cayman Portal and a seven-day quarantine and negative PCR test is required for vaccine-verified guests. Guests will be tracked using GPS during quarantine, and plenty of other restrictions apply. It’s currently being reported that quarantine requirements for visitors to the island will end on November 20th, 2021.
Curacao
American travelers who want to visit the Dutch island of Curacao need to complete a digital immigration card before arrival, fill out the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) 48 hours before departure and carry a printed or digital document of proof with them at all times. A negative PCR test from within 48 hours before flying to Curacao is also required, or you can submit a negative antigen test within 24 hours of your flight. All travelers from high-risk countries (including the U.S.) are also required to take an antigen test on the third day of their trip.
Dominica
Vaccinated travelers who want to visit Dominica will need to submit a health questionnaire online at least 24 hours before arrival, be able to show a negative test result from a PCR test taken within 24 to 72 hours of arrival, and upload their vaccination certificate ahead of time. They also have to pay around $37 USD ahead of time for an antigen test that will be administered upon arrival. Unvaccinated travelers are also allowed to visit with similar requirements, although they are required to book a “Safe in Nature” property and quarantine there.
Dominican Republic
Whether you want to relax in one of the many all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana or you plan to book an adventure trip, travelers have a few steps to take before they can visit the Dominican Republic. Generally speaking, travelers don’t need a negative COVID test to visit, although they may be subject to fast, aleatory breath tests to check for the virus. Passengers who are considered fully vaccinated or have a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival are exempt from the random testing upon landing.
Grenada
Individuals ages 13 and older who want to visit the “Spice Island” of Grenada must be fully vaccinated, and they have to apply for a Pure Safe Travel Certificate online. They must also purchase travel medical insurance that covers COVID-19 related illnesses, and travelers over the age of five must produce a negative PCR test result within three days of travel. Another PCR test will be administered upon arrival, and vaccinated travelers are required to quarantine for up to 48 hours at their approved accommodation while they wait for the result.
Jamaica
Jamaica requires travelers to show a negative test result from a COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel to enter. Visitors also need to submit a Travel Authorization application within seven days of their intended travel date. The bulk of tourism will also take place within Jamaica’s “Resilient Corridors,” which include most of the tourist destinations along the major travel corridors on the island.
Mexico
If you plan to visit the Caribbean side of Mexico, you’ll quickly find that this destination is one of the easiest to visit. You do not need a negative COVID test result to visit Mexico regardless of your vaccination status. You do have to fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM) and an online health questionnaire prior to your arrival.
Puerto Rico
Fully vaccinated travelers who want to explore Puerto Rico will need to upload their vaccination card through the Travel Declaration Form portal before arrival. Unvaccinated travelers and vaccinated travelers on international flights need to be able to show a negative test result from a PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Those who arrive without a test are required to take one and upload their results within 48 hours or face a $300 fine. Also note that vaccination is required in Puerto Rico for indoor dining as well as hotel and short-term rentals.
St. Lucia
Travelers ages 18 years and older with an eye on stunning St. Lucia are required to apply for a Travel Authorization online before their arrival. Those ages 5 and older must also take a PCR COVID-19 test within 5 days of arrival and submit the negative test results ahead of time for review and approval. To avoid being denied boarding, travelers planning to visit St. Lucia should print all their travel documents ahead of time and bring them on their trip.
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos require travelers ages 16 and older to be fully vaccinated in order to visit. Travelers must also complete an online health questionnaire and present a negative COVID-19 test result within three days prior to travel. Finally, guests have to purchase travel insurance that specifically covers COVID-19 medical costs and hospitalization.
If the thought of getting the right coverage stresses you out, you should note that many Turks and Caicos hotels offer a travel insurance package you can add to your stay.
U.S. Virgin Islands
If you’re planning a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands, you should know that every visitor ages 5 and older needs to use the USVI Travel Screening Portal ahead of time so they can receive travel clearance for entry. Visitors also need to show a negative COVID-19 antigen test or a negative result from a COVID-19 molecular test within five days before their trip.