07 Nov PASSPORT? VISA? IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL CARIBBEAN? GET ANSWERS HERE
In this article, we are going to answer the question as to whether is it safe to travel the Caribbean?
People want to get back out after being cooped up for over a year. Travellers desiring to head to the Tropics have been asking, ‘is it safe to travel the Caribbean? Many islands which depend on tourism are responding with a resounding yes. To keep everyone safe requirements have been put in place by each island. It is these requirements that we will explore.
Table of Contents
Antigua
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What’s There To See:
Antigua is one of those Caribbean islands that just about has it all. You can choose from one of the 365 gorgeous beaches. See all the biodiversity that the Rainforest has to offer. You will be amazed by the cultural heritage sites. Check out Nelson’s Dockyard National Park where conch fritters, saltfish and fungi are favs. Hike to Obama peak for breathtaking views. Or dare to walk the Devil’s bridge at Willikies. Perhaps you prefer to jump in Carnival or enjoy the ever-popular Sailing week.
Passport and Visa? Visitors must have a current passport. For a list of countries that Aruba requires a visa from to enter see Aruba Visa & Passport Requirements Entry & Exit Information
Covid Entry requirements:
All visitors are required to complete the Online Embarkation/ Disembarkation Process. Persons 12 and older must have a negative result from a molecular Covid-19 test within 72 hours of arriving
Visitors to Antigua must purchase mandatory health insurance and agree to the government mandates. Travelers who test positive for Covid-19 are required to stay at government-designated isolation and quarantine locations. This can extend for up to 14 days.
CDC on Is it safe to travel the Caribbean:
Level 4: Very high. Avoid travel to Antigua. See here for updates Antigua and Barbuda Travel Advisory (state.gov)
For Latest Information: Latest Travel Advisory – Visit Antigua & Barbuda (visitantiguabarbuda.com)
Anguilla
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What’s There To See:
Do you want to totally unwind and disconnect from the rest of the world? Yes? Well, Anguilla. fits the bill. Even with the availability of free wifi in most of the public spaces, you will not find shopping malls, cruise ships, sprawling chain hotels, or glitzy casinos. Instead, you will discover 33 powder-white sand beaches that stand amongst the nicest in the world. As you kick back enjoy a sumptuous lobster on Sandy island. You can then wash it down with a delishous sea moss or rum punch.
Passport and Visa? You must have a valid passport with 6 months validity from the point of entry.
Covid Entry requirements:
When adult visitors arrive in Anguilla they must be fully vaccinated. Further, they must receive their last vaccination at least 14 days before arrival. The only exception to this requirement is for pregnant women and children under the age of 18. Anguilla requires that all visitors pay a fee of $50 and request entry authorization
CDC on Is it safe to travel Caribbean: Level 3: High. Unvaccinated travellers should avoid nonessential travel to Anguilla.
For Latest Information: Visit Anguilla | The Official Travel Guide of Anguilla | ivisitanguilla.com
The Bahamas
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What’s There To See:
Some come to the Bahamas for the wild parties, Baha Mamas and booze cruises. Others enjoy the boast that the Abacos and Exumas offer the best underwater, boating and sailing experiences around. In terms of festivals, there is Junkanoo, Seafood, Jumpin ‘n Jammin and the Goombay festival. Kids too can escape to the Atlantis theme park.
Your kids can also journey to Disney’s private island of Castaway Cay if aboard one of their cruise liners. Furthermore, you can just simply rock back, swim with pigs and relax on one of the 700 islands that make up the Bahamas.
Passport and Visa? Depending on your country of origin the visa and immigration requirements vary. See HERE for more information click Bahamas Immigration Visa Requirements for International Travel.
Covid Entry requirements:
All vaccinated travelers from outside the Bahamas (2 years and older) must present a negative rapid Antigen or PCR test. This must be taken within 5 days of arrival. Unvaccinated travellers above 12 will be required to submit a negative PCR test with 5 days of arrival. Visitors also have to complete a health visa application and submit it to the Bahamas’ Covid-19 health insurance. For more details see COVID-19 Status The Bahamas
CDC on Is it safe to travel the Caribbean: Level 4: Very high. Avoid travel to the Bahamas.
Find out more: Bahamas travel website
Barbados
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What’s There To See:
In Barbados, you have to hop a jitney (minibus) and go to Harrison Caves, Fish Fry at Oistins and St. Lawrence Gap. Of course, you have numerous beaches like the Crane and parks for your eco escapades.
You can also attend local festivals. Look out for Holetown (February), Crop Over (June) and Barbados Food, Wine and Rum Festival (October). Barbados also called the Jewel of the Caribbean will surely not disappoint.
Passport and Visa? The island is welcoming visitors from around the world. Barbados has discontinued its Caribbean travel bubble.
Covid Entry Requirements:
All visitors are to fill out the Barbados Online Immigration/ Customs form. Further upon entry, all passengers must present a negative result from a Covid-19 PCR test. You must take the test no more than three days before travel.
Vaccinated travelers also take a rapid test upon arrival and quarantine for one or two days awaiting results. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days, take another PCR test and remain in quarantine until receiving results. You must book your room ahead of time at a government-approved accommodation (scroll down for the list).
CDC on Is it safe to travel Caribbean: Level 3: High. Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the Bahamas.
Find out more: COVID-19 TRAVEL GUIDELINES 2021 Visit Barbados |
Cuba
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What’s There To See:
Cuba is a modern-day classic untouched by the modernity and technological advances seen in many countries. The heritage buildings in Old Havana and Old Square constitute the colonial allure of this Spanish island. Check out the caves, cigar factory, feeding crocodiles, flower gardens, great food, dance and music.
Passport and Visa? Depending upon your country of origin you may or may not need a visa. Check here Visa for Cuba Online application form (e-visa.ie).
Covid Entry requirements:
All international travelers (Cubans or foreigners) can enter the country with a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate/card. from their country of origin. Self-isolation is no longer necessary on arrival. A negative RT-PCR test, taken within 72 hours before traveling will only be required for those who are not vaccinated. Or who do not have a valid vaccination certificate/card.
CDC on Is it safe to travel to the Caribbean: Level 4Very: High. Avoid travel to Cuba.
Grenada
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What’s There To See:
Before you come ashore the underwater world off Grenada has a number of amazing dive sites. This includes the famous Underwater Sculpture Park. Like the leatherback turtles that come ashore, you will be awed by the tranquillity of Levera, Grand Anse and many other beaches. Want more? Get a treat at the House of Chocolate and wash that down with some rum at the 236-year-old River Antoine Rum Distillery. For the nature enthusiasts, there is Grand Etang National Park, numerous waterfalls. Ratch it up and join in the annual Carnival or Grenada Music Festival.
Passport and Visa? Visitors must have a current passport. For a list of countries that Grenada requires a visa form to enter
Covid Entry requirements
All travellers entering Grenada are required to be fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine for 48 hours at their accommodation. These travellers must await the results of a locally administered negative test before they can continue on vacation. For the unvaccinated, this period extends up to 7. For full details click Travel Updates of Pure Grenada Pure Grenada.
CDC on is it safe to travel to the Caribbean: Level 4: Very high. Avoid travel to Grenada
Find out more: Ministry Of Health – Government of Grenada – COVID-19 Information (covid19.gov.gd)
Dominican Republic
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What’s There To See:
The DR has something for everyone. Go on the Monkey Island Safari or jump the waterfalls at Damajagua. If that’s too intense, stroll in Zona Colonial and see the rich DR heritage. Additionally, learn how coconut oil is made at Coconut House or better yet go whale watching at Samana Bay. Snorkeling at the Wall off Catalina is recommended for all skill levels.
Passport and Visa? All visitors are required to carry a valid passport for entry into the DR. Every visitor is required to complete the application in the Electronic Ticket Portal Check here eTicket (migracion.gob.do)
Covid Entry requirements:
Depending upon your country of origin you may or may not have to present your vaccination card and/or negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. Click here for details Coronavirus Information GoDominicanRepublic.com.
CDC on is it safe to travel Caribbean: Level 2: Moderate. The CDC recommends full vaccination before you travel to the Dominican Republic.
Find out more: GoDominicanRepublic.com
Jamaica
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What’s There To Do:
Jamaica provides a dizzying array of attractions. From its world-class accommodation along beaches at Ocho Rios and Negril, rainforest and waterfalls, to Reggae Sumfest. Certainly, you cannot miss the delicious jerk, rice and peas to be washed down with a cold Red Stripe beer. Jamaica is truly a melting pot of colour, culture and cuisine.
Passport and Visa? Entry requirements can differ depending upon citizenship and/or resident status. See here for more info Entry Requirements (visitjamaica.com)
Covid19 Entry requirements:
Travellers need to complete an online Travel Authorization process. Then along with the Travel Authorization form all travellers ages 12 and up regardless of nationality, are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular (PCR, NAA, RNA) or Antigen test
Accredited labs can perform the test within 3 days of the travel date. You can expedite this process by completing the online Health Declaration Jamaica Travel Authorization (COVID-19) (ivisa.com)
In a bid to improve the safety of tourists the government has established safe zones. Also called ‘Resilient Corridors’ which visitors must proceed to. For more information see What Is the Jamaica Stay in Zone Order? | Resilient Corridor | (Covid-19) (ivisa.com).
CDC on is it safe to travel Caribbean: Level 4: High. Avoid travel to Jamaica.
Find out more: Visit Jamaica
St. Lucia
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What’s There To Do
The vision of a ‘to die for’ tropical paradise cannot be far from sitting on Sugar Beach looking up at the twin peaks of the Pitons. However, if you can pull yourself away you there are the famous sulphur springs. Trust me. If you want to raise your energy go ziplining in the Rainforest. Additionally, if you really want to heat it up soak up the sweet sounds of headliners at the annual Jazz festival from the main stage at Pigeon Point.
Passport and Visa? You need a six-month valid passport from the point of entry to enter St. Lucia. As it relates to a visa many major countries do not need one to enter. See here to see the requirements for your country saint-lucia-visa-requirements-updated.docx (live.com)
CDC on is it safe to travel Caribbean :
Complete and submit your online registration form as early as possible at COVID-19 | Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (stlucia.org). Within 5 days of travel obtain and upload a negative Covid19 PCR test to the Travel Registration. An email with your travel authorization will be sent afterward. Then you must print and bring them with your other travel documents for entry. Include the results of your PCR test and the Health Screening form also available online.
Upon arrival, Health authorities will check your documents. Once clear you will get a non-electronic wrist band to wear during your entire stay. When you leave the airport, you will need to board Covid19 certified transportation. Or if you got the vaccine you can rent a car. Visitors must stay at Covid19 certified accommodation. And if not in your rental you must take Covid19 certified transportation to tours and attractions.
CDC on is it safe to travel Caribbean: Level 4: Very high. You must get a vaccine before traveling to Puerto Rico.
Find out more: Contact | Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (stlucia.org)
Tobago
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What’s There To See
As soon as you touch down in Tobago you feel the hustle and bustle of the world leave you. On this laid-back island, you can get aboard a glass-bottom boat to head to the Nylon pool. There you can go snorkeling and see a bountiful underwater world. Enjoy horseback riding in the sea, world-class diving at sites like Kariwak Reef and Kellerston Drain, where you will see one of the biggest brain corals in the world. Similarly, experience unique events such as the Goat and Crab race along with the Heritage and Blue Food Festivals. There is a mix of other outdoor activities that marry well with the low-key vibe.
Passport and Visa? You must have a passport that will remain valid for up to 6 months after your intended arrival. Also proof of a return or onward travel ticket is necessary. Some countries or regions do not require visas while others do, depending upon origin and length of stay. See here for your country Tobago Travel Essentials from the myTobago guide to Tobago
Covid 19 Entry requirements:
All persons entering T&T must have a TTravelPass which can be obtained at Trinidad & Tobago Travel Authorisation (ttravelpass.gov.tt).
All travellers must submit a negative PCR test result. Further, you are to ensure that the test is taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival into T&T. Absence of these will disqualify you from boarding the flight.
CDC on is it safe to travel Caribbean: Level 3: Moderate. Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to Tobago.
Find out more:
US Virgin Islands
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What’s There To See:
The USVI constitutes three islands – St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is in St. Thomas. There the major cruise liners dock and you can enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment. In St. Croix, you can get into full tourist mode. Explore the underwater monument at Buck Island Reef. Check out sugar plantations, exotic gardens and enjoy the local heritage at Christiansted, the largest town. If eco is your thing you will love St. John where the 14,737-acre Virgin Islands National Park is located. There you can explore coral reefs at Hawksnest Bay, beaches and hiking trails like Cinnamon Bay loop.
Passport and Visa? As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination.
Covid 19 Entry requirements:
Persons 5 years and older arriving into the USVI are required to complete the Traveller Screening Tool . This involves submitting a Covid-19 test result before travel.
CDC on is it safe to travel to the Caribbean: Level 4: Very high. Therefore, you are to be fully vaccinated before traveling to the US Virgin Islands.
Find out more: USVI Travel Portal
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