Reopenings – Caribbean Coronavirus Travel Restrictions by Country

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Nearly all travel was abruptly put on hold earlier this year as result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now we are seeing signs of re-openings and restrictions lifting around the world. In many cases, Caribbean island nations are reopening as early as June 15. Travelers need to know about potential destinations so we’ve compiled a list of Caribbean Coronavirus travel restrictions by country.

Studies have shown that post Coronavirus travel is ready to take-off with a lot of pent-up demand for leisure and business travelers. Before going, travelers should know the latest Caribbean Coronavirus travel restrictions by country.

We are providing a series on global reopenings from the COVID-19 pandemic. My first installment was Europe reopenings and restrictions.

These Countries Are Welcoming Vaccinated Travelers – The Latest List

Reopenings – Europe Coronavirus Travel Restrictions by Country

South America Coronavirus Travel Restrictions & Reopenings by Country

Reopenings – Latin America Coronavirus Travel Restrictions by Country

Coronavirus Domestic Travel Restrictions – USA States, Cities

Europe Announces It’s Open to Vaccinated Americans This Summer

 

PointMe’s Juicy Miles booking site is getting a lot of interest and flight requests for the Caribbean. That’s no surprise as it’s one of the top summer destinations for many travelers. The Caribbean will be the second installment in our series of reopenings, country by country.

Now, our attention is on the many Caribbean islands. We’ll look at the countries within the Caribbean to see what Caribbean Coronavirus travel restrictions and policies are in place and what has changed in recent days.

Many of these island nations have laid out their plans for their “new normal” for locals. In addition, they are welcoming back visitors after being forced to take a pause as the coronavirus pandemic swept across the globe.

Be advised that many Caribbean nations have COVID-19 PCR pre-arrival testing requirements – Most Caribbean islands are requiring that the traveler present a negative Covid19 test result in order to enter the destination.

This gives sun chasers and island lovers everywhere a sign of hope that lounging on a white sandy beach while looking out at shimmering turquoise water may not be too far off. Personally, I have been looking at long-term AirbnB rentals which offer fantastic values. I’ve also been checking Google Flights to see about airfares.

Before going make sure to take a good mask, then sanitizing wipes everywhere.

Caribbean Coronavirus Travel Restrictions by Country

Accurate as of December 16, 2020

 

All the Countries of the Caribbean

Here are the thirteen (13) Independent countries of the Caribbean:

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda has reopened to foreign travelers.

Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued within 7 days prior to arrival, a completed Health Declaration Form and are subject to mandatory health screening upon arrival. Travelers arriving from outside the travel must pre-booked accommodation from hotels approved by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

Temperatures checks are conducted at the airport. Furthermore people are asked to register with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment for contact tracing and possible monitoring.

Visitors to Antigua and Barbuda must have a mask and it’s mandatory to wear it in public at all times. The penalty for not wearing a mask when required is fine of up to $5,000 or up to 6 months in jail.

Finally, under Quarantine Act (COVID-19) Regulations 2020, passed in June, “Persons traveling to Antigua and Barbuda from countries where there are outbreaks of COVID-19” will be subject to quarantine.

American Airlines currently offers daily nonstop flights from Miami to Antigua, with service on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with 16 seats in first class and 156 in the main cabin.

Find more information here

Bahamas

The Bahamas has once again reopened its borders to all travelers, including tourists. However, the government has ordered a 14-day “Vacation-in-Place” (VIP) entry rule for all arrivals on commercial flights. In July, Americans were banned from entering the Bahamas, so this is good to see that US citizens and passport holders may once again visit the Bahamas.

Travelers from other countries must submit a Travel Health Visa Application form online at travel.gov.bs. Confirmation will be provided via email. Each traveler must have that confirmation on hand upon arrival at their destination. Visitors from Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union are still be permitted to enter the Bahamas. As a result, the nation’s airline, Bahamasair, announced it will cease flights to the US immediately.

Where to Stay: The Royal at Atlantis, Nassau, Bahamas – Paradise Island’s Aquaventure Water Park boasts waterslides, 11 landscaped pools, and rock climbing. Dolphin swims at Dolphin Cay and comedy shows at Jokers Wild are also open to guests of Atlantis Royal Towers.

For more information and updates check here with the Bahamas Ministry of Health

Barbados

Barbados has lifted their travel restrictions. However, any travelers arriving from medium and high-risk countries must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Barbados. Travelers coming from low-risk countries are allowed to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 5 days prior to arrival.

In addition, all arriving passengers must complete an Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form online at https://travelform.gov.bb/home. This must be submitted within 24 hours prior to travel.

There is a curfew in force; Monday to Thursday from 10 pm to 5 am and 8 pm to 5 am on Friday to Sunday. Beach access is permitted from 5:00 am to 6:30 pm daily. No groups of more than three persons are allowed, unless of the same family.

Where to Stay:

More information can be found here

Cuba

All non-resident foreigners are barred from entering Cuba. Nationals and residents arriving on the island are subject to a 14-day quarantine.

Cuba’s date for reopening of all international flights has been postponed until at least October 16, according to the U.S. Embassy in Havana. Southwest Airlines and American Airlines plan to start operating flights to the island on July 7.

There is one important note for some travelers to know. Cuba does not recognize the U.S. nationality of Cuban-born U.S. citizens.  The Cuban government requires Cuban dual nationals to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports.

More information is available at the Cuba Minster’s site

Dominica

Dominica’s borders are now open to all arrival. Dominica reopened its airport both to nationals and foreign travelers. Arriving passengers will have to complete an online questionnaire 24 hours before arrival, and have a PCR swab test with a negative result taken up to 72 hours before arrival. A Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) will be taken on arrival. If the RDT is negative, then the traveler must self-isolate in a government operated or government certified facility for five days before having a further PCR test. If the RDT is positive, then a further PCR swab test will be carried out. This will be at the traveler’s expense.

All isolation and testing will be at the passenger’s expense.

The country also has a curfew in place at night. Curfew is 7 pm to 5 am on Monday-Friday and 6 pm on Saturday until 5 am on Monday on the weekend.

Updates will be provided at the government’s website

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic will no longer require travelers to show a negative COVID-19 test result.

Travelers to the Dominican Republic will be required to fill out and submit a Traveler’s Health Affidavit. Through this form, passengers declare they have not felt any COVID-19 related symptoms in the last 72 hours and provide contact details for the next 30 days. Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the Dominican Republic.

As a huge bonus for visiting the Dominican Republic the government announced that guests staying at hotels will receive a free travel insurance plan covering emergencies, telemedicine, and costs toward an extended stay and flight changes in the event of an infection!

Where to Stay:

Check Out These All-Inclusive Properties Near Punta Cana

Grenada

Grenada planned to open their borders the first of July. That did not happen. Charter flights, however, may resume earlier than that. Grenada remains under a state of emergency; however the beaches are accessible during morning hours. The summer carnival celebrations called Spicemas have been canceled. No date has been announced yet for reopening commercial flights.

Where to Stay: Spice Island Beach Resort will be accepting reservations on Nov. 1.

Latest updates can be found at Grenada’s Ministry of Health’s website

Haiti

Haiti has lifted its travel restrictions. All travelers are subject to medical screening and must present a completed Health Declaration Form on arrival.

The Ministry of Tourism announced the establishment of a management and monitoring protocol for all travelers entering the country as soon as they get off the plane, to start by a systematic coronavirus screening test. The ministry maintains that all suspected positive cases will be automatically quarantined according to the protocol defined by the health authorities. This protocol is in place when flights are restarted.

More information is available at the Haitian Ministry of Tourism Website

Jamaica

Jamaica reopened its borders to international visitors. All passengers arriving in Jamaica are subject to medical screening upon arrival. Jamaica has put together a more relaxed Caribbean Coronavirus travel restrictions.

All residents of the United States of America, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico or Panama who are 12 years of age or over, are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result to check in for a flight. NOTE: Residents of all other countries are NOT REQUIRED to present a test result. Tests must be done by a medical laboratory that has a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) registration or ISO 15189 certification. The date of the sample collection must be less than 10 days from the travel date to Jamaica. Americans must also fill out a Travel Authorization form.

Jamaica has a great video welcoming guests back, referring to the island nation as “Jamaica; The Heartbeat of the World”

Where to Stay: Hilton offers the all-inclusive Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa including their free for guests Sugar Mill Falls Water Park.  Hyatt offers two inclusive resorts including the adults-only Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and the family friendly Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. Both Hilton and Hyatt are following enhanced COVID safety procedures.

You can find the latest updates at the Visit Jamaica website

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis has resumed commercial flights and is welcoming visitors. Today the islands report zero active cases of COVID-19.

Entry requirements

The current travel requirements for International Travelers arriving by air into St. Kitts and Nevis:

• Complete the Travel Authorization Form on the national website (www.knatravelform.kn) and submit a negative RT-PCR test result from a CLIA/CDC/UKAS approved lab accredited with ISO/IEC 17025 standard, taken 72 hours prior to travel. They should also bring a copy of the negative COVID 19 RT-PCR test for their trip.
• Undergo a health screening at the airport which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire and download the SKN COVID-19 contact tracing mobile app to be used for the first 14 days of travel or less.
• 1-7 days: “Vacation in Place” travelers are not allowed to leave their hotel, only use hotel facilities and amenities. If staying for 7 days or less, all travelers are required to do a RT-PCR test 72 hours before departure.
• 8-14 days: “Vacation in Place” travelers are required to conduct a RT-PCR Test ($150 USD visitors’ cost), if negative they can participate in the St. Kitts Highlights Tour by Travel Approved Certified Taxi/Tour Operators.
• 14 days or more: “Vacation in Place” travelers are required to conduct a RT-PCR Test ($150 USD visitors’ cost), if negative they are free to integrate into the Federation.

Approved hotels for international travelers are: 

• Four Seasons Resort Nevis
• Marriott St. Kitts Beach (Vacation Club)
• Park Hyatt 
• Royal St. Kitts Hotel
• Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino
• Koi Resort, by Curio, Hilton 
• Paradise Beach

More information can be found here

Saint Lucia

The borders of Saint Lucia officially opened to international travelers on June 4, 2020 as part of the nation’s Phase One reopening plan. St. Lucia has reopened its airports. All travelers and airline crew must have a medical certificate with a negative PCR test result for COVID-19, issued within 7 days of departure.

All international passengers and returning citizens to Saint Lucia must complete a Pre-Arrival registration form prior to their arrival. Certain travel bubbles are excluded from some of these restrictions.

Citing that Saint Lucia recorded a 100% recovery rate of all positive cases. The nation recognizes that tourism contributes 65% of the island’s GDP; therefore it cannot remain closed indefinitely.

Where to Stay: Villa Beach Cottages – Saint Lucia, Caribbean offers free cancellation and private bungalows!

More information on travel restrictions can be found here

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines entry restrictions vary depending upon country of origin.

Find more information at this SVG site

Trinidad and Tobago

The government of Trinidad and Tobago is still working on its phase-in plans of the easing of restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Malls reopened on the condition that members of the public observe social distancing and wear face masks. Malls are still required to close at 18:00 (local time). While street vendors have been allowed to resume and restaurants are open for take-out, dine-in is not offered. Additionally, outdoor exercise is allowed, but face masks must be worn.

The Trinidad and Tobago government has indefinitely closed its borders.

More details and the latest updates can be found here

Territories and Other Statuses: Caribbean Coronavirus Travel Restrictions

We’ll continue with our Caribbean Coronavirus travel restrictions by country, now focuses on the territories.

Anguilla (British Overseas Territory)

Previously, the government required all persons arriving in Anguilla who had traveled outside of the Caribbean region to be quarantined for 14 days on arrival. The government has banned direct flights from Europe, including the United Kingdom.

Only nationals and Anguilla residents, or holders of valid work permits may enter the island nation.

At this point, no definitive date for reopening the borders to commercial international travel has been announced; however, the government has outlined their measured approach to reopening, which will take place in phases:

Phase One is the repatriation of Anguilla residents overseas who need to return home

In Phase Two, the administration will prepare to welcome paying guests. The Anguilla government is currently working on a number of touchless solutions. Travel safety protocols such as online immigration processing, virtual check-in and check-out at hotels will be implemented on reopening.

More information is available at Anguilla’s BeatCOVID19 website

Aruba (Constituent Kingdom, Netherlands)

Aruba has opened its borders to travelers from Europe, Canada, the United States and most Caribbean nations.

All tourists must fill in the ED Card, and purchase Aruba’s mandatory COVID insurance, even if they have their own insurance. The cost is USD $15 per day (subject to change). Aruba has a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Note: Passengers arriving from states within the United States with a high incidence of COVID-19 cases will be permitted to enter the country only if they provide proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test result prior to traveling to Aruba.

Where to Stay: Aruba has some incredible hotels, mostly along Palm Beach facing west for incredible sunsets. I recommend the following properties:

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino (with Free Cancellation)

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (with Free Cancellation)

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino (with Free Cancellation)

Travel Restrictions & updates can be found here

Bermuda

While not technically a Caribbean island, Bermuda often comes to mind when people think of a vacation to a nearby (from the US) island nation. Bermuda is a British island territory, located in the North Atlantic. It’s often associated with its pink-sand beaches.

Bermuda is home to a World Heritage Site; St. George; the territory’s original capital. It is known for its many shipwrecks along its reef in in relatively shallow and remarkably clear waters, making it ideal for divers.

Bermuda announced it is opening for visitors on July 1. Arriving persons will have to provide proof of a negative result COVID-19 test,  taken within three days of their arrival on the island. Travelers wishing to enter Bermuda, whether visitors or residents, are required to complete an online Bermuda travel authorization which gathers information for health and immigration officials; a $75 fee is required, which covers a COVID-19 testing.

Where to Stay: 

The Loren at Pink Beach and Fairmont Southampton are outstanding properties with top amenities. 

More information on Bermuda travel restrictions can be found here

 

Bonaire (Special Municipality, Netherlands)

Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius have begun to relax travel restrictions for certain travelers arriving from Aruba, Curaçao, Europe, and the US. Bonaire reopened the Flamingo International Airport. Travelers arriving to Bonaire from a high-risk country are required to quarantine for 14 days in a quarantine facility at the traveler’s expense.

On Sint Eustatius, restaurants and bars are re-open with capacity restrictions. Hotels can open but leisure flights to the island are still restricted. Saba’s borders remain closed as well.

More information is available here

British Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory)

December 1st should see the re-opening of the British Virgin Islands (BVI.) The country continues to report no active cases of COVID-19. The British Virgin Islands beaches reopened for exercise and therapy from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Riders of motorbikes and scooters are prohibited from using the Territory’s roads between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Access to private island resorts in the BVI will be open for tourists in December. This includes Necker Island, Scrub Island, Oil Nut Bay, Moskito Island, Eustatia Island, Cooper Island, Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island and more. Guana Island reopened on Oct 1.

More information can be found at the British Virgin Islands website

Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory)

Some good news on the horizon. Grand Cayman expects to re-open for tourists on December 1st. Today, a nightly curfew remains in place for Grand Cayman. All international arrivals into Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman are suspended, but will reopen for flights to coincide with the anticipated December re-opening. The country had been expected to reopen for tourism in September, then November, which did not happen. Let’s hope December works out!

Where to Stay: One of your best bets is to book at Wyndham Reef Resort, Grand Cayman, for after November 1, with Free Cancellation.

More information is available here

Curaçao (Constituent Kingdom, Netherlands)

Curaçao has limited entry to residents, but will soon re-open to flights from Bonaire and the Netherlands

Establishments such as restaurants and ‘truk’i pan’ (food trucks) may now continue to operate as they did prior to the regulations that were implemented during and after the lock down.

It is still not permitted to be in groups larger than 25 people. Additionally, a distance of 2 meters between persons must be maintained and everyone must adhere to all hygiene protocols.

The Curaçao International Airport (CUR) remains closed for all inbound passengers. Although Curaçao prepares for a new normal, its government has not announced a planned reopening date for its tourism sector.

More information can be found at the Curaçao Tourist Board’s site

Federal Dependencies of Venezuela (Territories, Venezuela)

The largest island of the federal dependencies, La Tortuga, accounts for almost half of the territory.

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro extended the nation’s lockdown through June 12. The restrictions to national flights were also extended through the same date.

Guadeloupe (Overseas Department, France)

Guadeloupe has reopened its airports. All travelers over the age of 11 must show a negative test result for COVID-19 issued within 72 hours before departure.

Air France Commercial Airline is operating flights twice a week between Guadeloupe and Paris. British Airways is also serving the Caribbean island. The island nation has a curfew from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited. The same travel restriction and rigorous measures applied to all French territories are also in place for Guadeloupe.

For more information, travelers should visit Guadeloupe’s Public Health portal.

Martinique (Overseas Department, France)

Martinique has reopened its airports. Travelers are subject to quarantine and should bring a negative PCR test.

Where to Stay: Located in Sainte-Luce, Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium Les Ilets offers beachfront accommodation 450 meters from Gros Raisin Beach (Free Cancellation)

More information is available here

Montserrat (British Overseas Territory)

Called “The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean” both for its terrain and the heritage of its inhabitants, Montserrat is a British territory in the Leeward Islands and it is considered to be the ‘safest island in the Caribbean.’

Montserrat has relaxed business restrictions while reducing their curfew to 10pm to 5am from June 8 to July 1.

Entries of nonresident foreigners to Montserrat are banned until further notice. The nation hopes to re-open flights as early as November 1.

More information available at Montserrat’s website

Puerto Rico (Commonwealth, United States)

Puerto Rico has postponed its reopening. Travelers must have a negative molecular COVID-19 test from within the last 72 hours. Puerto Rico is currently operating under the same travel restrictions as the United States

Puerto Rico has established a four-phase Caribbean Coronavirus travel restrictions reopening plan. As part of its four-phased plan, the island opened for business on May 26 with face masks mandatory in public and enforced social distancing. According to the travel advisory issued by Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s destination marketing organization, new rules include screening on arrival at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan where passengers might be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of symptoms. A boatload of safety measures include restaurants operating with a maximum capacity of 25% and beaches open for surfing, jogging, swimming and kayaking (but no sunbathing). Golf courses are open with safety protocols in place. Many of the hotels are open as are malls and shops although trying on clothing is a no-no. Pool facilities are open at 25% capacity, within curfew hours, though spas and casinos remain closed. As a U.S. territory, no passports are needed for American citizens arriving from the U.S. mainland. For those who enjoy the path-less-taken, you’ll have to wait a little longer to visit the islands of Vieques and Culebra.

Where to Stay:

Here are my favorite hotels:

The Condado Plaza Hilton

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan – Hotel & Casino

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Saba (Special municipality, Netherlands)

The Caribbean island of Saba, along with Bonaire, and Sint Eustatius have no reported deaths from COVID-19.

Saba, along with Bonaire and Sint Eustatius have begun to relax travel restrictions for certain travelers arriving from Aruba, Curaçao, Europe, and the US.

Saba is dependent upon the St. Maarten (SXM) airport for international visitors arriving by air.

Saint Barthélemy (Overseas Collectivity, France)

Officials consider the current risk of transmission in Saint Barthelemy to be low. Businesses must limit the number of customers within their premises.  The use of a facemask is mandatory on all public transportation services. The following businesses and activities have reopened and allowed to resume activity:

Cafes, bars, and restaurants
Retail stores and malls
Tourist accommodations
Museums, monuments, and parks
Gyms, fitness centers, pools, and entertainment venues
Most schools and colleges will gradually reopen
Most beaches are open to public access

All restrictions for France’s overseas territories apply here as well.

In spite of the loosening of many restrictions, nonresident foreign nationals remain banned from entering the islands. This is expected to be lifted as early as June 22, or whenever the SXM airport opens. Arriving passengers must show a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

The latest updates are available here

Saint Martin (Overseas Collectivity, France)

Sint Maarten has restarted flights from nearby territories and Europe.

Saint Maarten’s economy is based on a single sector of activity – tourism – on which nearly 70 per cent of jobs (direct and indirect) depend.

France has the final decision on Gibbs’ request, yet he notes a disparity between the economy of France and the French Overseas Territories.

Sint Eustatius (Special Municipality, Netherlands)

Affectionately called “Statia”, Sint Eustatius is a captivating, largely unspoiled little island. For many who visit her, she remains a well-kept secret.

Sint Eustatius, along with Bonaire, and Saba have no deaths from COVID-19.

Sint Eustatius has relaxed travel restrictions for certain travelers arriving from Aruba, Curaçao, Europe, and the US.

Sint Maarten (Constituent Kingdom, Netherlands)

If you ever get the chance, you should visit Sint Maarten and make it a point to visit Maho Beach. Maho Beach is the site of an amazing aircraft approach. People flock to stand below arriving airplanes which land at SXM just a few feet from the sandy beach. The image above was taken by me from the bar and restaurant on the same sandy perch.

Sint Maarten has restarted flights from nearby territories and Europe.

One of my favorite hotels in Sint Maarten is the Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. All meals included, located right on Maho Beach and it’s been completely renovated since being damaged from Hurricane Irma on Sept. 6, 2017.

The government maintains a well laid out site here

Turks and Caicos Islands (British Overseas Territory)

Turks and Caicos reopened its airports on July 22. All travelers over age 10 except merchant seamen and airline crew must have a travel authorization completed 72 hours before departure, and a medical certificate with a negative PCR test for COVID-19 from within the last 5 days before arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They must also have proof of health/travel insurance with COVID-19 cover (including cover for any necessary in-country medical treatment, quarantine costs or repatriation/medevac) and must complete a health screening questionnaire. All visitors will be required to wear masks on arrival to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Travelers are subject to medical screening and quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

Where to Stay: The Palms Turks and Caicos – a beachfront Five-Star Resort. Currently on sale with 25% off daily rates, which includes free breakfast daily.

United States Virgin Islands (Territory, United States)

Everyone arriving after September 19^th will need a negative COVID-19 Test, which they can upload to the USVI travel portal at www.usviupdate.com. The test needs to have been taken no more than 120 hours (five days) prior to the time you arrive on at the airport in St Thomas. Travelers presenting a negative result from a Covi19 PCR test that was taken no more than 120 earlier can enter the USVI and travel about without restriction.

One of the best options for extended stays in the USVI is an AirbnB rental. If you sign-up using this link, yo can save $65 on your first booking!

Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas – Coming off a $100 Million renovation the Ritz-Carlton sets the standard for a Virgin Islands Resort. Book now with Free Cancellation

Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is a great option if you enjoy spectacular sunsets from a beachfront property. The hotel is running a sale on its two-bedroom villas right now in the USVI. This property also allows a free cancellation.

The latest information can be found here

Caveats of Caribbean Coronavirus Travel Restrictions

Caribbean Coronavirus travel restrictions can change dramatically from day to day. Each government reacts to their individual circumstance and experiences with the pandemic. One thing I have learned during the pandemic is it’s easy to get caught unprepared. It is possible to get stranded (if only temporarily) if a nation invokes a quarantine or travel ban.

All of these Caribbean nations are islands; so consider that when you plan your travel. Of course, that can work very well for travel sooner than later as these nations are re-opening. They also need the business and many will be offering great bargains.

Not every destination of the Caribbean is tourist friendly. Before traveling, remember to check this page: US State Department – Travel

The Upshot – Caribbean Coronavirus Travel Restrictions

For most countries and islands in the Caribbean, tourism is their lifeblood. The region is often touted as the most tourism-dependent region in the world. Unless the Caribbean nations find ways to open their borders and restore these economies, they face another powerful enemy; economic collapse.  At the same time, high unemployment, overwhelming poverty and no financial means to sustain the people could result. This is why the Caribbean Coronavirus travel restrictions are so vital going forward. There is a pent-up demand for this region. At the same time, these economies are frail and the government health systems are fearful of increased exposure to COVID-19.

Governments can help the international carriers restart tourism to the Caribbean by lowering passenger fees and taxation fees. One of the biggest barriers faced in air travel to the Caribbean is a very highly taxed market. Historically, it is taxed on the airlines, on the passengers; the consumers. This will be a big challenge for the Caribbean once we are able to escape from this “crisis.”

The various Caribbean Coronavirus travel restrictions by country vary widely in their response as well as their motivations. Many of the nations of the Caribbean are still in some form of lockdown or quarantine. International travel has not opened for some. Most of the Caribbean countries are coordinating their responses with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA.)

Juicy Miles’ travel professionals can help you book award travel using your points or miles. They can also craft a personally designed Mileage Run for you around the program of your choice. With lots of potential destinations this year, deals may be the best offered in a decade. As for lodging accommodations, I suggest taking a look at long-term AirbnB rentals in which I have found some tremendous values. Many of these homeowners have suffered through the pandemic and are trying to get some income back quickly.

In the meantime while you wait for that great trip, you might want to study up on a new language. Your Babbel Guide: Learn a New Language – Free for Students.

French, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese are the most widely spoken languages other than English in the islands.

As pointed out in most Caribbean Coronavirus travel restrictions by country, travelers should visit government websites for updated information and more details.

Let me know, if you have any questions or need help with booking a vacation in the Caribbean. Just a small reminder, I am also an independent travel agent.