Vacations to the Caribbean are a bucket list item for many tourists, but lockdowns and travel restrictions have made the travel process more complicated than ever before. Now that every country and territory has its own vaccination and entry document requirements, it is important to learn about all the necessary steps to take before traveling anywhere in the Caribbean.
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Updated October 3, 2022
Anguilla
Anguilla is open to U.S. residents for non-essential travel. In order to enter, travelers must first apply for entry. Currently, Anguilla is only accepting visitors who have received their final dose of an approved vaccine at least three weeks before their arrival. Additionally, all travelers are required to provide a negative COVID test from 3-5 days before arrival.
Visitors must then submit to a second test upon arrival, after which they will be asked to quarantine until a negative result returns. This takes, on average, about 24 hours. Only after the test result returns can visitors leave their accommodations and begin exploring the country.
Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. There are no curfews, but there is a territory-wide mask mandate. All businesses implement some form of social distancing and capacity limitations.
- The CDC currently classifies Anguilla at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Antigua And Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is open to fully vaccinated U.S. residents. Unvaccinated travelers between the ages of 5 and 18 are required to submit a negative RT-PCR or rapid antigen COVID test no older than 4 days; unvaccinated travelers over 18 are not permitted entry. All visitors must submit a health declaration form issued on their flight in.
All visitors must stay at certified accommodations and patronize only certified businesses. A list of these certified locations is found here. Mask wearing on the islands isn’t mandatory but is “actively encouraged.” Physical and social distancing rules must be followed.
Aruba
Aruba is open to all U.S residents. As of March 19, 2022, Aruba has lifted its COVID-related entry requirements for all international travelers.
Travelers to the country will still be required to complete an Aruba ED card before arrival, and they must also purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance prior to entering the country.
Officials have announced the lifting of local COVID-19 restrictions with local businesses and restaurants resuming normal hours and capacity limits with no restrictions on closing times.
Bahamas
The Bahamas are open to U.S. residents for non-essential travel. In order to enter, travelers must submit a Travel Health Visa Application (which requires travelers to opt into COVID insurance) and proof of a recent negative test. Vaccinated travelers can submit a negative rapid antigen test or RT-PCR test, whereas unvaccinated travelers must submit a negative RT-PCR test. Vaccinated travelers should also submit proof of their vaccination.
Barbados
Barbados is open to U.S. residents. In order to enter, travelers must first complete the Online Immigration/Customs form at least 24 hours before arrival. All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, are required to provide a recent negative COVID test. Vaccinated travelers should also submit proof of their vaccination, as it will opt them out of quarantine requirements. If unvaccinated, a traveler will have to quarantine for three days, with a re-test on day four. For more information on entry requirements, visit their official tourism site.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are open to U.S. residents for non-essential travel. Vaccinated travelers must provide both a recent negative test and proof of vaccination upon entry. Meanwhile, unvaccinated travelers must obtain a BVI Gateway Travel Authorisation Certificate at least 24 hours before arrival (begining the application no later than 48 hours before arrival), provide a recent negative test, submit to a second test upon arrival, quarantine for one week, and then pass a final test.
There is currently a territory-wide curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. during which only essential services are allowed to operate. Some businesses are requiring proof of vaccination upon entry.
Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, And Saba)
All three islands that make up the Caribbean Netherlands are open to U.S. travelers. Exact entry requirements depend on the island; you can find Bonaire’s here, St. Eustatius’s here, and Saba’s here.
- The CDC currently classifies Bonaire at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID; St. Eustatius at Level 3: A High Level of COVID; and Saba at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Cayman Islands
Currently, the Cayman Islands are open to fully vaccinated U.S. visitors; unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 10 days. Prior to arrival, travelers must apply for travel approval, upload medical insurance, and submit proof of a negative PCR test taken 24 hours before arrival. More detailed rules are outlined on Cayman’s COVID-19 website.
Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. There are no curfews or territory-wide mask mandates, but some businesses may implement their own guidelines.
Cuba
Cuba is open to vaccinated U.S. visitors. All travelers must present both proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. All travelers must present a sworn statement upon arrival confirming their basic biographic information and vaccination status. Currently, unvaccinated Americans are not permitted to travel to Cuba for non-essential purposes.
Masks are mandated throughout the country in all public spaces.
- The CDC currently classifies Cuba at Level Four: A High Level of COVID.
Curaçao
Curaçao is open to U.S. travelers. All visitors must fill out both a digital immigration card and a Passenger Locator Card prior to arrival. Visitors are not required to submit a negative COVID-19 test, but if they test positive during their stay, they will be placed in isolation at their expense.
Masks are required in hospitals, other care facilities, and public and commercial transportation.
- The CDC currently classifies Curaçao at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Dominica
Americans are permitted to travel to Dominica. Vaccinated travelers must present proof of vaccination to their travel carrier before embarking for Dominica and to officials upon arrival; unvaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior or a negative rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior. The rapid antigen tests need to have been taken at a certified facility; at-home tests are not accepted.
Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. Masks are mandated in all public locations. Bars have resumed normal operations, and night clubs are open with capacity restrictions.
- The CDC currently classifies Dominica at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Dominican Republic
U.S. travelers are free to travel to the Dominican Republic. All travelers must fill out an E-Ticket form prior to arrival. Most travelers, including those from the U.S., do not need to present a negative test upon arrival. Instead, airports and other entry points will conduct randomized screenings and test a percentage of passengers upon arrival. If a traveler can submit proof that they have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks, they are exempt from these screenings.
As of February 26, 2022, the mask mandate as well as vaccine checks in public areas such as restaurants and hotels have been dropped.
- The CDC currently classifies the Dominican Republic at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Grenada
Grenada is open to all travelers, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors do not need to make a health declaration, provide a negative COVID-19 test, or quarantine upon arrival.
Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. There are no curfews or territory-wide mask mandates, but some businesses may implement their own guidelines.
- The CDC currently classifies Grenada at Level Three: A High Level of COVID.
- For a detailed overview of Grenada’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is currently open to U.S. visitors. All visitors must be fully vaccinated and must present a negative PCR test result taken 72 hours prior to arrival or an antigen test result taken 48 hours before arrival. Unvaccinated Americans cannot travel to Guadeloupe without an approved compelling reason. All travelers must present a sworn statement upon arrival stating that they have no symptoms and have not been in contact with a COVID case in the past two weeks.
There is currently a curfew throughout the region from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. during which only essential services are allowed to operate. While Guadeloupe is open to tourists, travel is limited within the region, and many surrounding islands are currently essential-travel only.
- The CDC currently classifies Guadeloupe at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Haiti
Haiti is open to all U.S. travelers, regardless of vaccination status. The only required document upon entry is a negative test taken no more than 72 hours earlier. Passengers will be asked to fill out a health declaration form while on the flight and submit it to immigration officials upon arrival.
Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. Masks remain mandatory in all public indoor spaces.
- The CDC currently classifies Haiti at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Jamaica
Jamaica is open to U.S. visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors returning to the United States must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day prior to their return flight.
- The CDC currently classifies Jamaica at Level One: Low Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Martinique
U.S. residents are permitted to travel to Martinique, but only if they have received the second dose of a two-dose COVID vaccine at least two weeks prior. If they have received a one-dose COVID vaccine, it needs to have been administered at least four weeks prior. All travelers over 11 must provide a negative test from no more than 72 hours before arrival, as well as their proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated Americans cannot travel to Martinique without an essential purpose. Travelers must present a sworn statement upon arrival stating that they have no symptoms and have not been in contact with a COVID case in the past two weeks.
There is currently a nationwide curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. during which only essential services are allowed to operate. Masks are mandated for anyone 11 or older in all public spaces. Gatherings of more than six people are prohibited, and all beaches and parks are closed off to the public.
- The CDC currently classifies Martinique at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Montserrat
Montserrat is open to U.S. travelers. Passengers must fill out an Access Declaration Form at least 72 hours before arrival. Upon arrival, travelers must present this form, as well as proof of vaccination and a recent negative test. They will then be asked to quarantine for five days. Currently, non-essential travel is open to only vaccinated Americans.
Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. There are no curfews or territory-wide mask mandates, but some businesses may implement their own guidelines.
- The CDC currently classifies Montserrat at Level Three: A High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is open to all fellow U.S. travelers. Domestic visitors — so those from U.S. states and territories — do not need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Those who test positive on the island are required to quarantine at their own expense.
Restaurants, beaches, and other businesses are all open and welcoming visitors. Masks are not mandatory on the island, but individual businesses may still require them.
- The CDC currently classifies Puerto Rico at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Saint Barthélemy
U.S. residents are permitted to travel to St. Barts, but only if they have received the second dose of a two-dose COVID vaccine two weeks prior, or a one-dose vaccine four weeks prior. All travelers must provide a negative test from no more than 72 hours of arrival, as well as proof of vaccination. All travelers must present a sworn statement upon arrival stating that they have no symptoms and have not been in contact with a COVID case in the past two weeks.
Masks are mandatory in all indoor, public places.
- The CDC currently classifies Saint Barthélemy at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Saint Kitts And Nevis
Americans are permitted to travel to St. Kitts and Nevis if they have received the final dose of a COVID vaccine at least two weeks prior. In order to enter, travelers must first complete the entry form, upload their proof of vaccination, and provide a negative RT PCR test from no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Upon arrival, vaccinated travelers will be asked to quarantine for 24 hours at their “travel approved” condo, hotel, resort, or villa. Within that time, they must pass another RT PCR test. After this negative test, travelers are free to enjoy the country.
There is currently a nationwide curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., during which only essential services are allowed to operate. Beach picnics, parties, and gatherings are currently not allowed. Beaches are for swimming or exercise only according to the U.S. Embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- The CDC currently classifies Saint Kitts and Nevis at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Saint Lucia
U.S. travelers are permitted to enter St. Lucia. All travelers must complete a Health Screening Form prior to arrival. Fully vaccinated visitors over the age of 5 must submit a negative rapid test taken 1 day prior to arrival or a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to arrival. Unvaccinated visitors over 5 can only submit a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior.
Unvaccinated travelers will be transferred by a certified vehicle to an approved COVID-19 accommodation and remain on the property for 7 days. Vaccinated travelers will enjoy “expanded” access to the island.
Since March 16, mask-wearing on the island has been optional.
- The CDC currently classifies Saint Lucia at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Saint Martin
Tourism to St. Martin is open to U.S. travelers. All visitors must complete a health pre-authorization application prior to arrival. Upon arrival, travelers should provide both proof of vaccination and a recent negative test. Unvaccinated Americans must quarantine for seven days upon arrival, and then undergo a second test at the end of quarantine.
There is currently a curfew throughout the region from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. during which only essential services are allowed to operate. Restaurants, beaches, and other businesses are all open and welcoming visitors. Masks are required at all public spaces.
- The CDC currently classifies Saint Martin at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
American tourists are free to travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. All travelers will need to complete a Pre-Arrival Form prior to travel, provide a negative test from no more than 72 hours earlier, and show proof of a fully paid reservation. Unvaccinated Americans will then have to quarantine for 10 days, as well as complete additional tests. Vaccinated travelers can present their proof of vaccination to opt out of quarantine. All travelers must present a sworn statement upon arrival stating that they have no symptoms and have not been in contact with a COVID case in the past two weeks.
Restaurants, beaches, and other businesses are all open and welcoming visitors. Masks are required at all public spaces.
- The CDC currently classifies Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Sint Maarten
American travelers are permitted to enter Sint Maarten. Beginning March 1, 2022, all travelers who are fully vaccinated, as well as those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last nine months, are no longer required to show proof of a negative test upon arrival.
Unvaccinated individuals, however, must still provide a negative PCR test taken 48 hours prior to arrival or an antigen test taken 24 hours prior to arrival. All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must fill out a health pre-authorization form as early as 72 hours before arrival.
Starting Feb. 25, 2022, all nightlife business hours will be extended to 3 a.m. Wearing a mask is still mandatory in all public places.
- The CDC currently classifies Sint Maarten at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Trinidad And Tobago
Americans are permitted to travel to Trinidad and Tobago if they have received the final dose of an approved COVID vaccine at least two weeks prior to applying for a travel pass. In order to enter, travelers must first register for said travel pass, upload their proof of vaccination, and provide a negative test from no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. Masks are mandated in all public spaces, and most businesses operate a limited capacity.
- The CDC currently classifies Trinidad and Tobago at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
Turks And Caicos
Turks and Caicos is open to Americans, but only those who have received their final dose at least two weeks before their vacation. Prior to arrival, travelers should fill out an authorization form, which will require basic traveler information, proof of a recent negative test, and evidence of mandatory COVID insurance.
There is currently a nationwide curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., during which only essential services are allowed to operate. Masks are mandated in all public spaces. All restaurants and bars require either proof of vaccination or a recent negative test in order to enter the premises, according to their tourism board.
- The CDC currently classifies Turks and Caicos at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are open to all Americans. USVI have dropped the COVID-19 test entry requirement for vaccinated travelers coming from the U.S. mainland. Proof of vaccination status is not required. Prior to arrival, travelers must fill out a USVI Travel Screening Form.
While restaurants, beaches, and tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors, mask mandates remain in place throughout the country.
- The CDC currently classifies the U.S. Virgin Islands at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
- For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
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