Some are making it even easier to enter if you’ve been vaccinated.
Ah, the Caribbean. Velvety trade winds rustling the palms. Bathtub-warm water lapping at your toes. Powdery-soft sand beneath your feet. And the soul-warming sun to lift your spirits. There’s nothing quite like a Caribbean beach vacation to put the lockdown behind us. Indeed, there’s no better time to reward yourself with a relaxing tropical escape.
The good news is that the Caribbean is wide open for business and the welcome mat is out for U.S. tourists everywhere. Even the French islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Barts will open up on June 9 when France finally lifts its U.S. visitor restrictions. But while all the islands are eager to see American tourists again, about half are making it even easier for those who have been fully vaccinated by waiving or reducing their testing and quarantine requirements.
Two-Track Entry Protocols:
Vaccinated and Unvaccinated
But it’s complicated. To help you sift through all the entry complexities, we’ve identified which islands have adopted “two-track” arrival requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. They are:
- Anguilla
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Puerto Rico
- Saba
- Eustatius
- Kitts & Nevis
- Lucia
- Martin
- Vincent & the Grenadines
- S. Virgin Islands
Each one takes a somewhat different approach to how they welcome those who have been jabbed and those who haven’t. The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Rico, for example, have waived Covid tests for vaccinated travelers to ease their entry, while the rest continue to require tests among other restrictions — even for those who have been inoculated. (See island-by-island requirements below.)
A few islands, meanwhile, are moving to accept only fully vaccinated travelers. Turks & Caicos started accepting only those who’ve been jabbed on May 29. St. Barts will start on June 9, and Anguilla, on July 1.
Negative Covid Tests, Approved Accommodations, and Insurance
Apart from the Dominican Republic, all the islands require proof of a negative Covid test prior to arrival (unless you’ve been vaccinated). But they vary widely in their other requirements.
Many, like Anguilla, Aruba, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos, require visitors to stay only at Covid-approved lodging.
Islands like Aruba, Bahamas, British Virgins, Cuba, Curacao, Grenada, Saba, Sint Maarten, and Turks & Caicos require medical/travel insurance that covers Covid. And virtually all request some type of travel authorization to enter.
Some Countries Require Quarantine,
Which Can Be At An Opulent Resort’s Beach
Half of the islands oblige you to quarantine upon arrival unless you’ve been vaccinated. It can range from 24 hours to a whopping 14 days. This may seem like a huge deterrent to some. After all, who wants to be locked in for days after arriving in your tropical paradise. But you can quarantine in your resort and enjoy all the on-property dining and sports facilities — not to mention the lovely beach — until the quarantine ends. That may be worth it if it’s just for a few days.
Still, if quarantining is just too much for you, consider islands that don’t make it mandatory at all. They are:
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Bonaire
- Curacao
- Dominican Republic
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Puerto Rico
- Saba
- Barts
- Maarten
Hotels Offer Covid Tests for Return to the U.S.
Keep in mind that all passengers flying into the U.S. from the Caribbean (except from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) will need to provide proof of a negative Covid test received no more than 72 hours before boarding their flight.
But to facilitate this, many hotels in the Caribbean are now offering their guests pre-travel testing on site — some of them even for free. They include big chains like Marriott, Meliá, Sandals, Hyatt, Playa, and Karisma, as well as many individual hotels.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
We’ve pulled together all the complex entry requirements for every island. Here is what you need to know right now before you book your trip. But as you plan your visit, be sure to check your destination close to departure time as conditions are fluid and requirements can change quickly. (Note: All references to “vaccinated travelers” below refer to those who have received all required doses more than two weeks prior to travel.)
ANGUILLA
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination. Starting July 1, unvaccinated travelers will not be allowed to enter.
Covid test required: All travelers must submit a negative PCR test three to five days before travel and be tested upon arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must also be tested on Day 14 of their stay.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers must quarantine for seven days, but unvaccinated travelers for 14 days.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must apply for an official travel authorization certificate at least seven days prior to travel for a fee of $300-$400 per person, which covers two tests.
Covid-approved lodging required: Travelers must stay at a Safe Environment Certified Accommodation.
More information: escape.ivisitanguilla.com/the-process/
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Vaccinations: Not specified.
Covid test required: Travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR test taken within seven days of travel.
Quarantine required: No.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must complete a Health Declaration Form and receive medical screening on arrival.
Covid-approved lodging required: Travelers must stay at a Certified Accommodation.
More information: visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-advisory/
ARUBA
Vaccinations: Not specified.
Covid test required: Travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before travel or opt to take the test upon arrival at the airport for $75.
Quarantine required: Only travelers who opt to be tested upon arrival must quarantine for up to 24 hours.
Medical insurance required: Travelers must buy the Aruba Travel Insurance within 72 hours prior to arrival for $30 per person.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must fill out an Embarkation/Disembarkation card within 72 hours prior to travel.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: visitaruba.com/traveling-to-aruba/entry-requirements-and-visas/aruba-travel-restrictions-covid-19/
BAHAMAS
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination. Accepted vaccines are AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer.
Covid test required: Vaccinated travelers are exempt from Covid test for entry. Unvaccinated travelers must submit a negative PCR test within five days of travel and take a rapid antigen test on Day 5 of their stay.
Quarantine required: No.
Medical insurance required: Insurance is included in the price of Bahamas Travel Health Visa.
Travel authorization required: A Bahamas Travel Health Visa is required.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: bahamas.com/travelupdates
BARBADOS
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination. Accepted vaccines are AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer, and Sinopharm.
Covid test required: All travelers must submit a negative PCR test taken within three days prior to travel. Vaccinated travelers must also have a Covid test done upon arrival, and unvaccinated travelers must also have a test done five days after arrival.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers must quarantine for one to two days, but unvaccinated travelers for five to seven days.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must complete the online Immigration and Customs form 24 hours prior to arrival.
Covid-approved lodging required: Travelers must stay at an approved accommodation during their quarantine.
More information: visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2020
BERMUDA
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must show proof of vaccination status.
Covid test required: All travelers must submit negative Covid test taken no more than four days before travel. They also must take a Covid test upon arrival and on Day 4, 8, and 14 of their stay.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers must quarantine until receiving the results of their arrival Covid tests (usually 24 hours or less). Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for up to 14 days.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must complete the Bermuda Travel Authorization process online within 48 hours of travel. The $75 fee includes all on-island Covid testing.
Covid-approved lodging required: Unvaccinated travelers must stay at one of three designated hotels during their quarantine.
More information: gotobermuda.com/covid-19-travel-protocols
BONAIRE
Vaccinations: Not specified.
Covid test required: Travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR test done within 72 hours of travel and take an antigen test within 24 hours of arrival.
Quarantine required: No.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must complete an online health declaration before arrival.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: tourismbonaire.com/health-and-safety
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination. Accepted vaccines are AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer.
Covid test required: All travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR test taken within five days of travel and take a PCR test upon arrival.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers must quarantine for one day, pending a negative PCR test done upon arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for seven days.
Medical insurance required: Travelers must have insurance that covers Covid.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must register online 48 hours prior to departure to obtain the Traveler Authorization Certificate for $105.
Covid-approved lodging required: Travelers must stay at an Approved Gold Sealed Accommodation.
More information: bvitourism.com/reopening
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must show proof of vaccination status.
Covid test required: Vaccinated travelers are exempt from Covid test for entry but must be tested on arrival and on Day 15. Unvaccinated travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel and be re-tested on arrival and on Day 15.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers must quarantine for 10 days and unvaccinated travelers for 14 days when they must submit proof of a negative PCR test.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must apply and be approved to enter.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: exploregov.ky/faqs/covid-19-inbound-travel
CUBA
Vaccinations: Not specified.
Covid test required: Travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR test done within 72 hours of travel and take a free test upon arrival.
Quarantine required: Travelers must quarantine for five days at approved accommodations after which they must provide proof of a negative PCR test.
Medical insurance required: Travelers must have travel insurance that covers Covid.
Travel authorization required: No.
Covid-approved lodging required: Travelers must use approved accommodations during their quarantine.
More information: garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/474861/cuba-covid-19-related-travel-protocols-and-domestic-restrictions-in-force-as-of-may-4-remain-largely-unchanged-update-21
CURACAO
Vaccinations: Not specified.
Covid test required: Travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel and take a rapid antigen test on Day 3 of their stay.
Quarantine required: No quarantine is required unless you test positive for Covid during your stay.
Medical insurance required: Travelers must have travel insurance.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must complete a Digital Immigration Card up to one hour prior to arrival and the Passenger Locator Card.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: curacao.com/en/article/travel-updates
DOMINICA
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination. Accepted vaccines are AstraZeneca, Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer, and Sinopharm.
Covid test required: Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers must submit a negative PCR test taken within 24-72 hours of travel. Vaccinated travelers must be tested on Day 2 and unvaccinated on Day 5.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers must quarantine for two days and unvaccinated travelers for five to seven days.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: All travelers must complete an online health questionnaire at least 24 hours prior to arrival and be cleared to enter.
Covid-approved lodging required: Travelers must stay in a government-operated quarantine facility or a Safe in Nature-certified property during their quarantine.
More information: discoverdominica.com/en/travel-advisory-for-dominica
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Vaccinations: Not specified.
Covid test required: No.
Quarantine required: No.
Medical insurance required: Through June 12, all travelers will receive temporary free health insurance that covers Covid.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must fill out an online Traveler’s Health Affidavit prior to arrival.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: godominicanrepublic.com/newsroom/coronavirus/
GRENADA
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination. Accepted vaccines are AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer, and Sputnik.
Covid test required: All travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR test done 72 hours prior to travel and take a Covid test upon arrival for a fee of $152.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers must quarantine for 48 hours, pending a negative PCR test taken upon arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine until cleared by health officials.
Medical insurance required: Travelers must have insurance that covers Covid.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must apply for a Pure Safe Travel Certificate no later than 48 hours prior to travel.
Covid-approved lodging required: Travelers must have a confirmed reservation at an approved accommodation for a minimum of two nights.
More information: covid19.gov.gd/travel-covid/
GUADELOUPE
Status update: As an Overseas Department of France, Guadeloupe follows its entry protocols. Starting on June 9, France will begin allowing U.S. travelers to visit as long as they can present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of travel. Other details were still being defined at the time of publication and were not yet available.
More information: guadeloupe-islands.com/reopening/; bb.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/
HAITI
Vaccinations: Not specified.
Covid test required: Travelers must submit a negative PCR or antigen test result done 72 hours prior to arrival. Travelers who had Covid and recovered can skip testing and instead show their previous positive test, along with a doctor’s note stating they recovered.
Quarantine required: No.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: No.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: ht.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
JAMAICA
Vaccinations: Not specified.
Covid test required: Travelers must submit a negative PCR, NAA, RNA, or antigen test taken within three days of travel.
Quarantine required: Only travelers staying outside of the Resilient Corridors on the north and south coasts must quarantine for 14 days.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must complete the online Travel Authorization within seven days prior to travel.
Covid-approved lodging required: Travelers must remain in the Resilient Corridors and must stay at a Covid Protocol Compliant Approved accommodation.
More information: visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization/
MARTINIQUE
Status update: As an Overseas Department of France, Martinique follows its entry protocols. Starting on June 9, France will begin allowing U.S. travelers to visit as long as they can present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of travel. Other details were still being defined at the time of publication and were not yet available.
More information: us.martinique.org/discover/travel-alerts; bb.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/
MONTSERRAT
Vaccinations: Not specified.
Covid test required: Travelers must submit a negative PCR test result within seven days prior to travel and be tested at the end of their quarantine.
Quarantine required: Travelers must quarantine at their home for 14 days or at a designated facility for six days.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Only U.S. travelers who own a home on the island are permitted to visit. They must complete the online Access Declaration Form at least 72 hours prior to arrival.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: gov.ms/covid-19/
PUERTO RICO
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated travelers can receive a Johnson & Johnson vaccine in Terminal B of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport upon arrival.
Covid test required: Vaccinated travelers are exempt from Covid test for entry. Unvaccinated travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR or antigen test done 72 hours prior to travel.
Quarantine required: Unvaccinated and untested travelers must quarantine for 14 days or until they provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken on the island.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: All travelers must apply for a Travel Declaration Form online.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: discoverpuertorico.com/info/travel-guidelines
SABA
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination.
Covid test required: Travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours before arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must also take a rapid antigen test on Day 5.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers are not required to quarantine, but unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days.
Medical insurance required: All travelers must have medical insurance that covers Covid.
Travel authorization required: All travelers must apply for a Saba EHAS entry application.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: sabatourism.com/travel-requirements
ST. BARTS
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination. Starting June 9, unvaccinated travelers will not be allowed to enter.
Covid test required: All travelers must submit a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of travel.
Quarantine required: After June 9, vaccinated travelers will not be required to quarantine.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: No.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: bb.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/
ST. EUSTATIUS (STATIA)
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination.
Covid test required: All travelers must submit a negative Covid NAAT test taken within 72 hours of travel. Vaccinated travelers must be tested on Day 5 and unvaccinated ones on Day 10.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers are exempt from quarantine, but unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 10 days.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must submit an online travel questionnaire 12-48 hours before travel.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: statiagovernment.com/key-topics/covid-19/entry-policy
ST. KITTS & NEVIS
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination. Accepted vaccines are AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer.
Covid test required: All travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR test done 72 hours prior to travel. Vaccinated travelers must take a PCR test on Day 9 and unvaccinated ones, on Day 7 and 14.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers must quarantine for nine days, but unvaccinated travelers for up to 14 days.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must submit a KNA Travel Entry Form no later than 24 hours prior to travel.
Covid-approved lodging required: Travelers must stay at an International Travel Approved accommodation for the first 14 days of their stay.
More information: stkittstourism.kn/travel-requirements
ST. LUCIA
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination.
Covid test required: All travelers must submit a negative PCR test taken no more than five days before travel.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers are exempt from quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers must stay at a Covid-certified accommodation for the first 14 days and limit their movement off property.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must submit an online Travel Registration Form at least seven days prior to arrival and the Health Screening Form upon arrival.
Covid-approved lodging required: All travelers must stay at a Covid-certified accommodation.
More information: stlucia.org/en/covid-19/
ST. MARTIN (French side of island)
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination.
Covid test required: All travelers must submit a negative PCR test result taken within 120 hours of arrival at Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) in Sint Maarten (the Dutch side of the island) or within 72 hours of arrival at Grand Case-Espérance Airport (SFG) in St. Martin (the French side of the island). Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test on Day 7.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers are exempt from quarantine and unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for seven days.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers arriving via Princess Juliana Airport must complete an online health authorization application.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: st-martin.org/us/covid-19/terms-and-conditions-of-travel?dt=1622315824371; bb.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/
SINT MAARTEN (Dutch side of island)
Vaccinations: Not specified.
Covid test required: U.S. travelers must submit a negative PCR test result taken within 120 hours of travel or an antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel.
Quarantine required: No.
Medical insurance required: Travelers must buy Covid insurance as part of the online health authorization application.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must complete an online health authorization application.
Covid-approved lodging: No.
More information: st-martin.org/us/covid-19/terms-and-conditions-of-travel?dt=1622315824371; stmaartenehas.com/
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination.
Covid test required: All travelers must submit proof of a negative PCR test done no more than 72 before arrival and be tested on arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must also be tested between Day 4 and 7 of their stay.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers must quarantine for 48 hours, but unvaccinated travelers for 14 days.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must complete the Pre-Arrival Form.
Covid-approved lodging required: Travelers must stay at a Covid-approved hotel during their quarantine.
More information: health.gov.vc/health/images/PDF/stories/SVG_Health_Services_Subcommittee_Protocol_for_Travelers_to_SVG_-__06052021.pdf
TURKS & CAICOS
Vaccinations: Vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination. Starting May 29, unvaccinated travelers are not allowed to enter.
Covid test required: Travelers must submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel. They must also be tested on Day 9 of their stay for a fee of $150.
Quarantine required: Vaccinated travelers must “vacation in place” for nine days and unvaccinated for 14 days.
Medical insurance required: Travelers must have insurance that covers Covid.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must apply for the TCI Assured Travel Authorization online.
Covid-approved lodging required: Vaccinated travelers must “vacation in place” in one of seven Travel Approved hotels.
More information: visittci.com/travel-info/turks-and-caicos-coronavirus-covid-19
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Vaccinations: Not specified.
Covid test required: Travelers must submit a negative PCR test taken within five days of travel.
Quarantine required: No.
Medical insurance required: No.
Travel authorization required: Travelers must apply for travel certification within five days of travel.
Covid-approved lodging required: No.
More information: usviupdate.com/