Caribbean COVID-19 Travel Rules: Entry Requirements and Protocols by Island
As global COVID-19 restrictions ease, Caribbean nations are reopening to tourists with stringent health protocols to safeguard residents and visitors. The region responded swiftly to the pandemic, keeping infection rates low. Governments are prioritizing safety in reopenings. Here's a detailed overview of requirements—Editor's note: Always verify the latest restrictions from official sources before travel.
Anguilla
Anguilla welcomed travelers from August 21. "Anguilla is currently COVID-19 free, so our objective has always been to reopen prudently, protecting residents and guests," said Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Quincia Gumbs-Marie.
Key protocols: Complete an entry form, provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test (3-5 days prior), and secure COVID-19 health insurance. All visitors receive an arrival test and a second on day 10. Negative results allow free movement. Preference for low-risk countries; high-risk assessed case-by-case.
Antigua and Barbuda
First tourists arrived June 4 via American Airlines from Miami. Requirements: Negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test (within 7 days), health declaration form, health official assessment, and 14-day monitoring. Masks required in common areas; social distancing encouraged.
Aruba
Reopened in phases: Caribbean (excl. DR & Haiti), Canada, Europe on July 1; U.S. on July 10. "Safety is our priority," said Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes. Island-wide protocols emphasize health, sanitation, and distancing. U.S. travelers from high-risk areas need extra testing.
The Bahamas
From November 1, no quarantine with negative PCR test (within 7 days). Complete electronic Health Visa, upload results. Airport temperature screenings; masks required where distancing is needed.
Barbados
Borders reopened July 12. High-risk countries (10,000+ cases/7 days): PCR test 72 hours prior. Low-risk: within 7 days. Proof of negative test, airport masks, and distancing required.
Bonaire
July 1 opening for travelers quarantined 14 days in low-risk countries (Belgium, Germany, etc.). Protocols: Health declaration, PCR test (72 hours prior), masks, distancing.
British Virgin Islands
Reopening December 1. Premier Andrew A. Fahie emphasized collaborative preparation using science and technology. Protocols forthcoming.
Cayman Islands
Phased reopening from October 1: First phase for homeowners, students, residents' families (14-day quarantine). Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell: Robust mechanisms for safe tourist return.
Curaçao
July 1: Up to 10,000 passengers from approved low-risk countries. High-risk: 14-day quarantine. Pre-arrival: Digital immigration card, Passenger Locator Card, negative PCR (printed). On-island: Distancing, masks; reservations needed for hospitality.
Cuba
Plans stalled due to Havana surge. Negative-test travelers isolated to resorts (Cayo Coco, etc.); no Havana visits. Americans can still visit Cuba.
Dominica
Reopened August 7. Protocols: Negative PCR (72 hours prior), health insurance, declaration form. Follow guidelines throughout stay.
Dominican Republic
Reopened July 1. From September 15: Random tests (no mandatory pre-arrival), free emergency coverage until Dec 31, 2020. Masks in public.
Grenada
Reopened July 15. CARICOM/low-risk: Negative PCR (7 days), no quarantine. Others: PCR, 4-day hotel quarantine (test on day 4). Download contact tracing app; masks/distancing in public.
Guadeloupe
France early June; rest of world (excl. U.S.) July 1. U.S. ban ongoing. Others: PCR (72 hours), masks, distancing.
Haiti
Reopened June 30; emergency lifted July 27. Declaration form, temperature screen, 14-day quarantine. Masks in businesses/transport.
Jamaica
Opened June 15. Risk-based: High-risk PCR (10 days); low-risk possible arrival swab. Travel Authorization required. "Health first," says Tourism Director Donovan White.
Puerto Rico
Reopening postponed due to cases. Essential travel only; beaches/gyms etc. from September (curfew/restrictions remain).
St. Barth
Reopened June 22. Negative RT-PCR (72 hours); second test day 8 for longer stays.
St. Kitts and Nevis
October 31 opening. Training/certification for businesses. Protocols forthcoming.
St. Lucia
June 4: Negative PCR (7 days), Pre-Arrival Form, temperature check. Masks, certified transport/hotels, distancing.
Sint Maarten
Canada/Europe July 1; U.S. August 1. PCR (72 hours), health form, temperature/masks. On-island distancing/masks.
St. Martin
U.S. travelers banned due to cases. Others: PCR, form, temperature/masks.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
August 1: Pre-Arrival Form, arrival test/quarantine (24+ hours). Strict for Americans.
Turks and Caicos
July 22: PCR (5 days), TCI Assured registration, insurance. Masks in public; Providenciales curfew.
US Virgin Islands
Reopened September 19 after closure. USVI Portal, negative antigen (5 days) or positive antibody (4 months). Temperature/masks.
Bermuda
July 1. Pre-departure: PCR (72 hours), insurance, masks/distancing, forms. Arrival: Masks/distancing. Departure: Possible screening.
"Rigorous plan protects all," says Bermuda Tourism Authority CEO Glenn Jones.
Flights
Airlines resuming: Delta to Aruba, Bermuda, etc.; American to St. Kitts, DR, etc.
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