Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway? Here are the COVID entry restrictions for popular islands
Dreaming of a Caribbean island vacation this year? It's possible – but it'll take more planning than pre-pandemic trips.
Most Caribbean destinations have reopened to international travelers, but visitors will need to be aware of their destination's COVID-19 travel restrictions before boarding their flight. Entry requirements vary across each island; some require testing, some ask for masks to be worn in public and others enforce a curfew on certain businesses. Travelers can expect the rules to be in flux as countries adjust to match the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are the entry requirements for some of the most popular Caribbean island destinations.
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Aruba
Can U.S. tourists visit? Yes.
Do I need a vaccine or test to enter? Starting March 19, Aruba will no longer require a negative coronavirus test or proof of vaccination for entry.
What else do I need to know? Visitors' insurance is still required, and all travelers will still need to complete an embarkation/disembarkation card before arrival. Masks are mandatory at the airport.
Last updated: March 17
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The Bahamas
Can U.S. tourists visit? Yes.
Do I need a vaccine or test to enter? Fully vaccinated travelers and those between the ages of 2 and 11 must show a negative rapid antigen or PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to entry. Unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. ages 12 and older must take a negative PCR test taken no more than three days prior to entry. All travelers staying longer than 48 hours, regardless of vaccination status, must take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test after arrival.
What else do I need to know? Masks are required in public spaces. Visitors must apply for a travel health visa at travel.gov.bs. Unvaccinated travelers 12 and older are also tasked with completing a daily health questionnaire during their stay.
Last updated: Feb. 7
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Barbados
Can U.S. tourists visit? Yes.
Do I need a vaccine or test to enter? All travelers must have a negative coronavirus test (either a rapid PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than one day prior to arrival or a PCR test taken no more than three days prior to arrival) to enter. The test must be taken by a healthcare provider at an accredited or recognized laboratory; at-home tests are not accepted.
Unvaccinated travelers must wear a monitoring bracelet while they quarantine at an approved accommodation and take a second PCR test five days after arrival. If the test is negative, they can leave quarantine.
What else do I need to know? All travelers will need to download the “BIMSafe” app to complete a travel form at least 24 hours before arrival. The form is also available at travelform.gov.bb.
Last updated: March 2
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Cuba
Can U.S. Tourists visit? Tourism travel from the U.S. to Cuba is prohibited, but U.S. travelers can obtain a license to visit for other reasons such as family visits or professional meetings.
Last updated: Feb. 7
Dominican Republic
Can U.S. tourists visit? Yes.
Do I need a vaccine or test to enter? Travelers from the U.S. do not need to test to enter, but airports will perform a random breath test on "a percentage" of passengers, according to the country’s Ministry of Tourism website. Passengers who show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival are exempt from the random testing.
Travelers must show proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within the past seven days to enter businesses outside of the hotels and tourism complexes. Visitors over 12 years old are advised to carry their vaccination card if they leave their resort complex.
What else do I need to know? All travelers entering on commercial flights must complete an electronic entry and exit form, also referred to as an e-ticket, to enter. Passengers will have their temperature checked upon arrival, and those who present symptoms or test positive will be sent to isolation.
In public indoor spaces and where social distancing is not possible, people are asked to distance themselves at least 6.5 feet from others and wear a face mask.
Last updated: Feb. 7
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Jamaica
Can U.S. tourists visit? Yes.
Do I need a vaccine or test to enter? Starting April 16, international visitors will not need to show proof of a negative PCR coronavirus test to enter.
What else do I need to know? Starting April 15, the island no longer enforces a mask mandate in enclosed public spaces.
Last updated: April 14
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Puerto Rico
Can U.S. tourists visit? Yes.
Do I need a vaccine or test to enter? Not if you're a U.S. citizen. As of March 10, domestic travelers do not need to show proof of vaccination or negative test to enter.
What else do I need to know? Feel free to leave your passport at home; U.S. tourists don't need one to enter.
Last updated: March 17
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US Virgin Islands
Can U.S. tourists visit? Yes.
Do I need a vaccine or test to enter? Domestic travelers ages 5 and older flying into the U.S. Virgin Islands must submit a negative antigen or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) taken within five days of travel, regardless of vaccination status.
What else do I need to know? No need for a passport if you're a U.S. citizen, but all domestic travelers 5 years old and above are required to use the USVI Travel Screening Portal within five days of travel to get cleared for travel. All individuals ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask in public.
Last updated: Feb. 7
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Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caribbean travel restrictions: Entry requirements for popular islands
