Tempted to travel to the Caribbean? Know the Covid Rules

But this year, although she had booked a private villa that could be canceled at any time, the weeks leading up to the flight proved nerve-wracking. St. John – as well as neighboring St. Thomas and St. Croix – require all arrivals to show evidence of a negative result from a PCR test administered within 72 hours of landing. The couple made appointments at a medical clinic and then nervously waited for the all-clear. Reports of other islands imposing curfews or, in the case of St. Barts, suddenly banning visitors, caused further unrest. “I kept worrying about the trip until I was on that plane,” said Ms. Irons. “Anything could have happened.”

For pandemic-besieged sun seekers craving sand, sea and warmth this spring, the Caribbean may seem like the promised land. And indeed, most of the Caribbean islands welcome American tourists, but the many entry requirements vary widely and are in constant flux. “Anyone who travels should realize this is fluent,” says Michele Rishty, a travel consultant in Bedminster, NJ who regularly books Caribbean vacations. “It changes every day.”

Until the weather changes, here’s a snapshot of the hurdles you’re likely to face, and guidelines on which islands are easiest or most challenging to visit.

There will be tests

In most countries and dependent areas of the region, you must show evidence of a recent negative Covid-19 test even before putting your sandals on the asphalt. How soon you have to take the Covid-19 test before your trip varies by country. If you go to the U.S. Virgin Islands, all you have to do is take that one test. But if you’re going to another island – outside of the US – you’ll need proof of a negative viral test to return to the mainland. Many of the hotel resorts begin offering on-site testing for that express purpose.

Some destinations, including Anguilla, the Bahamas and Jamaica, are pushing for a second Covid test upon arrival. Bermuda is even more fussy: visitors must wear a ‘travelers wristband’ for the first 14 days of their stay, undergo a temperature check twice a day, and submit to additional Covid-19 tests on the fourth, eighth and 14th days of their stay.

In comparison, the Dominican Republic’s testing protocols are much more lenient. Rather than requiring visitors to present documentation of a negative Covid-19 test prior to arrival, local authorities randomly conduct rapid tests on a small percentage – between 3% and 15% – of incoming passengers.

What if you have already been fully vaccinated against Covid-19? For now, vaccination won’t get you out of the testing requirements.

A paper trail

Most islands also ask visitors to complete a health questionnaire before or after arrival. And some, like Bermuda and Turks and Caicos, are also asking tourists to come armed with health insurance – or buy it there – that will cover them if they get sick while on vacation.

Kristi Mackedanz, a travel consultant with KM Travel Designs in St. Petersburg, Florida, advises prospective travelers to check tourism agency websites for insurance requirements and associated costs. From there, she says, study the policies to make sure they’ll cover you if you test positive and have to be quarantined on the island for 10 days to two weeks. “Every destination is so different,” she warned.

Track and Shield

Of the islands that enforce stricter travel restrictions, Barbados tops the list, according to Tara McCoy, a travel consultant from Columbia, SC who spent a few days on the British Commonwealth Island in December. After a notable spike in business just after the Christmas holidays, the local government issued a curfew (lights out at 7pm) and tightened other Covid-inspired rules. “One by one, the requirements to travel there became more stringent,” said Ms. McCoy. How strict? The tourism website (visitbarbados.org) specifies the exact type of Covid test required to enter the country. Before traveling, visitors are instructed to download an app on their phone; As soon as they arrive, they are given an electronic wristband that tracks their movements. The first five days on the island should be spent in the privacy of a resort or vacation rental – straying too far brings heavy fines. On the fifth day, travelers are tested again and only when they get the green light are they free to explore the island. The British Virgin Islands have a similar tracking system, with a mandatory four-day quarantine.

Anguilla’s house rules are equally strict. Visitors must provide negative results from a PCR test completed three to five days prior to arrival and take a second test upon arrival. Vacationers staying for less than two weeks can only stay in government-approved hotels and villas, as well as approved restaurants and on certain activities and excursions. Quincia Gumbs-Marie, Honorable Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, describes this tourism bubble as “a bunch of companies getting certified and trained on how to maintain our safety protocols.” Ms Gumbs-Marie also took note of the mandate for tourists all over the island. “If you’re an anti-mask … it will be very difficult for you in Anguilla. All our guests must be masked. ”

St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Jamaica and St. Lucia all limit tourists to certain areas. The latter has a curfew of 7 p.m.

Forbidden fruit

In February, when the new variants of the coronavirus made their appearance in Europe, the French government closed its overseas territories – including the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saint Barthélemy – to all tourists from non-European countries. The US State Department also issued a level four travel advisory to all of the French West Indies, advising Americans to stay clear due to “Covid-related circumstances.” The Cayman Islands are also currently verboten for tourists, excluding homeowners, students, family members and other specially approved visitors.

After all that, is life really a beach?

Once you get past the hurdles, the islands feel relatively normal, Ms Rishty said, although there are far fewer tourists and half-empty hotels. Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, said occupancy of the 11 all-inclusive Sandals Resorts currently open last month fluctuated between 55% and 65%, from 83% at the same time last year.

Ms. McCoy, who spent five days in Jamaica in February, welcomed the slower pace. “It was easy, comfortable and sunny,” she said, adding that the Covid-19 restrictions were similar to those in the US. “It really was no different here in South Carolina. Mask wearing and social distance.”

Corrections and reinforcements

Sandals Resorts currently has 11 resorts open. An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that six resorts were open. (Corrected on March 11)