A country-by-country guide to Caribbean reopenings

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Editor’s note 09/12/2020: This recurring post is regularly updated with new information. 

As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials’ guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.

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Unfortunately, the world itself may not be ready for us to return to its beaches, at least in the Caribbean. Some countries have reopened, and others are tentatively set to re-open in the next few weeks, although quarantine extensions could be announced at any time.

However, as of Aug. 06 the U.S. State Department issued new Level 3 and 4 travel advisories to many Caribbean nations. Level 4 (“Do not travel”) countries include: the Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Haiti.

Level 3 (“Reconsider”) countries include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Barths, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Here’s what you need to know if you are planning a Caribbean trip.

This guide is current as of the time of publication, and we will keep information regularly updated as the global situation progresses.

And if you missed it, here’s our country by country guide to reopenings

In This Post

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Little Bay, Anguilla. (Photo by Nikolay Tranov/Shutterstock)

Anguilla: Closed

Although the country had hoped to reopen its borders by July 14, a press release from the office of the governor on July 25 states that the border will remain closed to “regular passenger movements” through Oct. 31 with a few exceptions including “visitors from countries and territories with active cases of less than .2% of the population. Those visitors must also “comply with all relevant protocols and quarantine rules.”

There’s been only three cases of COVID-19 and zero deaths.

Antigua and Barbuda: Opened on June 4, many restrictions

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Half Moon Bay, Antigua. (Photo by IndustryAndTravel/Shutterstock)

The country reopened to tourists on June 4. However, travelers will have to adhere to social distancing guidelines, including face masks in public. All snorkel and dive excursions are also banned, and guests can only participate in activities offered via their resorts. They cannot explore the islands.

The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly canceled an early June trip to Antigua after learning that he would have to stay on the resort “unable to do things I would really want to do.” Good news, though, he did end up going.

More: Here are the rules for visiting Antigua

American Airlines resumed service to the Caribbean with flights to Antigua the last week of May, but it will be some time before things get back to normal.

However, legal actions by tourists may change protocols for future incoming tourists so make sure you do your research before heading for the airport.

Aruba: ReOpened to Europe/Canada on July 1, US on July 10

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Aruba in December 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Good news from Aruba: Borders have reopened to travelers, July 1 for travelers from Europe/Canada and July 10 for those from the U.S. The government has published a visitor’s guide for anyone seeking to visit on various safety and health-related matters. However, visitors from 24 U.S. states require additional testing. You can find the full list of states here.

The Caribbean Journal, reporting Aruba Tourism Authority, said, “For travelers who already have a trip booked and are concerned restrictions may impact your travel dates, please contact your hotels and airlines directly for an update on their rescheduling policies. We will welcome guests back to our sunny shores as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Aruba closed its borders to tourists on March 29, although crew members were exempt from the restriction.

Related: Aruba opening to tourists from US, Canada and Europe in July

Bahamas: Reopened on July 1, but closed to most U.S. travelers beginning July 22

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Emerald water at Nassau, The Bahamas on a sunny day.


 

As of July 22, the Bahamas are officially closed to U.S. travelers who arrive by commercial airline. Travelers arriving by private jets or private vessels will be allowed to enter the country. A number of airlines serving U.S. to Bahamas routes will also suspend service for the time being.

The islands were under emergency orders for a number of months but reopened to tourists on July 1. Unfortunately, an immediate spike of COVID-19 cases correlated with incoming travelers resulted in the Bahamian government ban for additional tourists.

“Regrettably, the situation here at home has already deteriorated since we began the reopening of our domestic economy,” Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said. “It has deteriorated at an exponential rate since we reopened our international borders.”

Interestingly, it appears Americans can visit, but any arriving tourists are required to quarantine in government-run facilities for two weeks and get new tests for COVID-19 before they can move about freely.

The following resorts are still open for travelers:

• The Baha Mar
• Sandals Royal Bahamian
• Atlantis Paradise Island
• The Melia Nassau Beach-All Inclusive
• The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort

All of these resorts have flexible cancellation policies, so you can book with peace of mind, knowing you’ll receive a full refund if reopening plans don’t proceed as planned.

Previously, incoming travelers were subject to temperature checks upon arrival; this will likely continue for private airports seaports. Social distancing was also enforced, and travelers had to wear masks in the terminal, during security checks, customer screenings and baggage claim.

If you’re one of the lucky visitors, you’ll need to keep your mask on during the ride to your hotel and you may notice fewer passengers in the shuttle van. Both shuttle and taxi drivers have been mandated to cut passenger capacity by 50%, in accordance with social distancing guidelines. You also won’t be able to sit in the passenger seat of taxis or shuttle vans.

Hotels will be distributing hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to guests, elevator capacity will be limited and “unnecessary literature’ in guest rooms will be removed. In other words, fewer magazines and less clutter all around. Unfortunately, buffets will not reopen for the time being and all meals will be single or prepackaged.

Meanwhile, employees will be subject to frequent temperature checks and restaurant staff will be required to wear masks and gloves.

Guests traveling to the Bahamas can leave their resorts to go on excursions and shopping trips – with some precautions. In order to adhere to social distancing rules, there will be limits on the number of customers allowed in stores and touching of merchandise is highly discouraged unless you’re ready to purchase.

When it comes to excursions, travelers are encouraged to bring their own gear while tour operators will be required to cut capacity clean everything on a set schedule.

Related: Everything you need to know about the Bahamas reopening

Barbados: Reopened July 12




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Bottom Bay in Barbados. (Photo by TommL/Getty Images)

Bottom Bay in Barbados. (Photo by TommL/Getty Images)

Barbados reopened to international travelers beginning on July 12. US commercial flights resumed on July 25 for JetBlue and August 5 for American Airlines. They have instituted mandatory protocols that all inbound travelers have to follow:

• COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory within 72 hours prior to departure for travelers from high-risk countries (one week for low-risk countries)
• Online embarkation/disembarkation card (ED card) with personal health questions relating to COVID-19 symptoms
• Test upon arrival without a documented negative COVID-19 PCR test result and mandatory quarantine at traveler’s expense until results are returned
• Social distancing, temperature checks and wearing face masks

The local government clarifies that high-risk countries are defined as those that have seen more than 10,000 new cases in the prior seven days and community transmission, which would include United States. In addition, anyone that tests positive for the coronavirus will be placed in isolation where they will “receive care from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.”

Related: Barbados set to welcome back Americans

More updates on Barbados’ response to coronavirus and any updates to its protocols can be found on the government website.

Belize: Opening October 1 August 15

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Blue Hole in Belize. (Photo by Schafer Hill/Getty Images)


 

Belize’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, and even as coronavirus cases continue to spike in places like Texas and Florida that account for a large portion of visitors to Belize, the country is preparing to reopen Philip Goldson International Airport (BEZ) on October 1. However, the country is currently under a Level 4 (“Do not travel”) advisory from the U.S. State Department.

The country had planned to reopen in August, but has delayed that several times. It now appears it will open in early October. There are lots of restrictions so be sure to read the linked article below for details. Among them? Visitors will need to stay in government-approved lodging called “Gold Approved Standard” hotels which have passed local certification requirements.

Related: Belize to reopen October 1

Visitors and returning citizens will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding or be tested on arrival.

Related: 8 reasons Belize should be on your travel bucket list

Bermuda: Reopened July 1

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Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda. (Photo by Scott Dunn/Getty Images)


 

Bermuda reopened to most tourists on July 1. The island will resume international commercial air service for visitors as part of its fourth phase of economic reopening after what it calls its, “successful management of COVID-19 to date.” L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) reopened July 1 as well. Details are still being worked out, but visitors with a negative COVID-19 test within three days of their arrival in Bermuda, will be given freedom of movement around the 21-square-mile island.

The country has aggressive contact tracing measures in effect, and has not had major outbreaks since it reopened. Bermuda reports 177 cases and nine deaths.

More: What you need to know about Bermuda reopening

British Virgin Islands: Closed indefinitely

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The Baths at the southern end of Virgin Gorda. (Photo by Danita Delimont/Getty Images)


 

The British Virgin Islands are off-limits to tourists by sea or air through indefinitely now after a surge of coronavirus cases this summer. Non-citizen crew members must stay within the port facility. Any incoming travelers must quarantine for 14 days. The Centers for Disease Control issued a Level-3 “reconsider travel” advisory for the BVI. The UK government states that a nightly curfew is being enforced, and beaches are open from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. only.  

Cayman Islands: Closed until Oct. 1

The Cayman Islands have banned all foreign nationals from visiting the islands, which are under curfew each day from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Locals stay within their homes during those hours. The local government has stated that airports will remain closed until at least Oct. 1. Repatriation and emergency flights are permitted. Returning residents must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine, and no crew rest is available.

Cuba: Closed, with existing restrictions in place upon reopening

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(Photo by Sean Pavone/Getty Images)

There are a number of additional restrictions for U.S. travelers visiting Cuba that are not related to the pandemic, and which remain active.

Despite the border being closed for the foreseeable future, the government has been actively making plans to reopen the country to tourists. Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero announced that when foreign travel resumes, tourists will only be allowed to stay in hotels in Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Largo del Sur. Dates in the reopening plans have yet to be specified at the moment.

Related: Don’t make these mistakes when visiting Cuba

Dominica: Reopened Aug. 3

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Roseau, Dominica. Image by Shutterstock.

Dominica is open to travelers as of Aug. 3. All eligible travelers arriving in the country must follow the procedures below:

As with many other countries accepting U.S. tourists, visitors must also adhere to stringent on-site policies around social distancing and safe hygiene, including:

• Wearing face masks at all times during the arrival process, up to and including departure from the airport
• Observing physical distancing guidelines
• Following all instructions from local health care staff and officials
• Undergoing a health assessment upon arrival, including a temperature check
• Providing confirmation of the health questionnaire and negative PCR test results
• Undergoing rapid COVID-19 test screening with a negative test result (children under five are exempt).

Any traveler with a high temperature, high risk alert from their questionnaire or positive rapid test will be given a PCR test, and be taken into mandatory quarantine at a government-approved facility or hotel at their expense until results are available. If the follow-up test result is positive, the traveler may be quarantined until released by an authorized health professional.

Until early August, all commercial air and sea access to the nation of Dominica had been suspended since early on in the coronavirus pandemic, with strict curfews in place. 

Dominican Republic: Reopened on July 1

The country’s borders were closed by land, sea and air between March and July, but the Dominican Republic reopened July 1. By the end of September, the country has stated that incoming travelers will not have to produce negative COVID-19 tests in order to enter. Instead, the Dominican Republic is implementing random rapid testing upon arrival.

Dominican Republic has reported more than 100,000 cases and nearly 2,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus.

Related: Dominican Republic reopening July 1

Grenada: Reopened on July 1, Quarantine Measures in Place

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Saint George-Harbour, Grenada. (Photo by Westend61/Getty Images)

Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) reopened on July 1.

The Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation has revealed, however, several procedures that passengers will have to follow upon arrival. All inbound travelers are expected to submit this health form and pay for a rapid PCR testing at the airport for a price of EC$200 (approximately US$74) that they will take before leaving. Masks in the public will also be mandatory.

More details will follow as soon as the local government releases full details of health and safety protocols.

Haiti: Closed – do not travel

The United States has a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” notice up for Haiti due to “crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and COVID-19.”

There are press reports suggesting the situation on the ground is not good, and it is not a time to consider a trip.

President Moise of Haiti has reopened the airport and visitors are welcome with health screenings, but all arriving passengers need to self-quarantine for two weeks.

Jamaica: Opened on June 15 with many Conditions

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The Blue Mountains of Jamaica. (Photo by ©Rick Elkins/Getty Images)

Jamaica is currently open for tourists, but the local government has instituted several travel protocols that everyone must follow.

More: Jamaica is open but only if you follow all of their rules

Arriving travelers have to submit a pre-travel health authorization registration with a customs and immigration form between two to five days before their planned arrival date, and the government will issue a travel approval document based on those details. And as of July 15, travelers arriving after that date from high-risk regions including Arizona, Texas, Florida and New York must also include a negative COVID-19 test dated within 10 days of departure time in order to have their applications considered.

Travelers may be denied permission to visit depending on their risk for COVID-19 transmission. Short-term business travelers are exempt from the requirements above, but must undergo rapid-result nasal swab testing upon arrival instead, and must remain quarantined until results are received.

All incoming travelers should expect thermal temperature checks upon arrival, and anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms or feels ill upon arrival will be quarantined. Even after all those procedures, travelers are expected to adhere to social distancing and face mask policies in the public. Travelers are also expected to follow any policies made by tourist and hospitality establishments, which are most likely stemmed from the government’s 119-page guide for local hospitality procedures.

Protocols will continue to be revised every two weeks, and many hotels that are opening for guests have implemented their own health procedures.

Martinique: Closed

According to the U.K. Foreign & Commonwealth Office, foreigners are required to complete an Attestation de déplacement dérogatoire to certify your reason for travel. But getting to the island is incredibly difficult as most international flights have been halted for non-citizens until further notice, and tourism businesses such as hotels are also limited to serving guests who have been stranded. The local U.S. embassy in Barbados does note, however, that Air France is running flights twice a week to Paris (CDG). All spas, pools and other amenities are closed.  Airline flight crew and support staff needed are exempt from travel restrictions, although overnight stays should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

All arrivals are subject to a 14-day quarantine.

Puerto Rico: Open on July 15 for International Travelers

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(Photo by Getty Images)

Although Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it merits a separate entry as one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Discover Puerto Rico has put together a handy guide for what to expect if you travel to the island in the age of coronavirus. Upon arrival, travelers will be subject to health screenings, including COVID-19 testing. Travelers may be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of symptoms.

More: Everything you need to know about Puerto Rico reopening on July 15

Hotels in Puerto Rico will adopt many of the policies being implemented in places like The Bahamas and French Polynesia. All guests will have to undergo temperature checks and have their luggage disinfected upon arrival. Wearing masks in public areas as well as restaurants and shopping areas will be mandatory and social distancing rules will apply.

Related: Your points and miles guide to Puerto Rico

On September 10, Puerto Rico announced beaches, gyms and theaters would start reopening in October. Bars and clubs remain closed and a 10 p.m. curfew remains in effect.

St. Barths: Opened on June 22

St. Barths opened to tourists beginning June 22 with some conditions to follow.

If you want to visit the Caribbean vacation spot, you’ll need to prove that you have tested negative for COVID-19 72 hours or less before you arrive. Those unable to provide such documentation will be tested on arrival, and will need to isolate at their lodging until results become available.

More: Visitors can come to St. Barths only if they can prove they’re not sick

Restaurants and shops will be open on the island, but social distancing measures are strongly encouraged.

Saint Kitts and Nevis: Reopening October 2020

Saint Kitts and Nevis announced in September it would begin reopening in October including reopening airports to international arrivals.

All inbound passenger traffic has been banned since March 25, and data for all repatriation flights must be submitted at least five days before arrival and departure times.

Prime Minister Timothy Harris has not announced the final dates of reopening. He’s said borders will open based on health advice and that the local government is currently looking into how other countries had approached similar situations.

The dual-nation country has reported only 17 cases.

Saint Lucia: Opened on June 4 to U.S. travelers

Saint Lucia reopened the island’s tourism sector beginning June 4, 2020. The first phase is nothing but good news for U.S. travelers: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) currently receives international flights from the United States only.

Related: Everything you need to know about St. Lucia’s reopening

Visitors must present certified proof of a negative COVID-19 test within seven days of boarding their flights to UVF. Once they arrive, they will undergo health and temperatures checks. Masks and social distancing will be required for the duration of the stay. Citizens of some nations can skip the testing requirements but that doesn’t include Americans.

The local government has published a page for potential visitors seeking to get the latest updates on coronavirus protocols. It is also actively marketing a new tourism campaign after the loosening of border restrictions.

Although St. Lucia has only had 27 confirmed COVID-19 cases with no deaths. It closed its borders early in the pandemic – back on March 23. Since reopening in June, it hasn’t had a major outbreak.

Sint Maarten: reopened on August 1

St. Maarten reopened to American tourists on August 1, but they can only visit the Dutch side of the island (St Maarten), Saint Martin on the French side has closed its borders to the Dutch side so you won’t be able to visit the whole island.

There are several protocols that travelers are expected to follow, and it won’t be a vacation away from the social distancing that you may have hoped for initially. All arrivals need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival.

© The Points Guy
Image courtesy St. Maarten Tourism Bureau.


 

Related: St. Maarten is reopening July 1 — here’s what you have to know

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: reopened on July 1

The local government announced that it will stage a phased opening, with the first one beginning July 1. Visitors from all countries are welcome, but everyone has to fill out the “VINCY” coronavirus questionnaire form and undergo testing/24-hour quarantine upon arrival (until negative test results come back).

The next phase began August 1, which for travelers of non-Caribbean origins, the change is very minimal. The 24-hour quarantine in hotel/rental requirement goes away if the traveler brings a negative antibody test (within 5 days of traveling) or a negative PCR test (within 2 days). PCR testing on arrival and health questionnaire still seem mandatory at this point.

More: What you need to know about the reopening of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago: Closed

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Trinidad in January 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)


 

The island nation of Trinidad and Tobago issued a stay-at-home order in late March, banning all tourists. The reopening plan includes reopening its borders at its sixth phase, but Prime Minister Keith Rowley said that the nation’s borders will remain closed until the government is confident the virus is contained.

An update on reopening of borders and allowing domestic travel is expected as soon as September 12.

In the meantime, the government is giving local hotels $50 million in grants toward remodeling costs in order to prepare for when international tourists are welcome to return; officials also launched a “Dreaming of Tobago” campaign on social media.

Trinidad and Tobago-based Caribbean Airlines is receiving a government bailout, and released a video on the airline’s new procedures in the wake of the outbreak. Again, however, there is no stated timeline on when flights or travel will resume.

Turks and Caicos: Reopened July 22

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An aerial view of Grace Bay, Providenciales, turks & Caicos. (Photo via Shutterstock)

Turks and Caicos reopened on July 22.

Previously, all international flights had been suspended until June 1, and cruise ships had been banned through June 30. Providenciales International Airport (PLS) was closed to international passenger travel, along with all other airports in the country.

Resorts and hotels have different opening dates; the government suggests reaching out to your specific property for information.

Unfortunately, there has been a recent surge in cases, though so far the government is resisting efforts to reimpose shutdowns.

Related: What you have to know for Turks and Caicos reopening

U.S. Virgin Islands: Open as of June 1, with restrictions

The U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas and St. Croix, was under a state of emergency until July 11, but began welcoming back tourists as of June 1 with restrictions. There are routine temperature checks and health screenings at the ports of entry and public places, with no quarantine required if travelers are healthy.

Travelers from countries or states where COVID-19 is bad need to submit negative coronavirus test results in an online portal. Those who don’t have test results need to quarantine for two weeks or until test results come back.

Related: Everything you need to know about the U.S. Virgin Islands reopening

Although the U.S. Virgin Islands are part of United States territory, the islands have limited incoming travel even for domestic travelers during COVID-19 lockdown. Hotel reservations will begin to be honored, and restaurants have reopened though they are restricted to 50% capacity.

Masks are mandatory when going into businesses and attractions, while beaches are open but social distancing is required and there are time restrictions. Large gatherings remain prohibited. Hotels, guesthouses, villas, timeshares and Airbnb accommodations are all accepting bookings. COVID-19 guidelines are in place for retail businesses and attractions; taxi vans, safari and limo services.

© The Points Guy

For more information, check out our full guide to the U.S. Virgin Islands reopening.

Bottom line

Although some countries have opened back up, it’s still too early to hope for spontaneity in travel planning. Instead, the best way to operate this summer will be by planning well in advance. So if you’re excited about some Caribbean sun — a trip to Saint Lucia, perhaps — make your reservations early, and make sure they’re fully refundable in case anything changes.

Related: A country-by-country guide to reopening borders around the world

Additional reporting contributed by Ariana Arghandewal, Clint Henderson, and Brian Kim.

Featured photo by Westend61/Getty Images.